Context: The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.

Himalayan Wolf Declared ‘Vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List

• The assessment is based on a 2018 study led by a team of British and Nepalese researchers confirming the genetically unique lineage nature of the Himalayan or Woolly wolf.

• Himalayan wolf has now  been categorised as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List with just 2,275-3,792 mature individuals in the wild remaining.

About Himalayan Wolves: Majestic Giants of the High Altitude Grasslands 

Himalayan Wolf

• Scientific Name: Canis lupus Chanco

• Range Distribution: They are found in high altitudinal regions in the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau of  India, Nepal and China.

• Habitat: High altitude Grasslands

• Morphology: It is larger in size than the Indian and European wolves. They reach upto 110-180 cm in length, about 75 cm tall at the shoulder and weigh around 50 kg. 

• Feeding habits: Their  prey base  includes yak, kiang, bharal, Tibetan gazelle, Siberian ibex, marmot and other small mammals like hare. 

• Himalayan Wolf Conservation Challenges: Human-Wildlife Conflict, Hybridisation, and Habitat Loss

Threats to Himalayan Wolf

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment and depletion of wild prey populations resulting in the animal coming in for livestock population.

• Feral Dogs: Hybridisation with dogs was an emerging threat to the Himalayan wolf population in Ladakh and Spiti where increasing populations of feral dogs pose a growing challenge.

• Hunting: They are  illegally hunted for trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads, and other parts. 

• Losing Habitat: Their grassland habitat is constantly changing its nature due to climate change, encroachment, overgrazing, and human activities.

• Conserving the Himalayan Wolf: Strategies for Prey Populations, Livestock Protection, and Public Awareness

• Securing and restoring healthy wild prey populations and landscapes and setting aside wildlife habitat refuges.

• Livestock Guarding Methods: Use methods such as predator-proof corral pens and using sustainable livestock herding practices, including reduced livestock loads, adapted herding.

IUCN Red List Assessment suggested measures for the protection of Himalayan wolves

• Securing and restoring healthy wild prey populations and landscapes and setting aside wildlife habitat refuges;

• Improving livestock guarding methods, such as predator-proof corral pens and using sustainable livestock herding practices, including reduced livestock loads, adapted herding, and developing novel but tradition-based holistic management practices.

Management of feral dog populations

• Trans-boundary efforts in conservation of the species in range countries through research and monitoring.

• Incorporating the Himalayan Wolf in conservation programmes, which may assist with promoting public acceptance and reducing persecution.

• It also called for restoring healthy wild prey populations and improving herding/pasture management practices for Himalayan Wolf populations that are heavily dependent on livestock, like in Ladakh.

• Lastly, it called for incorporating the Himalayan Wolf in conservation programmes, which may assist with promoting public acceptance and reducing persecution.

Conclusion

• The Himalayan Wolf, assessed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, faces a critical situation with a dwindling population. Urgent conservation actions, such as securing prey populations, mitigating conflicts, and fostering trans-boundary efforts, are imperative to ensure the survival of this unique and genetically distinct wolf species.