Dhole

Cuon alpinus

The dhole is a social wild dog of Asian forests and grasslands. It is diurnal and hunts cooperatively in coordinated packs.

Key facts

Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a carnivore animal classified as Mammal · Carnivora · Canidae.
Primary habitats are forest · grassland, with a range across Indomalayan · Palearctic.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is social, and conservation status is EN (Endangered).
The dhole is a social wild dog of Asian forests and grasslands.
It uses forest, grassland, and open foothill habitats.
Typical lifespan: 10-20 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses forest, grassland, and open foothill habitats. Broad landscapes with prey movement routes and resting cover are important.

Body length is about 90-113 cm and weight about 10-21 kg. A reddish coat, rounded ears, and bushy dark tail suit a lean, long-ranging canid.

Diurnal packs are highly coordinated. Calls and body signals help members keep contact during travel and hunts.

It is carnivorous, often taking medium-sized hoofed mammals such as deer. Pack pursuit and stamina are more important than solitary ambush.

Pups are raised within the pack, and adults may help around the den with food and vigilance. Young learn by following group hunts.

Its status is listed as Endangered. Prey decline, fragmented habitat, and disease risks make large connected reserves important.