Asiatic Wild Dogs Spotted in Assam After Decades of Local Extinction

In a thrilling development for wildlife conservation, recent findings from the Wildlife Institute of India have confirmed the resurgence of dholes, also known as Asiatic wild dogs, in the Kaziranga Karbi Anglong Landscape of Assam. This area had not seen these magnificent creatures since their local extinction in the 1990s.

On October 31, 2022, researchers captured six photographs of a solitary dhole using remote camera traps. Ruchi Badola, the Dean of the Wildlife Institute of India and co-author of the study published in June 2025, shared that this photograph represents the first visual evidence of dholes in decades. The dhole was spotted multiple times on the same route within the Amguri corridor, positioned just 375 meters from National Highway 37, with the nearest human settlement nearby at about 270 meters.

This discovery not only excites wildlife enthusiasts but also underlines the crucial role of wildlife corridors. These corridors are essential for the movement and survival of elusive carnivores like dholes, especially in areas fragmented by human activity. Badola emphasized that this was the only instance of a dhole captured on camera during the study period, underscoring how important it is to maintain these corridors to encourage wildlife migration.

Understanding Dholes and Their Distribution

The dhole (Cuon alpinus) is classified as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List and is listed under Schedule II of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Hunting or trading these animals is strictly prohibited, and violators may face severe penalties. Currently, their presence is limited to regions in central and eastern Asia, including countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, and as far as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

While there have been extensive studies on dholes in India, the northeastern part of the country has seen relatively few. The research highlighted that dholes have been recorded in several northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and even parts of West Bengal. Notably, a pack of dholes was observed in Nagaland in May 2011, confirming their presence well beyond the borders of India.

The Importance of Source Populations

The presence of dholes in the Kaziranga Karbi Anglong Landscape suggests that there may be nearby populations of these wild dogs, possibly residing in areas like Ntanki National Park in Nagaland. These fragmented habitats within Karbi Anglong might serve as corridors, allowing dholes to move between different populations.

Protected areas such as Morat Longri and northern Karbi Anglong are crucial as they can act as refuge environments that support the survival and movement of a species that requires vast territories to thrive. However, the ongoing challenges of habitat fragmentation and reduced prey mean that restoring these connections between habitats is essential for the long-term survival of dholes in the region.

Unfortunately, dholes in this area face threats not just from habitat loss but also from retaliatory killings due to livestock predation in bordering states. Environmentalists like Anwaruddin Choudhury mentioned that the Kaziranga National Park, historically not an ideal habitat for dholes, has seen disturbances due to increased vehicular traffic since the 1980s, leading to the disappearance of these animals from the landscape.

Future Prospects and Community Reactions

Given this recent confirmation, the focus now turns to understanding the population dynamics of dholes in this landscape. While it may be too early for an accurate population estimate, the excitement surrounding the discovery has not gone unnoticed. Various wildlife enthusiasts, including Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have shared their joy via social media.

As we celebrate this significant finding in wildlife conservation, the need to protect and restore natural habitats cannot be overlooked. The resurgence of the dhole in Assam is a beacon of hope for wildlife lovers and a reminder of the fragile balance between nature and human progress.

Conclusion

The reappearance of the dhole in Assam is not just a win for wildlife conservation; it symbolizes a step forward in rejuvenating local ecosystems. As we forge ahead, safeguarding these corridors and protected areas will be vital for promoting biodiversity and ensuring that species like the dhole can thrive once again.

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