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<p>Studying elusive carnivores in dense tropical habitats poses many logistical challenges. Commonly applied field techniques can entail substantial resources and human power, precluding short-term studies from generating a comprehensive understanding of species ecology. We leveraged Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in India’s Western Ghats to better understand dholes (<i>Cuon alpinus</i>) across the forest and agroforest landscapes of Wayanad (Kerala) and Valparai (Tamil Nadu). Through interviews of 476 informants (forest department staff and local residents), we documented dhole sighting locations, pack sizes, and interactions with co-predators, domestic dogs, livestock, and humans. Our findings reveal a strong local awareness of dhole ecology, with vernacular names highlighting their cultural relevance. Pack sizes reported were consistent with those from previous studies. Dhole interactions with co-predators were less frequently reported compared to domestic dogs, suggesting potential risks of competition and disease transmission. Instances of livestock depredation were extremely rare, hinting at an adaptation to minimize negative interactions with people. Forest officials generally held positive perceptions toward dhole conservation, recognizing the species’ ecological importance. Our study underscores how LEK can complement traditional research approaches and offer unique insights on elusive species in shared human–wildlife spaces. The framework used and the knowledge thus generated can aid in co-developing conservation strategies to safeguard megafauna populations beyond Protected Area boundaries.</p>

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Local Ecological Knowledge offers opportunities to study and monitor elusive carnivores in coexistence landscapes

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月7日

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  • Pooja Saravanan,
  • Sabiya Sheikh,
  • Mayank Shukla,
  • Jonathan Edward de Rozario,
  • Arjun Srivathsa

摘要

Studying elusive carnivores in dense tropical habitats poses many logistical challenges. Commonly applied field techniques can entail substantial resources and human power, precluding short-term studies from generating a comprehensive understanding of species ecology. We leveraged Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in India’s Western Ghats to better understand dholes (Cuon alpinus) across the forest and agroforest landscapes of Wayanad (Kerala) and Valparai (Tamil Nadu). Through interviews of 476 informants (forest department staff and local residents), we documented dhole sighting locations, pack sizes, and interactions with co-predators, domestic dogs, livestock, and humans. Our findings reveal a strong local awareness of dhole ecology, with vernacular names highlighting their cultural relevance. Pack sizes reported were consistent with those from previous studies. Dhole interactions with co-predators were less frequently reported compared to domestic dogs, suggesting potential risks of competition and disease transmission. Instances of livestock depredation were extremely rare, hinting at an adaptation to minimize negative interactions with people. Forest officials generally held positive perceptions toward dhole conservation, recognizing the species’ ecological importance. Our study underscores how LEK can complement traditional research approaches and offer unique insights on elusive species in shared human–wildlife spaces. The framework used and the knowledge thus generated can aid in co-developing conservation strategies to safeguard megafauna populations beyond Protected Area boundaries.