Wolves: India

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Numbers

2022

Shivani Azad, March 31, 2022: The Times of India

Dehradun:The first scientific population estimate of Indian peninsular wolves (Canis lupus pallipes), known to be over a million years older than all other wolf species in the world, has revealed that only 3,100 members of the species are left in the country. This makes them almost as endangered as tigers, whose estimated population in the country is around 2,967. Both tigers and wolves are classified under “schedule I” of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 as endangered. The study was conducted by Doon-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII). 
The highest concentration of wolves is currently in Madhya Pradesh (772), followed by Rajasthan (532), Gujarat (494), Maharashtra (396) and Chhattisgarh (320).

Being a million years older than others, Indian wolves hold a unique place in the wolf evolutionary history. “This ancient wolf lineage is threatened by habitat loss due to development, hybridisation with dogs, fast-traffic roads, diseases, and severe persecution by pastoralists. Their status is as precarious as that of the tiger but focused conserva- tion efforts are still lacking,” said the study, authored by YV Jhala, dean, WII.

Scientists believe it is a “formidable task” to conserve these wolves because they are mostly present in the agropastoral landscapes, which don't fall under protected areas of forests. The study said India had “no conservation or action plan” but urgently needed one to save the wolves.

Interestingly, the study found India can still nurture as many as 423 to 540 packs of wolves, with at least three wolves in each pack. Roughly 364,425 sq km land forms a potential habitat for wolf occupancy and wolf habitats across all landscapes, the study said. The largest potential for wolf occupancy was in the contiguous Saurashtra-Kachchh-Thar landscape, it added.