Endangered dhole in China: Population status, conservation predicament and future direction

Abstract

Dhole (Cuon alpinus), an endangered Canines, faces a severe survival crisis in China. Despite increased research on Chinese dholes, no systematic effort has comprehensively reviewed the published literature or evaluated current knowledge of the species in China. Therefore, we reviewed available published papers to provide the following information on dholes in China: a) current population status and research progress; b) primary threats; and c) knowledge limitations and recommendations derived from the literature. Our findings show that confirmed dhole distribution records exist for only seven provinces, and records of dhole captive breeding and ex situ conservation in China over the last 10 years originate from only two wildlife conservation centers and six zoos. During 2015–2025, 48 articles focusing on dholes in China were identified, predominantly authored by Chinese scholars (98 %). Population distribution and number, genetics and phylogeny, and veterinary medicine are the three most frequent research topics. Persecution and poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, disease and pathogens, and competition with other species are major threats to Chinese dholes. Several limitations of conservation and research persist, including unclear population size and distribution status, scarce and unevenly distributed research, and a lack of systematic, comprehensive, and in-depth conservation efforts. Based on these findings, we recommend prioritizing rigorous surveys and vital research (e.g., on disease transmission and captive breeding feasibility). Holistic conservation actions, including optimizing protected areas, establishing ecological corridors, elevating the dhole’s conservation status, fostering cross-jurisdictional cooperation, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and enhancing wildlife disease surveillance, are essential for Chinese dhole survival.