A camera trap image in 2022 with few direct sightings in consecutive years and sightings of a pack in 2026 have confirmed the presence of endangered Asiatic wild dogs in the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong landscape, which is one of the most remarkable comeback stories of a wild animal in a lost land.
The dhole, or Asiatic wild dog, is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN red list and has been given the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
The Asiatic wild dog, or dhole, was first photographed in a camera trap in 2022 after disappearing for decades in this landscape. A total of six photographs of a single dhole were captured in the Amguri corridor, which highlighted the importance of wildlife corridors in the conservation and dispersal of animals.
The sighting of a pack in Kaziranga suggests that there is a source population nearby; according to a research paper, such a source population exists in Intanki National Park in Nagaland. Karbi Anglong and some reserve forest areas of Kaziranga, like Panbari and Burrapahar, are ideal habitats for them.
Apart from Kaziranga, recent sightings of dholes are also reported from Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, which reflects the conservation effort in these states of Northeast India.
Mr. Vibhav Srivastava is a seasoned wildlife biologist and ecotourism professional with over 20 years of experience across wildlife research, forest management, conservation education, and sustainable tourism in India.
Currently at Nature Safari India, he curates immersive wildlife experiences, leads conservation communication, and designs educational outreach programs. His expertise spans both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, with extensive field work in all major wildlife landscapes of Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern India. Notable contributions include all-India tiger monitoring with the Wildlife Institute of India, community-based conservation initiatives, and training forest staff and nature guides.
He has held key roles with RARE India, National Zoological Park (New Delhi), Le Passage to India, Tiger Protection Group, and served as Chief Naturalist at Kanha National Park, deepening his expertise in biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife interactions.
An accomplished educator and communicator, Mr. Srivastava has delivered over 30 lectures at prestigious institutions including Delhi University, BHU, Amity University, and IITTM. He is a published author and researcher, with co-authored books, scientific publications, and paper presentations at national seminars. His work consistently bridges conservation science, community engagement, and responsible tourism.
He holds a Master’s degree in Botany, has received professional training from the Wildlife Institute of India, and was nominated among the top five naturalists in India for the TOFT Best Naturalist Award.
