Discovering the secret lives of dholes in BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, India

The Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (BRT Tiger Reserve) in Karnataka, India, harbours a population of dholes, also known as Indian wild dogs, which are of significant conservation importance.

As an endangered canid species on the IUCN Red List, the dholes’ presence in this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity for study and understanding. Their distinct social structure, cooperative hunting strategies, and role in shaping predator-prey dynamics make them a subject of great interest to researchers.

However, the dholes face a multitude of challenges that threaten their survival. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and encroachment by human activities pose immediate risks. The conservation of this charismatic species is therefore crucial.

BRT Wildlife Sanctuary

The BRT Tiger Reserve, located in southern Karnataka, is one of the largest protected areas in South India. It is home to a captivating array of fauna, ranging from majestic tigers to formidable bison, graceful elephants, elusive leopards, and endearing sloth bears.

Nestled amidst the undulating hills, where the grandeur of the Western Ghats converges with the Eastern Ghats, this sanctuary spans across 540 square kilometres, revealing a breathtaking tapestry of verdant forests and meandering roads.

The dholes in the BRT find their ideal habitat amidst the diverse and pristine landscapes of this nature reserve. The sanctuary encompasses dense forests, rolling hills, and meandering roads, providing a perfect setting for these elusive predators.

Dholes prefer forested areas with a mix of deciduous and evergreen vegetation, offering them ample cover for hunting and denning. With an abundance of prey species, such as deer, sambar, and wild boar, the BRT nature reserve ensures a sufficient food supply for these pack-hunting canids.

The BR Hills Forest can be easily accessed by road from Bangalore via Kanakapura and Yelandur, or from Mysore via Chamrajnagar. It is situated approximately 175 km from Bangalore and 85 km from Mysore. Both cities are well-connected by air and train, with Bangalore being an international airport with better and more frequent connectivity.

Dholes – the mighty canids of the wild

The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the “whistling dog,” once inhabited a vast range spanning from Russia to South Korea. However, today, they are mainly found in South India, predominantly in the forests of Western Ghats. Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and Kabini Tiger Reserve are other places to spot them.

Dholes are highly social animals, living in packs of up to 20 members. Operating as fearless communal hunters, they actively pursue their prey during the daylight hours, targeting medium-to-large-sized animals such as deer and goats. Notably, they communicate with one another through distinctive whistling sounds, earning them their unique nickname.

Teamwork, agility, and fearlessness define their primary characteristics, and their reputation for aggression is such that even tigers tend to keep their distance from these formidable creatures. Despite their affiliation with the Canidae family, dholes defy the traditional notion of dogs by abstaining from howling.

They possess a short muzzle, a long tail and red fur, among other distinguishing features and are monomorphic meaning it is difficult to distinguish between males and females. The colouration of dholes exhibits variation based on the season and terrain they inhabit. Typically, adult dholes sport a reddish-brown coat, while during winter, their fur transforms into a vibrant rust colour that is thick and dense, serving as insulation against the cold. In contrast, their summer coat is thinner and darker in shade.

Social behaviour

Dholes exhibit fascinating social behaviour and unique cultural dynamics within their packs. Their pack size can range from as few as 2 individuals to as many as 25, with rare instances of packs consisting of up to 40 members.

Within each pack, an alpha male and alpha female assume leadership roles, guiding the pack’s activities and reproduction. While other members of the pack focus on hunting and caring for the alpha’s offspring.

Remarkably, despite their leadership status, the alpha pair does not display aggression towards the other pack members. Unlike many other carnivores, dholes are not territorial, resulting in rare conflicts between different packs. This cooperative and harmonious behaviour contributes to their unique and captivating culture in the wild.

Hunting pattern

Dholes, being diurnal hunters, predominantly engage in hunting activities during the day, rarely venturing into nocturnal pursuits. Interestingly, some hunts do occur during full moon phases, indicating their reliance on visual cues.

Despite their relatively smaller size and weight (10 – 20 kg), dholes possess exceptional hunting prowess, capable of taking down prey nearly ten times their own size. They employ a variety of tactics, such as dividing into smaller hunting groups and strategically driving their quarry towards water bodies.

