The First Independent Assessment of the Indian Wolf by IUCN

• Indian wolf ( Canis lupus pallipes ) has received independent IUCN assessment the first time in an attempt to gain specific conservation status.
• Estimate Population: Approximately 3,093 people in both India and Pakistan.
• Status of Conservation: The status of the species is classified as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List, primarily because of habitat loss and persecution by humans.

• Geographical Range:
• Primarily in India
• In Pakistan, as few as 1020 wolves survive.

Evolutionary Significance:

• The ancient wolves in the world.
• Developed in the Indian subcontinent prior to the arrival of the humans.
• Soon, May will be identified as a differentiated species, and will soon be the 8th distinct species belonging to Canis.

Habitat Protection Concern:

• Its habitat has been covered by only 12.4 percent of the total habitat.
• Most of them live outside the areas of conservation, which exposes them to risks.

Major Threats:

• Habitat destruction
• Human-wildlife conflict, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.

Conservation Priority:

• Demands specific protection, better conflict management, and long-term support of the community to survive.

Significance:

• This is an important milestone in the process of species-based conservation of the Indian wolf with its valuable genetic background and its pressing performance requirements.