Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the dhole is among Asia’s most threatened carnivores.

Ukhrul, July 23 | EKHON: In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation in Manipur, the endangered Dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been recorded for the first time in Shirui Village of Ukhrul district through a camera trap survey.

The landmark record was made during a biodiversity monitoring exercise conducted by the Environmental Force at Grassroot Level (ENFOGAL) as part of its ongoing efforts to document the rich wildlife of Shirui and promote community-led conservation. Over the past eight years, ENFOGAL has also carried out extensive wildlife awareness programmes across Ukhrul district, engaging schools, youth groups, village authorities, and local communities to strengthen environmental stewardship.

The camera trap footage overturns long-held assumptions that dholes were absent from the hills surrounding Shirui. The confirmed presence of this elusive carnivore adds another significant species to the village’s growing wildlife inventory, further reinforcing Shirui’s reputation as one of Manipur’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

A key contributor to the discovery was Pamreithing Luireiwo, a former hunter who has transformed into a dedicated conservationist. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the local forests and wildlife movement, he identified the camera trap location that ultimately captured the historic image of the dhole. His journey from hunter to conservation advocate underscores the crucial role local communities can play in protecting wildlife.

Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the dhole is among Asia’s most threatened carnivores. The species depends on extensive forests, healthy prey populations, and minimal human disturbance to survive. Its presence in Shirui is an encouraging indicator that the village’s forests continue to provide suitable habitat for this rare predator.

Conservationists say the discovery further highlights Shirui’s ecological significance. In recent years, the area has yielded several notable wildlife records, suggesting that its forests may still harbour undocumented species. Continued scientific surveys are expected to reveal even more of the region’s remarkable biodiversity.

Beyond documenting a rare species, the camera trap record is expected to strengthen public awareness of wildlife conservation. Such discoveries not only validate ongoing conservation efforts but also encourage local communities to appreciate and safeguard the rich natural heritage surrounding them.

The Ukhrul Forest Division has also been actively promoting conservation across the district through awareness programmes and community-based initiatives. Under the Community-Based Sustainable Forest Management (COSFOM) project, supported by KfW, the Forest Area Closure (FAC) initiative in Shirui has established a local patrol team that monitors protected forests and works to prevent hunting and trapping, creating a safer environment for wildlife.

Speaking on the discovery, Patrick Shangh, Co-founder of ENFOGAL and a resident of Shirui Village, said:

“As a resident of Shirui Village, this discovery is deeply meaningful to me. It reflects the richness of our forests and the commitment of our community to protecting them. The credit for this achievement goes to the Shirui Village Authority and the people of Shirui for their decision to ban hunting and support wildlife conservation. Because of their collective efforts, our forests continue to provide a safe haven for wildlife. I hope this discovery inspires everyone to continue protecting and conserving our natural heritage for generations to come.”

The first confirmed camera trap record of the endangered dhole marks another important chapter in Shirui Village’s conservation journey. It demonstrates how community stewardship, traditional leadership, scientific research, and sustained conservation efforts can work together to protect biodiversity. As wildlife surveys continue, researchers remain optimistic that Shirui’s forests will yield further discoveries, strengthening the village’s standing as one of Northeast India’s leading community-conserved landscapes.