Three States rank high in the conservation of the endangered dhole

News: The paper titled ‘A strategic road map for conserving the endangered dhole Cuon alpinus in India’, was published by the Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society-India and others.

Facts:

Key Takeaways:

  • Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh rank high in conservation of dhole.
  • On the other hand, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Goa will need to take measures to conserve dhole.

Additional Facts:

  • Dhole: It is also known as Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog and mountain wolf.
  • Habitat: It is native to Central, South and Southeast Asia.
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule II
  • Threats: a) Depletion of prey base b) Habitat loss and transformation, c) Retaliatory killings due to livestock predation d) Disease and pathogens and e) Competition with other species like Tigers and Leopards for prey.