The Indian wolf, commonly known as gray wolf, is found across India and Pakistan
DEHRADUN: In a significant development in animal classification, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has for the first time evaluated the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) separately, suggesting that it may be classified as a distinct species within the Canis genus – a move that could elevate its global conservation priority.According to IUCN’s global panel of canid experts, the Indian wolf population is estimated to be around 3,093 (2,877-3,310) across India and Pakistan, putting it in the “vulnerable” category on the Red List. The canid experts noted that the trend of decline in its population is mainly due to habitat loss and persecution.The Indian wolf represents one of the most ancient wolf lineages globally – having evolved in the subcontinent long before humans arrived. Unlike the tiger, which is found in 11 countries, this wolf’s range is almost entirely restricted to India, with Pakistan having just about 10 to 20 left.”While tiger numbers are stabilising, the Indian wolf’s population continues to decline since it lives largely outside protected areas and is exposed to anthropogenic disturbances and threats. This species urgently needs focused conservation efforts,” said Bilal Habib, senior scientist at the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Commonly known as Gray wolf (Canis lupus), the ‘genus’ currently has seven species recognised by the IUCN. Ex-dean at WII, YV Jhala, said, “With the inclusion of the Indian wolf, this will be the eighth recognised species of Canis genus.” The other seven species of Canis genus are Canis lupus (wolf), Canis latrans (coyote), Canis aureus (Golden jackal), Canis simensis (Ethiopian wolf), Canis familiaris (domestic dog), Canis rufus (red wolf) and Canis lupaster (African wolf).The IUCN assessment of Indian wolf reads, “Analysis indicates that only 12.4% of the Indian wolf’s distribution is encompassed within protected areas across India and Pakistan. Most of its population is found outside of designated protected areas, where they are not subject to formal protection or management efforts by governmental bodies. As a result, the majority of the population is directly exposed to anthropogenic disturbances and threats. Given current trends, threats are anticipated to persist and intensify in the coming decade…”On the recent incidents of man-wolf conflicts in UP, Jhala said, “Removing the problematic ones expediently and professionally wins community support, hence it becomes even more important to conserve the species.”
