Senior wildlife researcher Dr. Sawan M Deshmukh, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Amravati district, spotted both species together on February 22 at 5.40 pm inside the Melghat Tiger Reserve, a rare sighting that coincided with the reserve’s Foundation Day
Green circle: Indian Grey wolf; Red circle: Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole). Pic/Dr Sawan M Deshmukh
In an extraordinary and rare wildlife development, researchers at the Melghat Tiger Reserve have documented a remarkable instance of peaceful coexistence between two traditionally separate carnivore species — the Indian grey wolf and the Asiatic wild dog (dhole).
Wildlife researcher observes wolf leading dhole pack
Senior wildlife researcher Dr. Sawan M Deshmukh, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Amravati district, spotted both species together on February 22 at 5.40 pm inside the Melghat Tiger Reserve, a rare sighting that coincided with the reserve’s Foundation Day.
"I observed an adult Indian grey wolf moving in close association with a pack of four dholes. Most strikingly, the wolf appeared to be leading the group, an unusual behavioural pattern that has surprised all of us," said Dr. Sawan M Deshmukh.
Species typically occupy distinct habitats, experts note
According to wildlife experts, both species are among the largest social canids in the Indian subcontinent, yet they typically occupy distinct habitats. Indian grey wolves are commonly found in open grasslands, semi-arid plains, and agro-pastoral landscapes, while dholes primarily inhabit dense deciduous and evergreen forests. Encounters between the two species are rare, and cooperative or friendly interactions are even rarer.
No aggression observed during 40-minute interaction
Dr. Deshmukh notes that this is only the third recorded instance of such inter-species association in India, and the first ever documented in Melghat. The observation further highlights the ecological significance and conservation value of the tiger reserve.
Notably, during the 40-minute observation period, no signs of aggression, growling, or territorial hostility were witnessed. Instead, the animals moved calmly and cohesively as a single unit. Dr. Deshmukh emphasized that the adult wolf consistently stayed at the front, clearly guiding the group’s movement.
Study underway to analyse rare behavioural phenomenon
The incident is being considered highly significant for wildlife conservation and the study of interspecies social behavior. Dr. Deshmukh is currently consulting with subject experts to further analyze the rare documentation and is preparing a scientific paper on the findings, which is expected to be published in an upcoming wildlife research journal.
This unprecedented sighting opens new avenues for understanding adaptive behavior and ecological dynamics among India’s top social predators.
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