Latest news with #Canislupuspallipes
Deccan Herald
28-05-2025
- Science
- Deccan Herald
May the howl return
Among the enduring survivors of this forgotten wilderness is the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes). Known for its adaptability, the wolf was once among the most widely distributed mammals in the world
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Grey wolf or dog? Here's what experts are saying about the rare sighting of a wild animal in a big city like Delhi after 80 years
A lone animal that looked like an Indian grey wolf was seen walking along the Yamuna river near Palla, north Delhi, on Thursday morning. If confirmed, this would be the first wolf sighting in Delhi in over 80 years. The animal was seen moving alone along the Yamuna floodplains, close to where the river enters Delhi. The sighting was brief. It disappeared into dense grass before anyone could get closer. According to a 2014 publication by forester GN Sinha, there have been no confirmed wolf records in Delhi since the 1940s. Grey Wolf or Dog? Hemant Garg, a resident of Delhi, took photos during his morning walk. The animal had a grey coat and wolf-like appearance. Experts who reviewed the images noted its resemblance to the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), but said the animal's tail raised doubts. Wildlife scientist YV Jhala said, 'The tail's curve and dark tone raise doubts. Without genetic tests, this remains just a possibility.' He added that hybridisation between dogs and wolves is now more frequent due to shrinking habitats and growing stray dog populations. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trekking pants for mountain sports and adventure travel Trek Kit India Shop Now Undo Experts point to nearby regions as possible origin Garg said the animal looked unlike any dog he had seen. 'It had a slow, deliberate walk and dull grey coat,' he said. He saw it around 8 am, took photos carefully, and watched as it disappeared into the vegetation. Raghu Chundawat, a conservationist, said, 'It resembles an Indian grey wolf from what I see.' He mentioned a similar animal near Delhi airport in the 1990s. 'It's rare but not impossible that it wandered here,' he added. Live Events Surya Ramachandran, a naturalist, said the animal could have travelled from Chambal along the Yamuna. 'It's quite likely it moved from Chambal via Yamuna,' he said. He also called for more research into how animals use urban corridors. Past records show Delhi once had rich wildlife Historian GN Sinha's writings show that wolves, leopards, blackbuck, and hyenas once lived around Delhi's Ridge. But by 1908, blackbuck had become rare, and by 1940, wolves and leopards had vanished. The Indian grey wolf lives in dry, grassy, or scrub areas and survives near humans by preying on goats, sheep, and small animals. These traits help it adapt, but also expose it to mixing with dogs. Some experts pointed out at Delhi lies between two key wolf habitats. To the east are Yamuna floodplains; west lies Aravalli belt. Delhi's forest department has not yet confirmed the species. A senior official said, 'We are not aware yet but will look into it.' The department is examining the photographs and may inspect the location. For now, the city waits to know whether the animal was a rare Indian grey wolf or a hybrid. Either way, it has sparked new questions about how wildlife is surviving close to the capital.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Grey wolf returns! Rare sighting reported in Delhi after several decades
credit: Hemant Garg Delhi, a rapidly industrialized and population-dense city, is not typically known for surprising wildlife encounters. Yet, patches of natural habitat along the periphery of the city, like Yamuna floodplains and the Delhi ridge, have consistently remained alive as green refugees in the midst of urban sprawl. In a surprising turn of events, a presumed Indian grey wolf ( Canis lupus pallipes ) was reportedly spotted close to the Yamuna floodplains of Delhi, signaling a possible return of a species so rare that it was last spotted many decades ago. They were seen in the vicinity of the Palla area, which is the point where the Yamuna River enters the city, and this is not usually known for any such rare wildlife sighting. This reported Indian grey wolf was initially spotted by Hemant Garg, who is 41, a businessman, and a wildlife lover. Initially, he noticed that the animal had a peculiar grey color and pattern, which made him take pictures before it moved into the bushes. What contributed to the sudden decline in their numbers? In the past, this Indian grey wolf was a frequent predator of the Delhi Ridge region. Since the early 20th century, indications are that the forests of the ridge contained a rich diversity of fauna. Hyenas, leopards, blackbuck, and chinkara were the most frequent sightings of animals here. