Food habits of dholes were studied in Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India, from June 2005 to August 2005 by analyzing their scats. In total, 66 scat samples were collected from various locations in the reserve in an area of 336.70 km 2 and analyzed to identify the food habits of dholes. Seven prey species were identified from the scat analysis. Sambar Cervus unicolor accounted for the highest percentage (46.97%), while barking deer Muntiacus muntjak and jungle fowl Gallus gallus was the lowest (1.52%). In terms of prey biomass contribution, sambar was highest (68.03%) while jungle fowl was lowest (0.28%). The total prey biomass consumed by the dholes in the study area was 141.26 kg during the study period. Our results may prove helpful in planning better management needs and strategies for the survival and conservation of dholes in different protected areas.

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