Get To Know The Asian Mountain Wolf Dhole And Their Amazing Look!

Under the Carnivora order, all mammals are divided into cat-like animals (felines) and those related to dogs, called "canines". Among 280 species in this order, today, let us study one of the amazing-looking big dogs, the mountain wolf Dhole.

Image source: Pali

The wolves of prey weigh between 20 to 46 lb, and Dhole males are stockier than their male counterparts. The average weight of female wolves is from 22 to 37 lb, while that of males ranges between 33 to 46 lb. The Dhole is 20 inches tall, and its body measures 35 inches in length, which is an average size compared to other canines.

Image source: Pali

In appearance, it's true to say that a Dhole looks like a mix of a grey wolf and a red fox. They have reddish-brown fur on the back and flanks, but their neck, chest, and undersides are brightly colored. Other features that help characterize these wolves include a broad skull, a short broad muzzle,  long backbone, and slender limbs.

Image source: Pali

The Dhole is a highly social species, living in large clans in dense forest steppes or mountainous regions around Southeast Asia and Siberia. There are 12 individuals in a pack of Dhole, but bigger groups of 40 or 50 wolves still exist.

Image source: Pali

To communicate with each other, these wolves use a unique variety of noises, for example, an eerie whistle, clucks, or high-pitched screams that are made for themselves. Not only great communicators, Dholes are also incredible athletes. With excellent flexibility and jumping ability, they are the "top escape artists in the zoo".

Image source: Pali

The species feeds on medium and large-sized ungulates including deer, wild pigs, buffalo, wild goats, reindeer, and gaur. Dholes often hunt in packs, but they can become skillful independent hunters if needed. When hunting in a group, these wolves can catch prey that is 10 times bigger than their body size! They can even fend off a tiger.

Image source: Pali

The population of the Dholes is now estimated at less than 2,500 adults in the wilds. They are at risk of losing their natural habitat and their food. Other factors that need mentioning here are competition with other species and persecution. IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized them as 'Endangered species'.
Watch more pictures of Dhole wolves here. You can also call them with other English names like "Asiatic wild dog", "Indian wild dog", "whistling dog", "red dog", and "mountain wolf".

Image source: Pali

Image source: Pali