Gujarat, a state in the western part of India, has undertaken an audacious project that aims at reintroducing captive-bred wolves back into the wild. The endeavor is starting to show positive initial results and is considered unique outside the United States. The primary goal of this project is to increase the wolf population, enabling them to serve as biocontrol agents, regulating the population of wild herbivores such as nilgai (blue bulls) and wild boars.
About Wolves
Wolves, the largest members of the Canidae family, are widely recognized for their majestic physique, thick fur, sharp eyes, strong jaws, pointed ears, and a long bushy tail. All these physical attributes contribute to their formidable presence.
Ecology and Behavior of Wolves
Wolves are highly social animals. They typically live in packs consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. They function collectively in various activities such as hunting and raising pups. As apex predators, their primary diet includes large ungulates like deer, elk, and moose. By feeding on these animals, they play an essential role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Moreover, their famous howls are not just spooky calls – they use these unique sounds to strengthen pack bonds, defend their territory, and communicate with other packs.
Subspecies of Wolves Found in India
India is home to two distinct wolf subspecies: The grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), predominantly found in the peninsular region and the Himalayan or Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco), primarily found in the north.
Distribution of Gray Wolf
The range of the grey wolf spreads across several states in India. These include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra among others.
Distribution of Himalayan Wolf
The Himalayan wolf, on the other hand, is found mainly in the Ladakh region and the Lahaul and Spiti region of northeastern Himachal Pradesh among other areas.
Protection Status of Grey Wolf
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List classifies the grey wolf as ‘Least Concern’. However, in the Wildlife Protection Act of India, it is included in Schedule I, indicating that it needs stringent protection. Also, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) has listed the grey wolf in Appendix I, denoting that it is a species threatened with extinction.
Protection Status of Himalayan Wolf
The Himalayan Wolf, according to IUCN, is categorized as ‘Vulnerable,’ signifying that this species face a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term.
