Indian Grey Wolf

• 15 May 2025

Why in News? 

In the Kadbanwadi grassland of the Deccan Plateau in Pune, Maharashtra, Indian grey wolves—apex predators crucial to the health of grassland ecosystems—are facing a sharp decline, driven by habitat disruption from expanding agriculture and the growing menace of feral dogs. 

 

Key Points 

• Indian Grey Wolf: 
  • About:  
    • Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of grey wolf found across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent.  
      • It lives in smaller packs and is less vocal compared to other wolf subspecies.   
      • It is primarily nocturnal, hunting from dusk to dawn.  
    • These wolves are distinguishable by brown coats with black-and-white markings on their backs. 
  • Habitat:  
    • It is an apex predator in India’s scrublands, grasslands and semi-arid agro-ecosystems. Thrives in regions with warmer temperatures.  
  • Conservation Status:  
    • IUCN: Endangered (population in India: 2,000 - 3,000 individuals).  
    • CITES: Appendix I.  
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I. 
• Kadbanwadi Grassland: 
  • It spans approximately 2,000 hectares and surrounds Kadbanwadi village, located about 276 km from Mumbai atop a hill in Indapur tehsil. 
  • The Shegar Dhangar, a pastoralist community, has long coexisted with local wildlife. 
  • Key species include the Bengal fox, striped hyena, and Brahminy kite. 
  • The Indian grey wolf is seen as the “guardian” of the grassland, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. 
• Rising Threats to the Wolf Population: 
  • Habitat loss due to agriculture and semi-urban expansion. 
  • Free-ranging dogs, which spread diseases and cause genetic hybridisation. 
  • Disease Transmission from Dogs: 
    • Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a highly contagious and fatal disease for wolves, transmitted through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. 
    • Canine Parvovirus and Rabies pose serious threats to wolves, spreading through bites, saliva, or scratches. 
  • Genetic and Behavioural Risks: 
    • Cross-breeding between stray dogs and wolves leads to genetic dilution, disrupts wolf pack dynamics, and creates hybrids with unpredictable behaviour and health problems. 
• Rapid Decline in Wolf Numbers: 
  • In 2016, Kadbanwadi had around 70 adult wolves. 
  • By December 2024, the count had fallen to 11. 
  • The most recent tally recorded just six wolves in the region. 
• Challenges: 
  • Officials can remove or kill stray dogs in protected areas like Kadbanwadi grassland, a reserve forest, under Maharashtra Forest Rules (2014). 
  • However, officials hesitate to act due to potential backlash from animal rights groups. 
  • Vaccination of dogs is under consideration, but capturing them remains a challenge. 

 Dhangar Community 

• About: 
  • The Dhangars are a traditional shepherd community spread across several Indian states. 
  • Besides Maharashtra, they also reside in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. 
• Legal and Social Status: 
  • In Maharashtra, the Dhangars are listed under the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category. 
  • They typically lead a secluded life, migrating through forests, hills, and mountainous regions. 
• Population: 
  • Dhangar households are small, tightly-knit, and family-centric. 
  • The community's estimated population is around 1 crore, making up approximately 9% of Maharashtra’s total population. 
  • The tribe includes nearly 20 sub-castes and clusters, each with unique customs and cultural practices. 
• Livelihood and Lifestyle: 
  • Their primary occupation is sheep and goat herding. 
  • They follow a mix of nomadic pastoralism, semi-nomadic living, and agriculture-based livelihoods in rural landscapes. 
• Seasonal Migration: 
  • Every year, after the bajra harvest ends in October, Dhangars begin their seasonal migration to find new grazing grounds for their livestock. 
• Cultural Practices: 
  • They honour their ancestors through rituals conducted during their migratory journeys. 
  • Singing traditional songs, especially at night, is a key aspect of their culture. 
  • These songs, known as Sumbaran, form a rich oral tradition that preserves the history, values, and identity of the Dhangar community.