a-dhole-stands-alert-in-a-grassy-forest-clearing
The dhole, or Indian wild dog, is a highly social pack-hunting canid native to Central, South, and Southeast Asia. Dholes are exceptional cooperative hunters capable of taking down prey many times their own size, including deer and gaur, by working in coordinated packs. Classified as Endangered, the dhole faces threats from habitat loss, prey depletion, and disease transmission from domestic dogs.
Average Length
1.1 m
Average Weight
15 kg
Lifespan
10 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
WildAtlas insight
Medium elusiveness
Spotting this species in the wild may take some patience, based on its typical traits and behavior.
Why this grade?
These are some of the biological and behavioral factors, among others, that WildAtlas considers when deriving this species level grade.
- Animal group
- Mammal
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Social behavior
- Pack
This proprietary WildAtlas grade describes the animal in general and stays the same across parks. It is separate from park level insights, which depend on local conditions and data.
Quick Facts
Dholes are cooperative hunters capable of taking down prey many times their size, including sambar and gaur.
They communicate through an unusual whistle-like call unlike any other canid.
A dhole pack's coordinated hunting strategy is comparable in effectiveness to that of African wild dogs.
Mudumalai and Nagarhole in South India are among the best places to observe dholes.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Diurnal
Social Structure
Pack
Gestation Period
63 days
Litter Size
5
Predators
Tigers, Leopards, Humans
Found in Parks
Where should you look for dhole? Explore each park's biome, habitat, and local conditions. Population, density, and sighting trends will shape future park specific insights.
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve
Karnataka
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Jim Corbett National Park
Uttarakhand
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Kanha National Park
Madhya Pradesh
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Pench National Park
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
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Mudumalai National Park
Tamil Nadu
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Namdapha National Park
Arunachal Pradesh
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Melghat Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra
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Nagarhole National Park
Karnataka
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Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra
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Bandipur National Park
Karnataka
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Indravati National Park
Chhattisgarh
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Bandhavgarh National Park
Madhya Pradesh
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Periyar National Park
Kerala
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Panna National Park
Madhya Pradesh
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Rajaji National Park
Uttarakhand
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