Why is it in the News?

The Himalayan Wolf is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas the taxonomic status which was a puzzle till late, has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.

Key Findings:

• Population Decline: The IUCN assessment highlights a persistent reduction in the habitat area, extent, and quality of Himalayan wolves.
  • The estimated total population ranges from 2,275 to 3,792 mature individuals, with 227 to 378 in India.

Primary Threats:

• Depredation Conflict: Arising from habitat modification, encroachment, and depletion of wild prey populations.
• Hybridization with Dogs: Particularly in Ladakh and Spiti, where feral dog populations are on the rise.
• Illegal Hunting: Driven by trade in fur and body parts, including paws, tongues, and heads.

About the Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco):

• It is also called Tibetan wolves, which live at more than 4,000 metres altitudes.
• Habitat: It is found in the Himalayas (Nepal and India) and the Tibetan Plateau.
  • Exhibits genetic adaptations to cope with hypoxic conditions.
• Characteristics: Adorned with thick fur, displaying brown colouration on the back and tail, complemented by paler yellows on the face, limbs, and underside.
  • Larger than Indian and European wolves.
  • Shows a preference for wild prey over domestic options.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN’s Red List: Categorized as Vulnerable.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I.
  • CITES: Included in Appendix I.

Recommended Actions for the Conservation of Himalayan Wolves:

• Ensure the preservation and restoration of robust wild prey populations and their natural habitats.
• Foster collaborative transboundary initiatives to safeguard and conserve the species across its range of countries.
• Integrate the Himalayan Wolf into comprehensive conservation programs for enhanced protection and sustainable management.