Department of Environmental Conservation

 (Ph.D., OEB/WFCON) 

Project:

Dhole Ecology and Conservation Status in Thailand

Contact:

kjenks “at” nsm.umass.edu

Position

Field Manager, Carnivore Conservation Project

Support:

Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center GIS Lab
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
PeunPa (a member of Wildlife Alliance)
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary
Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Web links:

Kate's Personal site
Smithsonian Conservation GIS
PeunPa ( Thailand NGO "Friends of the Forest ")

Project abstract:

Dholes ( Cuon alpinus ), also known as Asiatic wild dogs, are one of the least studied and least understood canids globally. Even their unique whistling communication while hunting is poorly documented. Hardly anyone knows about them, yet they may be the key to the conservation of natural communities in tropical forest and grasslands of Southeast Asia . As some species decline, others may assume increased ecological importance. Hence, with the disappearance of larger predators like tigers, the role of dholes in ecosystems may change. These small and secretive carnivores may naturally regulate other wildlife populations. Systematic studies of dholes in Thailand are urgently needed to determine their ecology and potential importance for natural ecosystems. My goals are to (1) map the geographic distribution of dholes using countrywide interview surveys at wildlife sanctuaries; and (2) initiate ecological studies of a dhole population in Kao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Whistling Dog Project At-a-Glance