Captive-bred Wolves into the Wild in Gujarat

• 04 Jan 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

Gujarat's ambitious project to reintroduce wolves bred in captivity to the wild shows early signs of success.

• This initiative is the first of its kind outside the United States, aiming to restock wolf populations and they can perform their role as biocontrol agents that keep the population of wild herbivores, like nilgai (blue bulls) and wild boars under control.

What are the Major Points Related to Wolves?

• About:
  • Wolves are the largest members of the dog family (Canidae), known for their majestic physique, thick fur, sharp eyes, strong jaws, pointed ears, and a long bushy tail add to their formidable presence.
• Ecology and Behavior:
  • Social Animals: They live in packs typically consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring, working together to hunt and raise pups.
  • Apex Predators: Primarily hunting large ungulates like deer, elk and moose, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
  • Communicative Masters: Their famous howls are not just eerie calls, they serve to strengthen pack bonds, defend territory, and communicate with other packs.
• Subspecies Found in India:
  • India boasts two wolf subspecies: the grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) in the peninsular region and the Himalayan or Tibetian wolf (Canis lupus chanco) in the north.
• Distribution Range in India:
  • The range of grey wolf stretches across several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra among others.
  • The Himalayan wolf is primarily found in the Ladakh region and the Lahaul and Spiti region of northeastern Himachal Pradesh among others.
• Protection Status:
  • Grey Wolf:
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
    • Wildlife Protection Act (India): Schedule I
    • CITES Appendix: I
  • Himalayan Wolf
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable