The dhole, also known as the Asiatic wild dog, is a canid species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is known for its distinctive reddish-brown fur, long legs, and large ears. The dhole is a social animal that typically lives in packs, which can range in size from 5 to 40 individuals.
Dholes are predators, feeding primarily on small to medium-sized ungulates such as deer and wild boar, but they also eat rodents, birds, and other small mammals. They are important in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, and their hunting behavior can help to control populations of other animal species.
The dhole is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. Dholes have lost much of their natural habitat to deforestation and human activities, and are also hunted for their fur and body parts. Conservation efforts, such as protecting natural habitats and regulating hunting and poaching, are important for the long-term survival of this species.