Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary:
The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, located in Latehar district of Jharkhand, holds the distinction of being India’s first and only wolf sanctuary
- Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand, is India’s first and only wolf sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes).
- The sanctuary, spread over approximately 63 square kilometers, was declared in 1976 specifically for the protection of the Indian wolf population.
- Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is an integral part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve.
- The wildlife of the sanctuary includes species such as spotted deer, wild boar, hyena, bear, and notably, the Indian wolf.
- The Indian grey wolf is a subspecies of the grey wolf found across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
- It inhabits scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid agroecosystems and thrives in warmer temperatures.
- Unlike other wolf subspecies, it lives in smaller packs and is less vocal, being primarily nocturnal and hunting from dusk to dawn.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered (Indian population estimated between 2,000–3,000 individuals).
- CITES: Listed in Appendix I, indicating the highest level of international protection.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Included under Schedule I, granting maximum legal protection in India.
