Indian wolf : Recent Study
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has for the first time evaluated the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) separately.
- It is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf found in the Indian subcontinent and Southwest Asia.
- It prefers scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems.
- Indian wolves generally live in smaller packs rarely exceeding 6-8 individuals.
- They are also relatively less vocal and have rarely been known to howl and are territorial and hunt during the night.
- Intermediate in size between the Tibetan and Arabian wolves, but lacks a thick winter coat due to adaptation to warmer climates.
- Indian wolves are found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
- Threats: It faces a steady decline driven by habitat loss, shrinking prey base, and human persecution.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
