Abstract:
Group-hunting predators theoretically benefit from hunting together through
increased prey returns; however, studies on lions suggest food is not enough. The
dhole is one such group hunter; however, its predatory role within Asia’s large
predator guild is less well known than other members. We tested whether dholes
exhibit preferential predation, and determined the drivers of prey choice and
whether pack size affected diet to ascertain the fundamental resources required for
the species’ conservation, given lack of a prey base is the primary threat to this
species. We reviewed the literature and found 24 studies from 16 sites from
throughout the species extant range that reported on 8816 records (scat + kills) of
19 species. Jacobs’ index revealed that sambar Rusa unicolor, chital Axis axis and
wild boar Sus scrofa contribute almost two-thirds of the food biomass of the
dhole, with sambar being significantly preferred. Sambar are at the upper end of
the accessible prey spectrum (30–235 kg), and are marginally above the preferred
weight range of 130–190 kg. The accessible prey spectrum extensively overlaps
with leopards and tigers in Asia and reflects the extensive dietary competition
within Asia’s large predator guild, as tigers also preferentially prey on sambar and
leopards completely overlap in the accessible prey with dholes. Although prey
preferences are not affected by pack size, larger packs ultimately take larger prey.
This study documents for the first time the critical prey resources necessary for the
conservation of dholes in Asia, and highlights the degree of competition potentially
occurring across dhole distribution range.
