The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a notable lupine predator spread throughout the Himalayas, is under threat. To combat this, its status and risks have been assessed for the first time by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
All about the Himalayan Wolf
The Himalayan Wolf, with distinctive genetic markers embedded in its mitochondrial DNA, is believed to have origins predating the Holarctic grey wolf. Found in parts of China, Nepal, India, and Bhutan, this elusive predator typically inhabits alpine meadows and grasslands elevated 10,000 to 18,000 feet. Here, small packs of them hunt wild sheep and goats, occasionally preying on marmots, hares, and birds. The estimated population ranges between 2,275-3,792 mature individuals, with an Indian section harboring around 227-378 mature individuals primarily in Ladakh and Spiti Valley.
Currently, the Himalayan Wolf is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Understanding the IUCN Red List
As the main source globally for assessing the risk of animal, fungi, and plant extinction, the IUCN Red List offers a comprehensive analysis of species characteristics, threats, and conservation measures. Nine categories, from “Not Evaluated” to “Extinct”, define the extinction risk of evaluated species. Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable species are considered threatened with extinction. Importantly, the list also includes the Green Status of Species that assesses species’ population recovery and conservation success.
Why is the Himalayan Wolf’s Population Decreasing?
The IUCN Red List Assessment notes the ongoing degradation of habitat quality and quantity for Himalayan wolves. A high livestock presence in their habitats often leads to depredation conflict, causing a negative attitude towards wolf conservation and consequently, retaliatory killing of wolves. The growing number of feral dogs in Ladakh and Spiti also pose problems through interbreeding, leading to increased competition for resources. Lastly, illegal hunting – despite not being universally legal – has dramatically affected the wolf population.
How Can We Protect the Himalayan Wolf?
To safeguard this species, efforts should be invested in securing and restoring wild prey populations and landscapes, designating wildlife habitat refuges, and improving livestock guarding methods. This could include predator-proof corral pens and adapted herding practices. Managing feral dog populations is crucial to preserving the ecological balance, while transboundary efforts ensure the unimpeded movement of the wolf populations.
These strategies culminate in holistic management practices that adhere to traditional ways of interacting with the environment, while ensuring the proper steps towards wolf conservation are taken.
