There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
03-11-2015, 11:58 AM( This post was last modified: 03-11-2015, 12:00 PM by GuateGojira )
Some data on the pack size of the dholes, in scientific documents:
*This image is copyright of its original author
Source: Acharya et al. 2010. Dhole Telemetry Studies In Pench Tiger Reserve, Central India.
Larges pack recorded at 14 members, actually observed.
*This image is copyright of its original author
Source: Acharya. 2007. The Ecology of the Dhole or Asiatic Wild Dog (Cous alpinus) In Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
Largest pack recorded at 40 members, but it is not stated if it is a real figure, an estimation or just a quote from other source. Check that the increase on pack size affect negatively in the food intake, which seems that larger packs are not too good for dholes.
*This image is copyright of its original author
Source: Durbin et al. 2004. 8.1 Dhole Coun alpinus (Pallas, 1811) Endangered – EN: C2a(i) (2004).
Largest pack recorded at 25 members.
It seems that the confirmed packs range between 10 to 15 members with exceptional cases of 25 members, including juvenile animals. The figure of 40 members most be investigated, principally in its primary source.
Finally, a gift to all. A table that I have made since 2012, with summarize all the data that I have about the size of the dholes, at that date:
*This image is copyright of its original author
Probably there are more records in other sources and I will be very glad to add them to it, if I found more. Cohen (1978) quote a maximum head-body length of 113 cm and a largest weight of 20 kg and he quotes a large series of sources.