News Context: First-ever IUCN assessment of the Himalayan Wolf published.
Major Findings:
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- Declining Population: IUCN’s assessment has flagged a ‘continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat’ of Himalayan wolves.
- Estimated total population of 2,275–3,792 (227– 378 in India) mature individuals.
- Declining Population: IUCN’s assessment has flagged a ‘continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat’ of Himalayan wolves.
- Major threats:
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- Habitat modification and encroachment and depletion of wild prey populations.
- Hybridization with Dogsespecially in Ladakh and Spiti where populations of feral dogs are increasing.
- Illegal Hunting for trade in its fur and body parts
About Himalayan Wolf
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- Habitation: High altitude (above 3,900m) in the Himalayas (Nepal and India) and the Tibetan Plateau.
- Possess genetic adaptations to cope with hypoxic conditions.
- Characteristics: Thick fur with brown coloration on the back and tail with paler yellows on the face, limbs, and underside.
- Larger than the Indian and European wolves.
- Prefer wild over domestic prey.
- Conservation Status:
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- IUCN’s Red List: Vulnerable
- Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- CITES: Appendix I