BEHAVIORAL AND ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON FERAL DOGS OF NORTH SIKKIM

摘要

The feral dogs of North Sikkim comprise several varieties. They are a threat to the purity of local breeds and may have inflicted irreversible damage in this respect. They are overwhelmingly crepuscular - being more active during dusk and dawn. They are strongly territorial and their territory sizes differ considerably depending upon the food availability. They live in small cohesive packs which are relatively more stable. In North Sikkim - a sparsely populated region - these packs are known to be aggressive towards human beings and have been known to attack them. They are opportunistic feeders and are equally adept at begging food and being fierce hunters. They are a menace to local wildlife and even livestock. These dogs are practically unchallenged by other predators and have quickly emerged as the apex predator in the region. If urgent measures are not taken, they may cause immense and irreparable damage to the local ecology.