The preliminary part of Wild Canids–India Project was implemented in multiple phases.  
​
|| Phase 1 : Citizen Science
Phase 1 of the project focused on gathering information through citizen-scientists. Citizens from across India reported their sightings through a web-based survey from October to December 2018. We also obtained information from other citizen-science platforms such as iNaturalist, India Biodiversity Portal and Mammals of India. At the end of Phase 1, our database had around 1000 records. 
|| Phase 2 : Web Surveys
In Phase 2 of the project, we conducted exhaustive internet searches for records of the target species. We relied on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), nature/wildlife photo repositories (Nature in Focus, India Nature Watch, Flickr) and reliable blogs/photo-blogs. At the end of Phase 2, our database had around 1600 records of the focal species/sub-species.
|| Phase 3 : Literature Surveys
In Phase 3 of the project, we undertook systematic literature surveys and searched published scientific articles for records of the target species. We included both, presence records as well as estimates from camera trap studies, occupancy studies and interview-based surveys. At the end of Phase 3, our database had >300 records of the target species/sub-species.
|| Phase 4 : Ancillary Information
Phase 4 of the project involved searching, compiling and processing ancillary data associated with distribution of wild canids and hyenas: prey species, habitats, infrastructure, domestic/feral dog numbers, livestock populations and human populations. Information was compiled from government records, remotely sensed data, IUCN assessments and published scientific literature. 
|| Report a sighting
If you have seen wild canids or striped hyenas in India since January 2019, report your sighting(s) by clicking here. Your submissions can help build the data-base on wild canids and hyenas, and contribute towards their research and conservation.