THE HIMALAYAN WOLF 

SOURCE DRISHTI IAS ENGLISH

The himalayan wolf (canis lupus chanco ), a prominent lupine predator , found across the himalayans, taxonomic status has been assessed for the first time in the international union for conservation of nature (UCN)'s red list.

• The animal has been categorised as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN red list according to a data assessment done in june 2023.
• The IUCN red list assessment has also flagged a  'continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat' of himalayan wolves.

Reasons for the decline 

• Habitat modification , encroachment and depletion of wild prey populations are important drivers of this conflitct.
• the wolf is also illegally hunted for trade in its fur and body parts.
• it highlighted that hybridisation with dogs was an emerging threat to the himalayan wolf population in ladakh and spiti.

Measures to enhance the protection of himalayan wolves 

• securing and resting healthy wild prey populations and landscape and setting aside wildlife habitat refuges.
• improving livestock guarding methods, such as predator - proof corral pens using sustainable livestock herding practcies , including reduced livestock loads , adapted herding, and developing  novel but tradition - based holistic management practices.
• need for management of feral dog populations.
• transboundary efforts in conservation of the species in range countries through research and monitoring.