Canids
The canids are the commonly sighted wild animals in general. The offspring are born relatively underdeveloped and are very dependent on their parents for their survival.
Many times, some species of canids travel a long distance as the case with the wild dogs or jackals in search of food resources.
Common Features of Canids
- Erect ears
- Strong and non-retractile claws
- Long muzzle
- Males have a baculum in the penis
- Perfect digitigrade feet
- Multiparous in nature
- All the canids almost resemble the domestic canids in terms of anatomical features
Indian Wild Dog
Indian wild dogs (Cuon alpinus) are also called as Dholes. These animals are having a hunting habit in packs only. They prey on a number of animals like deer, sheep, gaur, pigs etc.
A large pack may attach bigger animals like buffalo and gaur. They help to improve the prey population by eliminating the old and diseased individuals.
These are found in Andhra Pradesh and in Mudumalai and Anaimalai regions.
Exotic Wild Dogs
Exotic wild dogs are given below:
- Dingo or Wild dogs of Australia.
- Cape hunting dogs of south of Sahara.
Jackal
Jackal (Canis aureus) are present through out India in small number on any kind of habitat ranging from humid dense forests to dry open plains. This animal comes out during the dusk and retires by dawn.
This can make a typical howl that is long drawn and high pitched one. Dead carcasses are eaten by them and jackals also feed on weak livestock and poultry.
Indian Fox
Indian foxes (Vulpes bengalensis) are the small slim animals with slender limbs.
This are seen in agricultural fields and are solitary hunters but appears to tolerate the presence of common mongoose near its den.
Red Foxes
These animals are seen in Sikkim to western Himalayas including the arid zone of the north-west.
In the cooler Himalayan region, the animals prefer to live amidst small cultivated lands and the animal is mainly nocturnal in nature.
These animals pair for life, occupying the same den year after year.
Wolf
Wolf (Canis lupus) are seen in several parts of India.
These animals assume a height of about 65-75 cm and the weight of these carnivores may be about 18-28Kg.
Hyaena
Hyaena belongs to the family “Hyaenidae”. These are the animals with powerful jaws. Striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) is the species present in India. Hyaenas have large anal glands and are scavengers.
They are nocturnal in nature and are stocky dog like animals inhabiting the plains of southwest Asia and Africa. Walks on toes, four on each foot.
There species of hyaena are:
- Striped hyaena
- Brown hyaena
- Spotted hyaena.
Striped hyaena is the only species available in India.
