Major Canids of Rajasthan

Abstract

This chapter presents the status report of Dhole or Wild Dog and a brief account of the Indian Gray Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) belonging to family Canidae in Rajasthan which is considered as Endangered mammal of India. Out of the three subspecies of Wild Dog known in India, the race known from the geographic limits of Rajasthan is Cuon alpinus dukhunensis or Dhole. Once upon a time, this species was present in the forests of Ajmer, Alwar, Baran, Chittourgarh, Pali, Pratapgarh, Sawai Madhopur, and Udaipur districts. Dhole was reported from Sariska and Ranthambhore National Parks and Shahabad zone during 1980–1990. To and fro movements of wild dog were recorded between forest areas of Sawai Madhopur and Baran districts and the surrounding areas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states of India. Habitat loss, rapid decline in prey species, and human-animal conflicts are described as the major reasons of the extermination of this species. No confirmed records of its presence in the state during the running decade are available. The Indian wolf was present in various habitats of Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Nagour, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu, Jalore, Pali, Bikaner, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Jaipur, Ajmer, Dungarpur, Alwar, and Chittourgarh districts of the state about forty years ago, but now, they are rare in most of their distribution ranges. At present, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best sites in Rajasthan to observe them where they are also breeding successfully. The major conservation threats to this species such as habitat loss, food scarcity, and human-animal conflict have been discussed in the text. The two other canids, namely, Golden Jackal Canis aureus and Indian Fox Vulpes bengalensis, have also been discussed in brief.