DNA analysis of Asiatic wild dogs scat in India reveals wild prey preference

Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences and the Maharashtra Forest Department used DNA metabarcoding on scat samples from dholes, or Asiatic wild dogs, in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve during 2022-2023. The genetic analysis found the animals feed overwhelmingly on wild prey such as sambar deer, wild pigs, and chital, with livestock making up only a marginal share of their diet even in zones where grazing is common.

The team says the new DNA method sidesteps the observer bias that plagued older techniques relying on microscopic examination of prey hairs, making results more comparable across studies. Outside experts consulted by Mongabay India, including a wildlife biologist who reviewed the manuscript, agreed the dhole's reliance on wild prey holds even where livestock is abundant.

With dholes down to an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 adults globally after losing roughly 80% of their historic range, researchers say boosting wild herbivore populations could help the species recover. One outside researcher cautioned that any such effort must be balanced against the risk of herbivores raiding crops and worsening conflict with local communities.

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