In distinctive hunting behaviour, dholes do not kill their prey by biting the throat. Instead, they corner and immobilize it, initiating consumption while the prey is still alive. Additionally, dholes exhibit a peculiar fondness for chewing and licking the antlers of the Cervidae family, not only as an easy source of nutrients but also as a means to clean and naturally wear down their teeth.

How to see dholes in the wild

The dense forests of Karnataka in the Western Ghats region are home to the largest population of dholes in India. Among the prominent habitats are Nagarhole, Bandipur, Kabini, and BR Hills. However, encountering a dhole in the wild is a matter of sheer luck, and witnessing a pack is an even rarer occurrence.

For those seeking the best chances of spotting dholes, BR Hills, home to the BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as BRT Tiger Reserve), offers the highest probability. The Forest Department operates designated jeep safaris that commence from K Gudi Wilderness Camp.

Alternatively, sightings are possible along the internal forest road connecting Yelandur Forest Check Post to Chamrajanagar via K Gudi. Spanning about 70 km through hilly terrain, this route reaches an elevation of 5,000 feet.

Best time of year to see dholes

The summer season presents an opportune moment for a forest expedition in South India. The drying vegetation and dwindling water sources compel animals to venture out from the dense thickets in search of sustenance. February to April offers prime conditions for exploring the forests.

Guidelines for visiting BR Hills

To maximize your chances of sighting dholes, it is recommended to plan your visit to BRT Wildlife Sanctuary during the dry summer months from January to May. It is advisable to have your own vehicle for convenience, as relying on the jeep safari can be limiting since it operates only in the morning and evening. Based on personal experience, dholes have been spotted multiple times on the internal road rather than during the safari.

The dholes are particularly active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. The forest road between BR Hills and Chamrajnagar opens for public vehicles at 6 am and closes at 6 pm. To enhance your prospects of encountering dholes, it is suggested to undertake at least two round trips along this route in the morning and late afternoon.

Safety when looking for dholes

BRT Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a habitat for a diverse range of animals, including members of the cat family such as tigers and leopards. It is strictly prohibited to venture into the buffer zone of the forest without prior permission and an accompanying forest guard.

When travelling along the internal road, it is imperative to remain inside your vehicle at all times. Approaching wildlife on foot for photography purposes poses a significant threat, as the animals may become aggressive and attack.

Additionally, when encountering elephants or bison, it is essential not to stop your vehicle on the road unless instructed by forest officials, as these animals may charge. Numerous incidents in the past serve as a reminder of the potential dangers. Last but not least, it is crucial to refrain from feeding or provoking wild animals.

Conservation

Dholes are among the least studied social carnivores in the world. Their population in the untamed wilderness of South India is believed to consist of just 2,000 breeding individuals.

The alarming reality is that dholes, despite their remarkable agility, social nature, and unparalleled pack-hunting abilities, are facing the threat of extinction. Over the past century, dholes have been eradicated from approximately 60% of their natural habitat.

Humans have played a significant role in their decline, with dholes being hunted for their furs and poisoned to safeguard livestock. Recognizing the urgency to protect this species, dholes have been declared endangered under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

To aid their conservation, efforts have been made to establish breeding centres. One such centre is the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam, dedicated to the captive breeding and preservation of dholes, offering hope for their survival.

Dholes summary

Dholes, also known as whistling dogs, are highly social carnivores that are found in Asia. They are known for their pack-hunting behaviour, and they are one of the most successful predators in the world.

The BRT Tiger Reserve in southern Karnataka, India, is home to a large population of dholes. The reserve is a lush, forested area with a diverse range of prey species, making it an ideal habitat for these predators.

Dholes are an important part of the ecosystem in the BRT Tiger Reserve. They help to control populations of prey animals, and they also play a role in seed dispersal.

However, dholes are also facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, persecution by humans, and competition from other predators. As a result, their populations are declining in many parts of their range.

The BRT Tiger Reserve is one of the few places where dholes are still thriving. The reserve is home to a number of conservation initiatives that are working to protect these amazing animals.

This wildlife encounter was experienced by Turuhi – Travel Through Stories