Wolves: India
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Contents |
Species, sub-species
Definition
From co-pilot
The Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis lupus). It is found across the Indian subcontinent and Southwest Asia and is distinct from other wolf populations due to its adaptation to warmer climates. Unlike the Himalayan wolf, which has a thick winter coat, the Indian grey wolf has a shorter, less dense fur suited for arid and semi-arid environments.
It is not a separate species or genus but rather a subspecies within the broader grey wolf classification. Some researchers have proposed that the Indian plains wolf, a population within this subspecies, could be classified as a separate species (Canis indica), but this is still debated.
Sightings
2025: Yamuna floodplain near Palla
May 21, 2025: The Times of India
NEW DELHI: A lone Indian grey wolf was recently spotted along the Yamuna floodplain near Palla, where the river enters Delhi, in a rare wildlife sighting in the city's northern fringes.
Last week, on Thursday morning, the sighting was made by Hemant Garg, a 41-year-old businessman and wildlife enthusiast who frequently tracks nocturnal wildlife across Delhi-NCR.
Garg said he noticed the animal around 7.45 am, walking along the riverbank with a distinct gait and having dark grey fur that didn't match a typical dog's."It had a dull, dark grey coat and walked with a certain grace, unlike a stray dog. When I got closer and started taking photos, it quickly vanished into the tall grasses," said Garg.Photographs taken by Garg were soon shared with wildlife experts, several of whom noted striking similarities to the Indian grey wolf - a species not officially recorded in Delhi for decades.
Many experts have confirmed that the animal is an Indian grey wolf, though it is considered special since it was spotted in the landscape of Delhi, a rare occurrence.A wolf expert and wildlife researcher said the animal did look like a wolf but cautioned against jumping to conclusions.He also confirmed it was an Indian grey wolf, adding, "New things do happen, and animals do travel." However, a senior forest department official downplayed the sighting, saying, "We have no record of any wolf sighting in recent times.”
Numbers
2022
Shivani Azad, March 31, 2022: The Times of India
Dehradun:The first scientific population estimate of Indian peninsular wolves (Canis lupus pallipes), known to be over a million years older than all other wolf species in the world, has revealed that only 3,100 members of the species are left in the country. This makes them almost as endangered as tigers, whose estimated population in the country is around 2,967. Both tigers and wolves are classified under “schedule I” of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 as endangered. The study was conducted by Doon-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The highest concentration of wolves is currently in Madhya Pradesh (772), followed by Rajasthan (532), Gujarat (494), Maharashtra (396) and Chhattisgarh (320).
Being a million years older than others, Indian wolves hold a unique place in the wolf evolutionary history. “This ancient wolf lineage is threatened by habitat loss due to development, hybridisation with dogs, fast-traffic roads, diseases, and severe persecution by pastoralists. Their status is as precarious as that of the tiger but focused conserva- tion efforts are still lacking,” said the study, authored by YV Jhala, dean, WII.
Scientists believe it is a “formidable task” to conserve these wolves because they are mostly present in the agropastoral landscapes, which don't fall under protected areas of forests. The study said India had “no conservation or action plan” but urgently needed one to save the wolves.
Interestingly, the study found India can still nurture as many as 423 to 540 packs of wolves, with at least three wolves in each pack. Roughly 364,425 sq km land forms a potential habitat for wolf occupancy and wolf habitats across all landscapes, the study said. The largest potential for wolf occupancy was in the contiguous Saurashtra-Kachchh-Thar landscape, it added.
