Why in News?

First-ever IUCN assessment of the Himalayan Wolf published.

Major Findings:

• • Declining Population: IUCN’s assessment has flagged a ‘continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat’ of Himalayan wolves.
  • Estimated total population of 2,275–3,792 (227–378 in India) mature individuals.

Major threats:

• • Depredation Conflict: Due to Habitat modification and encroachment and depletion of wild prey populations.
  • Hybridization with Dogs: Especially in Ladakh and Spiti where populations of feral dogs are increasing.
  • Illegal Hunting: For trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads, etc.

About Himalayan Wolf:

1. Physical Characteristics:
   • They have thick fur with brown coloring on their back and tail, while their face, limbs, and underside are paler shades of yellow.
   • These wolves are larger than Indian and European wolves and show a preference for hunting wild prey rather than domestic animals.
2. Habitat:
   • The high altitudes (over 3,900m) of the Himalayas (Nepal and India) and the Tibetan Plateau.
   • They have genetic adaptations to survive in low-oxygen environments.
3. Status of Conservation
   • Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
   • Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
   • Included in Appendix I of CITES
4. Distribution:
   • In India, Himalayan Wolves are spread across Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
   • In China, they are found across Tibetan Plateau.