The Whistling Hunters: Field Studies of the Asiatic Wild Dog

by Michael W. Fox

The whistling dog, or dhole, of India is a little-known, distant cousin of our domestic dog. Highly intelligent, wary of man, and elusive as a jungle predator, this rare and beautiful creature is one of the most difficult animals to study. Its very nature defies the patience and skill of the most dedicated naturalist. Yet knowledge about its habits and a more widespread understanding and appreciation of this species are essential for its protection and continued survival. For, like so much of the world's wildlife today, the dhole is a species threatened with extinction.

The first in-depth field study of the whistling dog, The Whistling Hunters examines the dhole in the animal's environment. The book is based on the author's field studies and the observations of other naturalists. It presents all the facts currently known about the species, as it makes a passionate plea for conservation and the reevaluation of our land-use patterns.

The book is also an attempt to understand the essence of wilderness since it, too, like the whistling dog, is an endangered species.

Genres: Natural History

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1985

About the author

Dr. Michael W. Fox is a well-known veterinarian, former vice president of The Humane Society of the United States, former vice president of Humane Society International and the author of more than 40 adult and children’s books on animal care, animal behavior and bioethics.

An expert in both medicine and psychology, Dr. Fox's training includes a degree in veterinary medicine as well as doctorate degrees in medicine and animal behavior/ethology. A strong advocate of animal rights, bioethics and environmental protection, Dr. Fox is an international veterinary consultant to various animal-related organizations.

A recipient of the Christopher Award for children's literature for his book "The Wolf," Dr. Fox has written more than 40 books for adults and children. He has also written more than 2,000 articles for professional journals and consumer magazines. Dr. Fox lectures extensively to an international audience of conservation and animal protection groups. He has appeared frequently on "The Tonight Show" and as a guest on other network television and radio talk shows and documentaries. He is a member of the British and American Veterinarian Medical Associations, the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights and the American Holistic Veterinary Association.

Dr. Fox lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Deanna, and their animal companions. They jointly run the India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) in the Nilgiris, South India.