Indian Grey wolf

• Recently, an Indian grey wolf was sighted in National Chambal Sanctuary, which is its first confirmed sighting in the region in about two decades.
• The last wolf sightings were reported during Operation Bhediya carried out between 1997 and 2000 to map the canines’ footprint in Chambal.

ABOUT INDIAN GREY WOLF

• Scientific Name: Canis lupus pallipes
• It is a subspecies of grey wolf that ranges from Southwest Asia to the Indian Subcontinent.
• Habitat includes scrublands, grasslands and semi-arid regions.
• Indian wolves generally live in smaller packs rarely exceeding 6-8 individuals.
• They are also relatively less vocal and have rarely been known to howl.
• Indian wolves are monogamous and mate for life.
• They are nocturnal and hunt from dusk to dawn.
• Threats include habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and loss of prey.
• About 2,000-3,000 individuals are remaining in India.
• Protection status
  • IUCN Red list status – Least Concern
  • WPA 1972- Schedule I
  • CITES- Appendix I