The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
Key points
- The animal has been categorised as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. The categorization is based on population size estimate of 2,275-3,792 mature individuals.
- All individuals were in one subpopulation stretching across the Himalayan range of Nepal and India and across the Tibetan Plateau.
- The Himalayan Wolf is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas.
- In 2018, it was confirmed that the Himalayan or Woolly wolf was a genetically unique clade/lineage/race of wolves.
- India is also home to the Indian/Common/Peninsular Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) that is found in the plains and the Deccan Plateau.
- Hybridisation with dogs was an emerging threat to the Himalayan wolf population in Ladakh and Spiti.
- The wolf is also illegally hunted for trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads, and other parts. However, hunting of these wolves is not legal in all range states.
