The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of grey wolf that ranges from Southwest Asia to the Indian Subcontinent. It is intermediate in size between the Himalayan wolf and the Arabian wolf, and lacks the former’s luxuriant winter coat due to it living in warmer conditions.

It is one of the subspecies of Grey Wolves in the endangered category.

This article will give details about the Indian Wolf within the context of the IAS Exam

Description of Indian Wolf

The Indian wolf is similar in structure to the Eurasian wolf, but is smaller, more slightly built, and has shorter fur with little to no underfur.[6] It is typically around 57–72 cm at shoulder height, with males ranging from 19 to 25 kg and females 17–22 kg in weight. Its length ranges from 103 to 145 cm (41–57 in) from nose to tail.

Like the Arabian wolf, it has short, thin fur in summer, though the hair on the back remains long even in summer, an adaptation thought to be against solar radiation.

The fur is generally greyish-red to reddish-white with grey tones. The hairs are grizzled with black, particularly on the back, which sports a dark V-shaped patch around the shoulders.

Habits and Hunting Practices of Indian Wolf

Its habits are similar to those of other grey wolf subspecies, though the Indian wolf generally lives in smaller packs rarely exceeding 6-8 individuals, and is relatively less vocal,[6] having rarely been known to howl.

Indian wolf vocalization includes howls, howl-barks, whimper, social squeals, and whines with howls an average fundamental frequency of 422 Hz and whines 906 Hz. There is at least one record of a lone wolf associating with a pair of dholes in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

It tends to breed from mid-October to late December, and whelp in holes or ravines. In recent years, the wolf has been facing an additional set of threats. Conversion of forests to agricultural fields has shrunk its hunting ground, reducing wild prey. As a result, the wolves are forced to feed on livestock near villages, increasing human-wolf conflicts and threatening its long-term survival.

Conservation Status

Currently, 2000–3000 Indian grey wolves survive in India, mainly in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. They occupy grasslands, scrublands and agro-forestry landscapes. It is also seen in West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand, but not much is known about its distribution there.

Conservation policies in India are focused on protected areas with an emphasis on larger mammals such as tiger, leopard and elephants. Besides, protected areas and non-protected areas are managed differently with different aims.

The Indian grey wolf is a top predator in areas with hot and semi-dry conditions. Found mainly outside the protected area networks, it needs immediate attention.

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