Context:
Gujarat’s unique project to reintroduce captive-bred wolves into the wild demonstrates promising early success, marking the first initiative of its kind outside the United States. The endeavor aims to replenish wolf populations, enabling them to function as biocontrol agents, regulating the populations of wild herbivores such as nilgai (blue bulls) and wild boars.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Wolves: Key Information
Wolves: Key Information
Introduction:
- Wolves, the largest members of the Canidae family, are known for their imposing physique, dense fur, keen eyes, robust jaws, pointed ears, and a lengthy bushy tail.
Ecology and Behavior:
- Social Animals:
- Wolves exhibit social behavior, living in packs comprising a breeding pair and their offspring. Packs collaborate in hunting and raising pups.
- Apex Predators:
- Primarily hunting large ungulates like deer, elk, and moose, wolves play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
- Communicative Masters:
- Wolves utilize their famous howls for various purposes, including strengthening pack bonds, defending territory, and communicating with other packs.
Subspecies Found in India:
- Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes):
- Predominantly found in the peninsular region of India.
- Himalayan or Tibetan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco):
- Indigenous to the northern regions of India, particularly in Ladakh and the Lahaul and Spiti region of northeastern Himachal Pradesh.
Distribution Range in India:
- Grey Wolf:
- Distributed across several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, among others.
- Himalayan Wolf:
- Primarily found in the Ladakh region and the Lahaul and Spiti region of northeastern Himachal Pradesh, among other areas.
Protection Status:
- Grey Wolf:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- Wildlife Protection Act (India): Schedule I
- CITES Appendix: I
- Himalayan Wolf:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
-Source: The Hindu
