Located in Jharkhand, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is India’s only protected reserve dedicated exclusively to the endangered Indian grey wolf. As a vital conservation area, it helps protect a species often misunderstood and historically persecuted, while promoting ecological balance in the region.

Key Points:

• Established in 1976 in Latehar district, Jharkhand, Mahuadanr spans over 63.25 sq km and is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve.
• The sanctuary protects the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), a subspecies adapted to India’s dry and arid landscapes, currently listed as endangered.
• The Indian grey wolf was heavily hunted during colonial times, with over 100,000 reportedly killed between 1871 and 1916 due to human-wildlife conflict.
• Wolf numbers in the sanctuary have varied over the years—from 49 in 1979 to 120 in 2020, with a 2024 survey recording 70 wolves across four packs.
• Apart from wolves, the sanctuary supports other wildlife like spotted deer, wild boars, hyenas, and bears, highlighting its ecological importance.
• Ongoing efforts include habitat preservation, population monitoring, and reducing human-wildlife conflict to ensure the long-term survival of wolves.
• Experts stress the importance of public education, community participation, and scientific research in protecting this often-vilified predator.