General Behaviour of Asiatic Wild Dogs: Observations at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Introduction
An introduction to the topic “General Behaviour of Asiatic Wild Dogs: Observations at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park” The Asiatic Wild Dog, also known as the dhole (Cuon alpinus dukhunensis), is one of the least-studied yet ecologically significant carnivores in Asia. Understanding the general behaviour of these endangered canids in captivity is critical for their conservation, welfare, and potential reintroduction into the wild.
This blog post presents detailed insights drawn from observations at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, India. The study outlines their social dynamics, unique ethograms, daily activity patterns, and how environment and husbandry practices shape their behaviour.
Such knowledge offers practical guidance for zoo management and contributes to global dhole conservation strategies. Dive into this rare behavioural study to discover how these fascinating predators interact, adapt, and thrive under human care.
Table of Contents
“Behavioural biology and conservation biology are two important branches of animal science. Conventionally, behavioural biology, which is primarily a basic science, has included:
mechanisms (the internal and external stimuli eliciting behaviour), the evolutionary causes of behaviour (the selective pressures that favoured genetically transmitted patterns), the selective advantage of behaviour (the adaptive significance) and the ontogenetic development of behavioural traits.
The study of animal behaviour focuses on individuals, or social groups of individuals. Conservation biology deals with the study of diversity within and across species, analysis of changes in and threats to the habitats and populations of wild animals, and devises methods to manage and conserve biodiversity.
“Populations, however, consist of individuals and the dynamics of populations that affect issues like long-term likelihood of persistence are greatly affected by the life-histories and behaviour of individuals. Indeed, life-history patterns largely determine the fate of populations.
One of the routes to manage populations, therefore, is through the understanding of the behaviour of individuals and their life-history traits. Behavioural biology, thus, provides basic data that could be used by a conservationist to develop appropriate management strategies for populations.
“Behavioural studies are of great importance in increasing our understanding and appreciation of animals, in addition to providing knowledge about the diversity and complexity of behaviour in nature.
Such studies also provide information crucial to improvements in the welfare of animals maintained in laboratories, agricultural settings and zoos, and as companion animals. The behavioural studies here are non-invasive and involve only observations of animals in their natural habitat.
“Asiatic Wild Dog or dhole (Cuon alpinus) population has been estimated to be less than 2,500 mature individuals in the wild. This has led the IUCN to declare Dholes as endangered. Dholes are listed as ‘threatened’ according to the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 (Schedule II), ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN (1996) and listed in Appendix II of CITES.
Though threatened with extinction, so far it has received very little academic and conservation attention.
There have been very few long-term studies in the peninsular India. But there are literally no studies or conservation efforts carried out in other parts of the geographic range of this species especially in the Himalayas.
“Dholes are least studied carnivore in the wild. It was in early 80’s Cohen (1982)’s detailed review enriched the scientific knowledge. This was followed by a two-year field research study by Johnsingh in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, in southern India; this study augmented the baseline information of dholes in the country.
This study gave insights and empirical information in feeding ecology and prey selection, spatial use patterns, social dynamics, and reproductive behaviour.
Source Citation
- Researcher: G. Ramalingam
- Title: Some studies on behavioural patterns and health status of carnivores in Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, India
- Guide(s): Srivastav Susmita
- University: Andhra University
- Completed Date: 2015
- Excerpt Page Numbers: Pages 14–49
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