Prey, Habitat Dictate Asiatic Wild Dog-Tiger Coexistence, Says Study

Relevance: GS3 - Environment and Conservation; Prelims

(Source: The Hindu, 10/11/2023)

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Why in the news?

• Recently, a study conducted in Western Assam’s Manas National Park, titled ‘Do dholes segregate themselves from their sympatrids? Habitat use and carnivore co‑existence in the tropical forest’ has found that dholes (Asiatic wild dogs) and tigers may have a positive association due to overlapping prey availability of suitable habitats.
• The study utilized camera traps and examined dhole behavior and interactions with other sympatric carnivores (species living in the same or overlapping geographical areas).

Key Findings of the Study

• Dhole Activity Patterns: The study found that the diurnal activity of dholes had the highest temporal overlap with leopards and the lowest with clouded leopards.
• Cooperative Behavior with Tigers: The study uncovered a positive relationship between dhole habitat use and tigers, which suggests that factors such as overlapping prey availability or suitable habitats might facilitate cooperation or coexistence between dholes and tigers.
• Dhole Endangerment: Dholes, as the only pack-living canid species in tropical Indian forests, are endangered and at high risk of extinction. Their populations have become fragmented due to habitat loss, declining prey availability, persecution, disease, and competition with other species.

About Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

• The dhole or Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) is a wild carnivorous animal and is a member of the family Canidae and the class Mammalia.
• In India, Dholes are found in three clusters namely the Western and Eastern Ghats, central Indian landscape and North East India.
• According to a 2020 study, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh rank high in conservation of dhole.
• Dholes play an important role as apex predators in forest ecosystems.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule II

About Manas National Park Manas National Park is a national park, Project Tiger reserve, and an elephant reserve in the state of Assam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the largest areas of conservation significance in South Asia, offering a range of habitats ideal for dholes. It is home to animals like wild buffaloes, Royal Bengal Tiger, golden langur, hispid hare, etc. It has been named after the river Manas, which is a tributary of the river Brahmaputra.

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: Which of the following groups of animals belong to the category of endangered species? (UPSC 2012)

(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda, and Asiatic Wild Ass

(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull, and Great Indian Bustard

(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey, and Saras (Crane)

(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur, and Cheetal