State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 15 May 2025

Indian Grey Wolf

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.