Hidden in the jungles of Jharkhand's Latehar district lies India’s first wolf sanctuary that the majority of Indians have never heard of: Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary. It's the only refuge in the nation that caters solely to the Indian grey wolf. It may not have the same level of fame as Ranthambore or Jim Corbett, but everyone who ventures here can attest that there is an eerie sense of antiquity in following in the footsteps of one of the oldest predators in India.
Explore the Indian grey wolf sanctuary
The Indian grey wolf, which is smaller, leaner, and far more secretive than its more well-known Himalayan relatives or the Western howlers depicted in movies, is a formidable predator. Its large legs and short hair make it a perfect fit for the arid plains and sparse trees that characterise the heartland of India. Unless there's a fight, you won't hear much about them, and they seldom hunt in big groups. Deforestation, prey loss, and expanding urbanisation often lead to increased human proximity and tragedy. Conservationists consider the species endangered, yet places like Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary hold promise.
Mahudanr Wolf Sanctuary – India's first wolf sanctuary
For these creatures, there are still havens like Mahuadanr. There are fewer than 3,000 wild Indian grey wolves, according to research by Down To Earth. Wolves are just as important to ecological balance as tigers, cheetahs, and leopards, yet they are often overlooked in India. You may be curious to hear that more than 80% of the tribal groups around the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary adhere to 'Sarna Dharma.' For fear of upsetting the forest gods, it is customary for the inhabitants to stay out of the woods throughout the winter. During the wolf mating season (November–February), this practice helps preserve the woodlands unspoiled, which in turn protects biodiversity.
Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary- when to visit and what to look out for
Make plans to visit this quirky refuge in Jharkhand if you are eager to see the Indian grey wolf in its natural habitat. It's undeveloped and rural, unlike the safari locations you're familiar with. October–June is the sweet spot for a visit, with the months of November–February being particularly ideal. Because they are actively reproducing, wolves are most active during this period. This safari is not ordinary; prepare for a challenging adventure. However, if you genuinely appreciate nature, you should be sure to include the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary on your itinerary. In this wildlife refuge, you may also see hyenas, spotted deer, and wild boars. If you were unaware, the Mahuadanr Wolf Refuge, located in Jharkhand's Latehar district, is the first wildlife refuge in the nation dedicated solely to the Indian grey wolf. Its obscurity adds to its charm, even if you're not familiar with it.
Wolf sanctuaries in India to know about
Did you know there are more wolf sanctuaries in India? One such refuge is the Bankapur Wolf Refuge in Karnataka. The first, Mahuadanr, opened in 1976, provides an authentic, off-the-beaten-path encounter with animals, away from the hustle and bustle of mainstream tourists. The Indian grey wolf is more common in the West but remains obscure and less well-known in this region. Despite their plight, they are essential to preserving India's biodiversity. These wolves are difficult to spot due to their stealthy and quiet nature, slim build, and tendency to hunt in smaller groups. Their numbers and survival are in jeopardy in India due to issues such as habitat degradation and conflicts with humans and other animals. Speaking of the Indian grey wolf, here’s what you need to know about the species!
Here’s what you did not know about the Indian Grey Wolf
There are an estimated 3,093 remaining Indian grey wolves in Pakistan and India, which places the species in the "vulnerable" category on the Red List, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's worldwide council of canid specialists. Canid specialists have identified habitat loss and persecution as the primary causes of the population drop. Being a member of a wolf lineage that originated on the Indian subcontinent long before humans appeared, the Indian wolf is considered one of the oldest wolf species in the world. In contrast to the tiger, which is found in eleven countries, the Indian wolf is nearly extinct outside of India, with only ten to twenty individuals remaining in Pakistan.
Currently, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature recognises seven species within the genus Canis lupus, which is commonly referred to as the grey wolf. The official recognition of the Indian wolf increases the number of species in the Canis genus to eight. The other seven species in the genus Canis are Canis rufus, Canis latrans, Canis aureus, Canis simensis, Canis familiaris, Canis lupaster, and Canis simensis. Additionally, the genus Canis includes the domestic dog, the golden jackal, the Ethiopian wolf, the grey wolf, and the red wolf. Protected areas in India and Pakistan cover only 12.4% of the Indian wolf's range, according to the IUCN assessment. Governmental authorities do not formally protect or manage the habitat of the Indian wolf because most of its population lives outside designated protected areas. Consequently, most of the Indian wolf's population is directly affected by human-caused disruptions and dangers. The current trajectory indicates that risks will persist and potentially intensify over the next ten years.