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| Many Dhole are killed in retaliation in Arunachal Pradesh |
Rarely 2500 of the endangered Asiatic Wild dog remain in the World. I was on my 3 year study in Arunachal Pradesh when I found out that here lies a species dissapearing faster than ever. Much of the conservation is centered around the Tiger but its co-predators are really missing the attention. I spent numerous hours watching the rich wild-life in the area. But rarely did I see a dhole or a leopard or a tiger. In the cloudy forests, the only time you know that something was there was when it had already passed you. But our camera traps gave us a positive assurances. Our efforts in the field documenting animal diversity were successful.
The most magical encounter I had with the wild dogs was in Pakke Tiger Reserve on the the last week Could there be a better time to say goodbye to these protectors of the deep forest? I stumbled across from the bend in the Dekorai river 5 miles upstream of the camp when I saw four bright red creatures standing against the bank. Seemingly they found no interest in the sounds of vicinity, the wind was in our favour. We watched, them for a few minutes feeding on what seem to be a young muntjac. These dogs usually push a prey to water and surround it while simultaneously dis-embowering it voraciously.
Around Arunachal, much of the killing by tigers, leopards and dhole of mithun has taken place leading to retaliation by the locals who have a sacred place for the bovid. But, the dhole per se takes much of the blame. Even though the resilience of this animal has proven time and again it can survive amidst dangerous times, the real test lie in us allowing it to do so.
