Indian Wolf

The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) has been evaluated separately by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time, marking an important step towards understanding and conserving this unique subspecies.

About the Indian Wolf

• Species: The Indian wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) and is found primarily across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southwest Asia.

Habitat:

• Indian wolves prefer scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems. These habitats provide the conditions needed for hunting and shelter.

Behavior:

• Indian wolves live in smaller packs, typically ranging from 6-8 individuals. They are territorial and tend to hunt during the night.

• Unlike other wolf subspecies, they are less vocal and do not howl as frequently.

Appearance:

• Indian wolves are of intermediate size—larger than the Arabian wolves but smaller than the Tibetan wolves. They lack a thick winter coat due to their adaptation to warmer climates.

Distribution:

• Geographic Range: The Indian wolf is found in parts of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.

Conservation Status

• IUCN: The Indian wolf is currently classified as Vulnerable.

• CITES: It is listed under Appendix I, which includes species that are threatened with extinction and are prohibited from international trade.

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: The Indian wolf is listed under Schedule I, providing it with the highest level of protection.

Threats to the Indian Wolf

1. Habitat Loss: Expansion of human settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure development have significantly reduced the wolf’s natural habitat.

2. Shrinking Prey Base: The decline in prey species such as wild ungulates affects the wolf’s ability to hunt and sustain itself.

3. Human Persecution: Indian wolves face direct threats from humans, including poaching, retaliatory killings, and conflict with livestock owners who consider wolves a threat to their animals.