Why Nepal?
Dholes (Cuon alpinus) in Nepal remain one of the country’s least-studied carnivores, with fundamental gaps in understanding their population size, distribution, pack structure, and ecological dynamics. Confirmed sightings are largely limited to Terai protected areas like Chitwan and Parsa, but anecdotal and camera-trap observations from Nepal’s mid-hills and Himalayan foothills suggest they may persist more broadly—yet systematic data are lacking to confirm these patterns. Key unknowns include their prey preferences, movement corridors, disease vulnerabilities (such as canine distemper and rabies from domestic dogs), and the impact of infrastructure development on their habitats.
In recognition of these gaps, Nepal hosted the IUCN Dhole Working Group’s second International Dhole Conference in Kathmandu in 2023. This event brought together global experts to share findings and set conservation priorities. Building on that momentum, Nepal convened a Dhole Action Plan Meeting in 2024. Both events were sponsored by the Dhole Conservation Fund and led by dedicated project partners working to ensure a stronger future for dholes in the region. These meetings laid the groundwork for the country’s first national strategy focused specifically on dhole conservation.
In recognition of these gaps, Nepal hosted the IUCN Dhole Working Group’s second International Dhole Conference in Kathmandu in 2023. This event brought together global experts to share findings and set conservation priorities. Building on that momentum, Nepal convened a Dhole Action Plan Meeting in 2024. Both events were sponsored by the Dhole Conservation Fund and led by dedicated project partners working to ensure a stronger future for dholes in the region. These meetings laid the groundwork for the country’s first national strategy focused specifically on dhole conservation.
Nepal's Action Plan
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Launched in 2025, Nepal’s first-ever Dhole Action Plan outlines a five-year roadmap (2025–2030) for protecting this endangered species. The plan allocates resources to improve scientific understanding of dhole distribution, population trends, and ecology while also investing in education, awareness, and policy integration. Approximately one-quarter of the total budget is dedicated to field surveys and ecological monitoring, while another significant portion focuses on conservation outreach and reducing human-wildlife conflict through community engagement.
A unique strength of the plan lies in its integration with broader conservation efforts. By aligning dhole protection with existing programs for tigers, leopards, and other species, Nepal is maximizing conservation impact while building support across protected landscapes. The plan also emphasizes the use of new tools—like camera traps, AI-assisted identification, and mobile reporting apps—to fill data gaps. Equally important, it encourages local stewardship and cross-border collaboration to ensure dholes thrive across Nepal’s diverse ecosystems for generations to come. 
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Our Partners in Nepal
NCSC - Nature Conservation and Study CenterOur Dhole conservation project spans three landscapes in Nepal, each with its unique importance for dhole conservation. Our projects prioritize communities as the key stakeholders. Through sound research, community engagement, and habitat protection, we are dedicated to ensuring the survival of this endangered species in these critical areas.
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Friends of Nature NepalFriends of Nature (FON) Nepal, is a youth-led NGO dedicated to environmental and biodiversity conservation. Established in 2005, FON Nepal is dedicated to evidence-based conservation, tackling overlooked issues across Nepal’s lowlands to highlands.
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The Work
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In Nepal, we are focused on three main areas of conservation:
1.) Ecological Research & Monitoring 2.) Human-Dhole Conflict and Coexistence 3.) Community Outreach and Education |
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Ecological Research & Monitoring
Reliable data is the foundation of effective conservation.
Camera trap surveys in the Annapurna Conservation Area provided the first photographic confirmation of dholes in Nepal’s mid-hill region after decades of absence. Follow-up surveys documented multiple individuals across different locations, indicating active pack formation.
Monitoring efforts continue to focus on:
Camera trap surveys in the Annapurna Conservation Area provided the first photographic confirmation of dholes in Nepal’s mid-hill region after decades of absence. Follow-up surveys documented multiple individuals across different locations, indicating active pack formation.
Monitoring efforts continue to focus on:
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In the Ramaroshan Wetland Complex, preliminary assessments have identified the presence of dhole packs within a diverse mid-hill landscape of wetlands, grasslands, and temperate forests. Planned and ongoing research includes:
- Expanded camera trap networks
- Bio-acoustic monitoring
- Transect-based biodiversity surveys
- Multi-species assessments to better understand ecosystem health
Human–Dhole Conflict & Coexistence
As dhole populations recover, coexistence becomes essential.
In regions where dholes have returned, livestock depredation has historically led to retaliatory killing through poisoning and persecution. Preventing this cycle is a central focus of our work.
In and around the Annapurna Conservation Area, community engagement has reduced risk by increasing awareness of dhole behavior and ecological importance.
In regions where dholes have returned, livestock depredation has historically led to retaliatory killing through poisoning and persecution. Preventing this cycle is a central focus of our work.
In and around the Annapurna Conservation Area, community engagement has reduced risk by increasing awareness of dhole behavior and ecological importance.
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In Kaski District, we are helping conductstructured surveys to better understand:
By grounding conservation strategies in local perspectives, we can develop practical, culturally appropriate approaches that support both livelihoods and wildlife. |
Community Outreach & Education
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Long-term conservation success depends on local leadership and support.
Across project areas, outreach efforts have included:
These efforts have strengthened community understanding of dholes and reduced fear-based responses. |
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These efforts have strengthened community understanding of dholes and reduced fear-based responses.
A major milestone in public engagement has been the continued growth of World Dhole Day, which has been celebrated locally for the past three years through community-driven outreach and awareness campaigns. The event has become an important platform for building pride in dhole conservation and connecting communities to global conservation efforts.
A major milestone in public engagement has been the continued growth of World Dhole Day, which has been celebrated locally for the past three years through community-driven outreach and awareness campaigns. The event has become an important platform for building pride in dhole conservation and connecting communities to global conservation efforts.
Expanding Landscapes, Strengthening Futures
From rediscovery in the mid-hills to newly identified habitats in far-western Nepal, dhole conservation in Nepal is entering a critical phase.
By integrating ecological research, conflict mitigation, and community outreach, we are working to ensure that Nepal’s dhole populations not only persist but recover and thrive.
By integrating ecological research, conflict mitigation, and community outreach, we are working to ensure that Nepal’s dhole populations not only persist but recover and thrive.
