Kangchenjunga
Conservation Area, Nepal
In addition to the ongoing canid conservation work in Thailand, I also like to highlight dhole projects in other range countries. I have had the honor of communicating with Mr. Ambika Khatiwada about his work in Nepal (described by him below).
Ambika Khatiwada graduated in Forestry from The Institute of Forestry, Nepal in 2011. He is the founder of the Alumni Association for Conservation and Development (AACD), an NGO working towards conservation in Nepal since 2009.
Ambika Khatiwada graduated in Forestry from The Institute of Forestry, Nepal in 2011. He is the founder of the Alumni Association for Conservation and Development (AACD), an NGO working towards conservation in Nepal since 2009.
Project Summary:
Ecology
and Conservation of Cuon alpinus (Asiatic Wild Dog/Dhole) in Kangchenjunga
Conservation Area, Nepal
The dhole is one of the least studied canids in the world. Its population has been estimated to be fewer than 2,500 in the wild. Dholes inhabit the widest range of climates in the canid family, from freezing cold to tropical heat. The species is severely threatened by habitat fragmentation, declines in their prey species, and diseases transmitted by feral/domestic dogs. Though listed as endangered by IUCN, studies supporting any population data are lacking. Very little is known about the ecology, behavior, and status of the dhole in South Asia and even baseline information is absent in Nepal. This project is being carried out in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) covering an area of 2,035 sq km. Local people regard the dhole as a pest of the jungle and consequently these animals are commonly trapped, shot or poisoned. Due to a lower charisma factor than other carnivores living in the same region (e.g., the snow leopard), the dhole has received little scientific attention. Dholes are also blamed for killing domesticated animals in and around KCA, yet no studies have not been carried out about the species’ ecology, conservation issues, and associated threats. The ultimate objective of this project is to save the dhole from the brink of extinction. This can only be done if we gain a better understanding for this species needs and ecology, and if we are able to generate accurate information about their importance for natural ecosystems. The project contributes to education and public motivation as well encouraging wildlife professionals (including park authorities) to invest in dhole conservation and save their natural heritage.
The dhole is one of the least studied canids in the world. Its population has been estimated to be fewer than 2,500 in the wild. Dholes inhabit the widest range of climates in the canid family, from freezing cold to tropical heat. The species is severely threatened by habitat fragmentation, declines in their prey species, and diseases transmitted by feral/domestic dogs. Though listed as endangered by IUCN, studies supporting any population data are lacking. Very little is known about the ecology, behavior, and status of the dhole in South Asia and even baseline information is absent in Nepal. This project is being carried out in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) covering an area of 2,035 sq km. Local people regard the dhole as a pest of the jungle and consequently these animals are commonly trapped, shot or poisoned. Due to a lower charisma factor than other carnivores living in the same region (e.g., the snow leopard), the dhole has received little scientific attention. Dholes are also blamed for killing domesticated animals in and around KCA, yet no studies have not been carried out about the species’ ecology, conservation issues, and associated threats. The ultimate objective of this project is to save the dhole from the brink of extinction. This can only be done if we gain a better understanding for this species needs and ecology, and if we are able to generate accurate information about their importance for natural ecosystems. The project contributes to education and public motivation as well encouraging wildlife professionals (including park authorities) to invest in dhole conservation and save their natural heritage.
