Himalayan Wolf

Facts for Prelims

Himalayan Wolf

News: Recently, The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a distinct lupine species inhabiting the Himalayas, has recently been classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.

About:
• The Himalayan Wolf, scientifically known as Canis lupus chanco, is a canine of debated taxonomy. It is distinguished by its genetic markers, with mitochondrial DNA indicating that it is genetically basal to the Holarctic grey wolf, genetically the same wolf as the Tibetan and Mongolian wolf.
• It has a thick, woolly fur that is dull earthy-brown on the back and tail, and yellowish-white on the face, belly, and limbs.
• In India, the Himalayan Wolf can be found in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Other details:
• As per the first-ever assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Himalayan Wolf is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ under C2a (ii) based on a population size estimate of 2,275- 3,792 mature individuals. India has 227-378 mature individuals in its section of the Himalayas.
• Depredation conflict due to high livestock abundance in wolf habitats, habitat modification and encroachment, depletion of wild prey populations, and hybridisation with dogs are some of the major threats to the Himalayan wolf population.