Dedicated to conserving Nepal’s endangered dholes through science, community empowerment, and habitat protection.
Partners:
Overview
The Dhole Conservation Initiative is a community-driven, evidence-based conservation initiative dedicated to conserving dholes (Cuon alpinus) and other canids across Nepal.
Dholes, also known as Asiatic wild dogs or red dogs, are highly social and ecologically important carnivores native to Asia. These pack-hunting canids play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by regulating prey populations. Sadly, dholes are endangered due to habitat loss, prey depletion, human persecution, and disease.
Through scientific research, habitat protection, and grassroots engagement, we aim to reverse the decline of these endangered species while empowering local communities as conservation leaders.
Our Approach
1. Evidence for Conservation
We use rigorous science for effective conservation. This includes population assessments and threat monitoring using best available science. We test and adapt our actions, like livestock protection and habitat restoration, based on measurable results.
2. Community-Led Conservation
We believe communities are conservation leaders. We co-design conflict solutions and train communities in wildlife monitoring and responding to dhole issues through citizen science.
Our Vision:
Safe and secure viable populations of dholes in Nepal, coexisting in harmony with local communities.
Priority Landscapes
| Landscape | Key Activities/Focus | Historical Context/Additional Information |
| Trijuga forest, Udaypur | Holding community workshops for shared conservation vision, building wildlife monitoring capacity, and raising awareness. Aiming to safeguard the potential healthy dhole population. | Local reports from 2014-15 suggest a potential healthy dhole population. |
| Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale Landscape | Camera trapping to monitor a lone dhole individual captured in 2018. Building community capacity in wildlife monitoring and conducting conservation workshops. | Previous project in 2018 captured a lone dhole. Focus is on tracking its status and behavior. |
| Dona Lake-Dudh Pokhari complex | Conducting a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment to understand dhole habitat and its connectivity to Annapurna Conservation Area. | Suspected to hold a good dhole population with potential connectivity to Annapurna. |
| Salpa Pokhari periphery | Actively seeking funding to initiate conservation activities. | Historically faced threats to the dhole population due to human-wildlife conflicts. Believed to be a vulnerable population in need of urgent attention. |
Immediate Goals (2024-2026)
Over the next two years, we will prioritize confirming dhole status in key landscapes via field surveys and collaboration with local communities. We aim to empower these communities as crucial partners in dhole conservation.
These include:
- Confirm dhole presence in our priority landscapes
- Establish at least one community anti-poaching units
- Identify and build network with potential local, national, and international organizations
- Generate free outreach resources for dhole conservation
Long-Term Vision (2030-2035)
By 2035, we aim to establish a nationwide dhole distribution database using standardized methods and citizen science. Our long-term vision includes ensuring habitat connectivity for healthy dhole populations across the country.
These include:
- Nationwide dhole distribution database
- Functional wildlife corridors between dhole populations
- Community-managed conservation zones
How to Support Dholes
Your contribution, no matter the scale, can make a significant difference in our efforts to protect these incredible animals.
For Researchers:
Share your dhole data (camera trap images, sightings) to help map their distribution. We seek collaborations on research and conservation to fill knowledge gaps.
For Communities:
Report dhole sightings (photos/GPS preferred) – your local knowledge is key. Participate in our monitoring training to directly contribute to conservation.
For Supporters:
Donate to our camera trap program ($250/unit) or dhole research. Sponsor or even better conduct community awareness camps. Advocate for dhole conservation within your networks.
Join use in saving Nepal’s dholes!
Conservation is a shared responsibility—let’s protect Nepal’s wild canids together.
