AS-HOPE report

Number: 24-027

Communication in dholes (Cuon alpinus), especially with calls

Report: SAWAGURI Shuta

Date: 2012/12/5 - 2013/2/28

The following study was conducted at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve from 7th to 26th February, 2013. I searched for dholes in Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Kargudi and Mudumalai area within the reserve by jeep and on foot based on their recent sighting reports from local people and rangers. I found four dholes feeding on a chital stag and resting around the kill for approximately 15 minutes on 14th February. During this research, I found several possible dens of this species recently used and recorded their locations and characteristics. These data are fundamental and crucial for the study of wild dholes during their breeding season. I could also find many feces of tiger, leopard and dhole along roads within the reserve and record their location, number, color and freshness. These data will enable us to understand where and how they put their scats in the wild. I will analyze these data as soon as possible.

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