The dholes are in danger of extinction, as there are only less than 2,500 adult dholes left in the wild.

At Terra Natura Benidorm we have received a new pair of dholes (Cuon alpinus) to form a reproductive group of this species and thus contribute to its conservation status, which is seriously threatened. This species is in danger of extinction, as according to the latest data collected it is estimated that there are only less than 2,500 adult specimens left in the wild.

Specifically, a female called Dorinka, from Budapest Zoo in Hungary, and a male called Balto, from Magdeburg Zoo in Germany, have arrived at the park. Both specimens are two years old, so they have reached their adult stage and have the capacity to reproduce.

This pair will join the other pair of dholes that have been living in Terra Natura Benidorm since 2007 (the male) and 2017 (the female). They are Kira, a six-year-old female, and Lennon, a 16-year-old male. This week, the team of veterinarians have started the first unions between these individuals in an attempt to encourage the conservation of biodiversity through the reproduction of the species.

The dholes show a very deep-rooted social behaviour. They usually live in the jungles, forests and grasslands of Central and East Asia. They hunt in herds and can capture prey up to 10 times their own weight, although their diet is usually based on small mammals and reptiles.