Project Team:
Sandeep Regmi
Project Location:
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal
Funding Agency:
Nagao Natural Environment Foundation
Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) or Dhole is a canid species and is native to Asia. Being categorized as endangered in the IUCN Redlist, the species is protected under National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 in Nepal. Dholes are versatile species living in packs residing from tropical deserts to alpine steep. It is a top predator and regulates the population of other species and maintains ecosystem sustainability through ecosystem balance. Anthropogenic activities are causing the population decline of dhole. Being species of such importance, their abundance estimation and habitat preferences are prerequisites to understanding the current situation and developing a future prospect for their conservation. Hence, the study aims to identify the occupancy and habitat preferences of dholes in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Camera trapping method will be used to identify the presence or absence of species and habitat preference will be noted at each camera trap station. Further, a questionnaire with locals will be done to understand the conflicts and conservation threats to the species. The data on Asiatic wild dog from this study can be used by the Government and other concerned entities for developing species conservation action and management plans.
