Endangered Dhole Spotted for First Time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve

Dhole Recorded for the First Time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve

In a positive development for wildlife conservation in central India, the Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole) has been recorded for the first time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The endangered carnivore was captured on a camera trap installed during routine forest patrols, marking a major milestone in biodiversity monitoring and conservation outcomes in the reserve.

Landmark Sighting During Routine Monitoring

Forest officials confirmed the presence of the Dhole after wildlife experts authenticated the camera trap images. Shubharanjan Sen , Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), stated that this is the first verified record of the species in Ratapani. He added that the sighting reflects improving habitat quality and protection measures, suggesting that the reserve is becoming suitable for sensitive and wide-ranging predator species.

Ecological Role of the Asiatic Wild Dog

The Dhole is a highly social carnivore , known for its cooperative hunting strategy. It typically hunts in packs of 14–20 individuals , preying on species such as chital, sambar, and other deer . Despite being smaller than tigers or leopards, Dholes are formidable predators and can compete with larger carnivores for prey. Their presence indicates a healthy prey base and balanced trophic structure within the forest ecosystem.

Growing Biodiversity Footprint in 2026

According to forest authorities, the Dhole is the sixth rare species documented through camera trapping in Ratapani Tiger Reserve in 2026. Officials believe that sustained protection, reduced human disturbance, and improved corridor connectivity are contributing to these encouraging signs. If conservation momentum continues, Ratapani could emerge as an important refuge for threatened species in Madhya Pradesh.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List

• Ratapani Tiger Reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh

• Camera trapping is a standard scientific method for wildlife monitoring

• Presence of top predators indicates ecosystem health and stability

• Dholes are social carnivores that hunt cooperatively in packs

Wider Conservation Significance

Wildlife expert Amey Vikram Singh noted that Dholes face serious threats from habitat fragmentation, prey depletion, and human interference . He described the Ratapani sighting as particularly significant, as it suggests landscape-level movement of the species across central India, including corridors from Amarkantak to Betul . Earlier, confirmed populations were largely restricted to well-known reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench .

The Dhole’s appearance in Ratapani signals a strengthening ecosystem , reinforcing the importance of long-term habitat protection, corridor conservation, and science-based wildlife monitoring. It also renews hope for the recovery of one of India’s most elusive and endangered carnivores.