News: Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in the country dedicated entirely to the Indian grey wolf.
About Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary
- It is India’s first and only sanctuary dedicated solely to the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes).
- Location: It is located in Mahuadanr valley in Latehar district of Jharkhand.
- It lies within the Chhota Nagpur plateau, bordering the Palamau Tiger Reserve.
- Area: The total forest area under the sanctuary is 63.256 sq. Km.
- Established: It was originally classified as “wasteland,” was later declared a sanctuary in 1976.
- Terrain: It is characterized by rocky hills, dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and streams.
- River: The major river which drains the Mahuadanr valley is Burha River.
- Flora: Bel, Dhaura, Khair, Salai, Piar, Kendu, Karonda, Ziziphus and stunted Sal, Kajhi, Chilbil & Amla are found here.
- Fauna: It hosts 27 species of mammals, 19 species of birds, 18 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, and 30 species of butterflies.
- The Green Pit Viper and the Whip Scorpion are also found in the sanctuary.
About Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes)
- It is a subspecies of the grey wolf, found across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
- Distinct features:
- It lives in smaller packs and is less vocal compared to other wolf subspecies.
- It is primarily nocturnal, hunting from dusk to dawn.
- Habitat– It is well-adapted to warmer climates and typically inhabits scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid agroecosystems.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Classified as Endangered, with the Indian population estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals.
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
