Himalayan Wolf

January 15, 2024

The Himalayan Wolf has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
The animal has been categorised as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.
The Assessment has also flagged ‘continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat’ of Himalayan wolves.
The study was based on population size estimate of 2,275-3,792 mature individuals.
- India has 227-378 mature individuals in its section of the Himalayas.
The Himalayan Wolf is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas.
Scientific name- Canis lupus chanco
Its habitat consists of grasslands, rocky outcrops, and steep slopes.
It has thick fur that varies from reddish to brown, grey and black in color.
They typically hunt in small packs of up to six individuals.
Threats
- It is illegally hunted for trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads, and other parts.
- Increasing populations of feral dogs also poses a growing challenge.
Protection status
- IUCN’s Red List: Vulnerable
- WPA 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I