Blog Details

•  Author : Adeeb Sahil
• Date : August 04, 2025

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga booking

After several years, a rare wild animal has been sighted again in Assam. It is called the Dhole, or the Asiatic wild dog, and was sighted near Kaziranga National Park. For many years, the Dhole was presumed to be extinct in this area. But now, scientists have a photo of the animal taken by a camera trap. This is very important for animal experts and people who work to protect nature.

The Dhole’s return to Kaziranga National Park shows that there is still some natural forest left in the area. It also tells us that we need to protect the forests and the migration paths of animals from one area to another. These movement paths are called forest corridors. Saving forest corridors will give a number of opportunities to wildlife like the Dhole. And of course, all of the people who make Kaziranga bookings for safari can now not only see rhinoceros and tiger, but perhaps a Dhole as well.

What Is A Dhole?

In a few places across Asia, a wild animal called the Dhole, which looks like a dog, can be found. Its scientific name is Cuon alpinus. It is also called the Asiatic wild dog. The Dhole is not like normal dogs that live with people. It is a wild animal that lives and hunts in groups called packs. These packs work together to find food and take care of each other.

Dholes are not very big. They are slim and fast. Their fur is red or reddish-brown. They have a bushy tail and a smart, alert face.

Today, the Dhole is in danger. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed it as Endangered. It means that only a small number of Dholes are still living freely in the natural environment. Their numbers are going down because forests are being cut, animals they hunt are disappearing, and people are building roads and houses in forest areas.

In India, under the Wildlife Protection Act passed in 1972, the Dhole is given complete legal protection from harm. This shows that saving the Dhole is very important for India.

Where Was The Dhole Seen?

The Dhole was seen in Assam, in a special forest area called the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL). The land in this region connects Kaziranga National Park on one side and the Karbi Anglong hills on the other. Many wild animals live in this large area because it has both flat lands and hills with forests.

On October 31, 2022, a camera placed in the Amguri corridor took a picture of the Dhole. People usually refer to this kind of camera as a camera trap in wildlife work. The Dhole was seen just 375 meters from a big road. The Amguri corridor is one of the four important natural paths that connect the floodplain areas of Kaziranga National Park to the higher forests of Karbi Anglong.

This finding is important because it shows that animals are still using these forest corridors. People who are planning to make a Kaziranga booking for safari should know that this area is very special, not just for tigers and elephants, but also for rare animals like the Dhole.

Who Found It And How?

Researchers working at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) were able to find a photo showing the Dhole. The team included Mujahid Ahamad, Jyotish Ranjan Deka, and others. They have been studying wildlife in Assam for a long time. Their project is supported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

The researchers placed many camera traps in the forests. These cameras take pictures when they sense movement. The cameras were placed in forest corridors, where animals move from one forest to another. These corridors are not easy to see but are very important. They help animals find food, mates, and safe places.

Thanks to these cameras, the team was able to get a clear photo of the Dhole. This confirmed that the animal still lives in the area.

Why Is This Finding Important?

For many years, experts believed that Dholes were no longer living in this part of Assam. There were no photos, no clear sightings, and no strong proof of their presence. The new photo changes that belief. It shows that at least one Dhole still uses the forests of Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong.

This gives hope. It shows that wild animals can still survive if they have space, food, and safety. It also proves that wildlife corridors are very useful. Animals use these corridors to go from one forest to another without getting blocked or stopped.

If we protect these paths, we can stop animals from becoming isolated. If animals live in small, closed areas, they may not find enough food or mates. This can lead to the end of their group in that place. But if corridors stay safe, animals can move, live, and reproduce normally and people who make Kaziranga booking for safari might get to see more wild animals.

Problems In The Area

Even though the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong region is rich in nature, it is facing many problems.

• Deforestation: Trees are cut down for farming and building.
• Roads and Railways: Many roads and train tracks pass through the forest. These stop animals from moving freely. They also increase the chances of animals being hit by vehicles.
• Human Settlements: People are building homes near forest areas. This increases the chance of animals and people coming into conflict.
• Less Food: The number of animals that Dholes hunt, like deer and small mammals, is going down. This is because people hunt them or destroy their homes.

All these problems make life harder for the Dhole and other animals in the area.

What The Scientists Said

The scientists who found the Dhole said they were both surprised and happy. They did not expect to find the animal in that area. But the photo gave them proof.

They said this shows that even forests that are not in perfect condition can still help wild animals. These forests must be protected. Corridors like Amguri are very important. They help animals move safely and connect different parts of the forest.

If these corridors are destroyed, animals may be trapped in one place. This can lead to inbreeding, which means animals have babies with close relatives. This can make the next generation weak and sick.

The scientists also said that we must work harder to protect these areas. This includes:

• Watching the forests carefully
• Planning land use better
• Talking with local people so they understand why saving nature is important