Why in the News?
Indian Grey Wolves in the Kadbanwadi Grasslands in Pune District are exposed to threats from local dog populations, such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), rabies, and canine parvovirus.
About the Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes):
- The Indian Grey Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf, found in India, Southwest Asia, and parts of the Middle East.
- It has a brownish-grey coat with black and white markings and is less vocal, living in small packs of 2 to 6 members.
- This wolf is nocturnal, meaning it hunts mainly at night, preying on small animals like chinkaras (gazelles), rodents, and sometimes livestock.
- It lives in scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid regions, and prefers warm climates.
- As an apex predator of the grasslands, it plays a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of herbivores and smaller predators.
- The species is under threat due to habitat loss, disease from stray dogs, crossbreeding, and human conflict.
- Its conservation status is critical:
- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I (highest international protection)
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum legal protection)
Do you know?
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| [UPSC 2002] Which one of the following is monogamous?
Options: (a) Wolf* (b) Walrus (c) Seal (d) Deer* (Answer is disputed) |
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