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ASIATIC WILD DOG
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Asiatic wild dogs, also known as dholes or red dogs, belong to the family of Canidae((Cuon alpinus). It is the only species in the genus Cuon. Around 17 to 22 inches in height at the shoulder and about three feet in length,they resemble domestic dogs, to which they are only distantly related. Within the canid family, the dhole is something of an enigma. It doesn't fit neatly into any of the sub-families (i.e. the foxes or wolf-like dogs) and is classified in a genus of its own - Cuon. Among its unusual features is a strange whistle call which it uses to re-assemble the pack when animals become separated in dense forest. The dhole also has more teats than most other dogs and has a shorter jaw with one less molar on each side of its lower jaw.
They operate in packs and are the only animal that can tree the formidable tiger.
Dholes were once killed as vermin In India; bounties were paid for carcasses, even eight annas per tail, right until 1972. Through much of its history the dhole has been trapped, shot and poisoned. Even today negative attitudes persist. With suitable areas steadily diminishing and cattle being grazed within the forests, livestock occasionally fall prey to the dhole.They are now a rare sight in Indian forests due to human persecution and disceases. Though threatened with extinction, so far it has received very little attention. Unlike the wolf or African hunting dog, few people have even heard of it!
Like every creation of nature Dholes also have a role to play. Once Dholes operate in an area all the ungulates leave thosr place, thus preventing over grazing and subsequent damage to the ecosystem. Only with a better understanding can we fully value these unique dogs and their integral role in the forest ecosystem.
This photograph was taken at Bandipur Wild Life sanctuary,Karnataka,India. |
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| To Merlin: Scanner | navnith |
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11-01 01:39 |
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- Merlin
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 445 W: 267 N: 455]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(1713) - [2005-10-31 4:11]
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Navnith: You have taken many wonderful photographs - but you really need to get hold of a better scanner! This is a lovely scene, with great notes, taken with good equipment. Sadly, the poor quality scan just about ruins it.
Regards, Nigel
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 125 W: 0 N: 158]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}