Zoological name: The zoological name of dhole is Cuon alpinus. In India, three subspecies namely the tawnier peninsular form (Ca.dukhunensis), the deeper red Himalayan form (Ca.primaevus) and the paler trans-Himalayan form (Ca laniger) are existed.
Distribution: They are found in eastern and central Asia.
Habitat: Dholes are exclusively inhabitants of forests.
Physical feature: Dhole is characterized in having a wolf-like body, short leg, a thick set muzzle, and a bushy tail. The average body weight is 18 kg. They differ from wolves, jackals and domestic dogs by having 12 cheek teeth in the lower jaw (others have 14). The total number of teeth is 40 (I: 3/3; C: 1/1; PM: 4/4; M: 2/2). The characteristic red coat varies in shades of yellow or white according to the localities and seasonal changes. The tail is black. The female bears six or seven pairs of teats.