Dhib! As bad press from Bahraich threatens imperiled Indian wolf, the video brings hope for its Arabian cousin

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes):

Description: The Indian wolf is a subspecies of grey wolf found across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is intermediate in size between the Himalayan wolf and the Arabian wolf, lacking the thick winter coat of the former due to its warmer habitat.
Behavioural Traits: Known for its cunning nature, the Indian wolf travels in smaller packs and is less vocal compared to other gray wolf variants.
Indian wolves are predominantly nocturnal, hunting from dusk to dawn.
IUCN Red list: Endangered

Behaviour and Ecology:

Pack Size and Social Structure:
- Typically lives in small packs consisting of 6-8 individuals.
- Exhibits less vocal behaviour, with rare instances of howling.
- Vocalizations include howls, howl-barks, whimpers, social squeals, and whines.
- There is a recorded instance of a lone Indian wolf associating with a pair of dholes in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Breeding and Denning:
- Breeding season occurs from mid-October to late December.
- Pups are usually whelped in holes or ravines, providing protection and shelter.
Diet and Prey:
- Primary prey include antelopes (especially blackbuck), rodents, and hares.
- In regions like Nannaj and Blackbuck National Park, blackbuck antelope make up to 88% of their biomass consumption.
Habitat and Range Overlap:
- Shares its range with various other species, including: Golden jackal, Sloth bear, Leopard, Bengal fox, Brown bear, Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger

Source: DTE