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How can a 3-month-old get cancer? Please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo But the recent sighting brings to mind the present range of the species and the possibility of solitary individuals moving long distances. An interesting fact and an even more interesting sighting, isn't it? Endangered status and roadblocks ahead The Indian grey wolf is classified as "Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has been estimated to have a population of 2,000 to 3,000 individuals in India. As the species is Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it is subject to numerous threats, including habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict , and hybridization with feral dogs. One of the most important challenges in conserving the Indian grey wolf is that most of its suitable habitat lies outside of protected areas. A study has indicated that out of approximately 4.2 lakh square kilometers of available habitat, only around 18,000 square kilometers are highly suitable, and only 1,332 square kilometers lie within protected areas. This is bound to increase the possibility of human-wolf conflict, as wolves attack livestock in the absence of natural prey, which triggers retaliatory killings by pastoralists. Additionally, the growing population of free-ranging domestic dogs in rural India poses a threat to hybridization and disease transmission, such as canine distemper and rabies. Y.V. Jhala (ex-dean, Wildlife Institute of India), who has done extensive research on Indian wolves, commented on the sighting, saying, " It does have a wolfish shape to it, but the curving of the tail and the dark coloration point towards the possibility of a hybrid with dogs. Till genetic analysis is done, nothing can be confirmed." he went on to say that although such occurrences are uncommon, they cannot be ruled out entirely since wolves are known to travel long distances. The online and local community reaction fueled a diverse array of emotions that ranged from fear and concern over the safety of locals to excitement. On the internet, a majority were surprised and curious, while others demanded that conservation efforts be implemented in the short term.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Hedgehog deer rescued by Punjab Wildlife in Shakargarh
Listen to article A hedgehog deer that had wandered into a residential area in Shakargarh city of Punjab province's Narowal district was successfully rescued and returned to its natural habitat by the Punjab Wildlife Department. The animal strayed into Mohalla Ansariya, prompting some locals to attempt capturing it. Wildlife officials quickly intervened, administered first aid, and released the deer into the Benhal protected forest. Punjab Rangers supported the rescue team during the operation, ensuring a smooth and secure release. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Sheikh Zahid Iqbal praised the joint efforts, saying the timely response helped preserve a vulnerable species and raised public awareness about wildlife protection. He noted that such animals, including deer and nilgai, often cross into Pakistan from India while fleeing poachers or seeking food. Once inside Pakistan, they are given necessary care and protection. The rescue highlights ongoing efforts by Pakistani authorities to protect biodiversity and educate citizens about the importance of conservation. Earlier, a rare Indian grey wolf was killed by shepherds near Bahawalpur, raising alarm among conservationists about the safety of endangered species in Pakistan's rural regions. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman confirmed that local shepherds tracked and killed the animal in a rural area. The carcass has been recovered and sent for post-mortem. Authorities are investigating the incident under the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020 (Amended 2025) and have pledged to file a case once the suspects are identified. The Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is an endangered subspecies native to dry and semi-arid regions of South Asia. Slightly smaller and more elusive than its European relatives, the animal rarely enters human settlements unless its habitat is disturbed or food sources run dry.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Rare Indian grey wolf killed by shepherds in Bahawalpur
Listen to article A rare Indian grey wolf has been killed by shepherds near Bahawalpur, raising alarm among conservationists about the safety of endangered species in Pakistan's rural regions. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman confirmed that local shepherds tracked and killed the animal in a rural area. The carcass has been recovered and sent for post-mortem. Authorities are investigating the incident under the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020 (Amended 2025) and have pledged to file a case once the suspects are identified. The Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is an endangered subspecies native to dry and semi-arid regions of South Asia. Slightly smaller and more elusive than its European relatives, the animal rarely enters human settlements unless its habitat is disturbed or food sources run dry. Experts say local herders often see wolves as threats to livestock, which leads to conflicts and retaliatory killings. 'This isn't just the loss of one animal—it's the loss of ecological balance,' said Badr Munir, conservationist and member of the Punjab Wildlife Management Board. He emphasised the wolf's key role as a top predator. He added that habitat loss and shrinking food sources often drive such predators toward villages. Conservation groups have condemned the killing and are calling for stronger protection laws and public education campaigns to reduce human-wildlife conflict. They urge government bodies to engage with rural communities and promote coexistence strategies before more wildlife is lost.
