The dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a canid native to Central, South and Southeast Asia. Other English names for the species include Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red wolf (not to be confused with Canis rufus), red dog, and mountain wolf.
It is genetically close to species within the genus Canis, though its skull is convex rather than concave in profile, it lacks a third lower molar, and the upper molars sport only a single cusp as opposed to 2–4. During the Pleistocene, the dhole ranged throughout Asia, Europe and North America, but became restricted to its historical range 12,000–18,000 years ago.
The dhole is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and containing multiple breeding females. Such clans usually consist of 12 individuals, but groups of over 40 are known. It is a diurnal pack hunter which preferentially targets medium and large sized ungulates. In tropical forests, the dhole competes with tigers and leopards, targeting somewhat different prey species, but still with substantial dietary overlap.
It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, as populations are decreasing and estimated at less than 2,500 adults. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution, and disease transfer from domestic dogs.
It is genetically close to species within the genus Canis, though its skull is convex rather than concave in profile, it lacks a third lower molar, and the upper molars sport only a single cusp as opposed to 2–4. During the Pleistocene, the dhole ranged throughout Asia, Europe and North America, but became restricted to its historical range 12,000–18,000 years ago.
The dhole is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and containing multiple breeding females. Such clans usually consist of 12 individuals, but groups of over 40 are known. It is a diurnal pack hunter which preferentially targets medium and large sized ungulates. In tropical forests, the dhole competes with tigers and leopards, targeting somewhat different prey species, but still with substantial dietary overlap.
It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, as populations are decreasing and estimated at less than 2,500 adults. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution, and disease transfer from domestic dogs.
All Images are the property of PictureByPali - Visit DevianArt
I wonder what their contribution has been to the dog genome.
Wow, such a beutiful animal!! <3
A few weeks ago, in June 2016, I am positive I saw one being 'chased' by a Golden Retriever across the distant field (not too distant, about 300 feet) and I could not figure out if it was coyote-cross, dog-coyote, that red color..yes, I saw this post on Facebook and yelled out loud "There!!" when I saw how it looked just like the animal I watched running across from right to left of me...I am in Bruce Mines, Algoma District, Ontario, Canada.
his fur is red, so beautiful
I wish, I hope, they are safe and faraway from humans and their greed and vanity
Beautiful animals.
this almost looks like a pokemon
Please let humans stay far away from them..... Let mother nature keep them safe
Looks like a cross between a wolf and a fox.
I think it looks more like a fox in that the picture shows a lower longer leaner body than the wolf but most foxes, in WV anyway, have a white tip on the tale. But in looks I'd say it mostly resembles a fox. Either way we need to keep them safe.
I’ve seen one of these in Tehachapi ( California) two years ago . Couldn’t figure out which animal it was exactly until now .
Agrees.... Keep Humans far, far away from them. Sadly we cant help but destroy everything Beautiful & Natural and these animals are Gorgeous!
Stunning, almost unreal looking!
funny how someone said "i wonder what was their contribution to the dog genome", someone really need to study evolution again
Such a precious life form, man should protect, not persecute, as they normally do
What a beautiful animal .
this thing looks like a cross between a fox and a tiger...
Absolutely beautiful! Amazing creature!
I saw one of these today, but it was more beige and bigger and more fluffy