THE DHOLE 



(Cyan dukhuntn$is) 



THE Dhole, or Red Wild Dog, of India, was not a very familiar animal 

 by reputation until the publication of Mr. Kipling's " Jungle-Book," and, 

 although sportsmen in India knew of it as one of the worst enemies 

 of game, it is not abundant even there. Yet it has a wide range, 

 from Eastern Tibet almost all over India, usually in forest country. 

 East of India it is replaced by the allied race it is hardly a species 

 the Malay Dhole (C. rutilans). 



In Siberia there is another Dhole, the only other species known 

 (C. alpinus), which chiefly differs from the Indian animal in its much 

 lighter colour and fuller coat, the latter being particularly noticeable 

 on the tail, which is in winter a splendid brush. 



Dholes differ from Dogs, Wolves, and Foxes in having fewer 

 teeth, two molars in the lower jaw being missing; the teats of the 

 female are also more numerous, and there is long hair between the 

 foot-pads. This disposes of any possibility of tame dogs being de- 

 scended from them, and so the term " Dhole " is preferable to that 

 of "Wild Dog." 



Wild enough they are in one sense ; the Indian Dhole, whose 

 habits are the best known, is a wandering creature, travelling in packs 

 of a dozen or less, which soon clear out the game in a jungle by the 

 terror they inspire, and so constantly have to shift their own quarters. 

 Their quarry is usually Deer, Nilghai, and so forth ; but almost any animal 

 may fall a prey to them, for, although they are not bigger than Collies, 

 and not very fast, they have a deadly persistence in following a trail, 

 and their courage is indomitable when they have run down their prey, 

 which they will bait until it or they perish in the fight. Even that 

 magnificent wild Ox, the Gaur (Bos gaums), which even the Tiger 

 generally lets alone, has fallen a victim to them, and they have been 



