Daily Current Affairs : 17-January-2024

The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) recently made its debut on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. This essay explores key facts about the Himalayan Wolf, its current status, factors contributing to its decline, and measures to protect this unique lupine species.

Habitat and Distribution:
  • Inhabits high elevations of the Himalayas in China, Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
  • Thrives in alpine meadows and grasslands at elevations of 10,000 to 18,000 feet.
Genetic Characteristics:
  • Possesses distinctive genetic markers predating the Holarctic grey wolf.
  • Mitochondrial DNA analysis reveals unique genetic foundation.
Behavior and Diet:
  • Travels in small packs.
  • Predominantly hunts wild sheep and goats, occasionally preying on marmots, hares, and birds.
Population Status:
  • Estimated population of 2,275-3,792 mature individuals.
  • Main concentration in subpopulations across the Himalayan range.
Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
  • Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Schedule I.
IUCN Red List:
  • Global resource for assessing extinction risk.
  • Indicator of global biodiversity health.
  • Categories: NE to EX, with CR, EN, and VU indicating extinction threat.
Role in Conservation and Development Goals:
  • Key indicator for Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi Targets.
  • Green Status assesses recovery and conservation success.
Factors Contributing to Decline:
  1. Habitat Degradation:
    • Ongoing reduction in habitat area, extent, and quality.
  2. Depredation Conflict:
    • Livestock abundance triggers conflicts.
    • Negative attitudes towards conservation due to conflicts.
  3. Interbreeding with Domestic Dogs:
    • Increasing interbreeding in Ladakh and Spiti.
    • Competition for resources intensifies.
  4. Illegal Hunting:
    • Wolves hunted for fur, body parts, despite legal protection.
Measures to Protect Himalayan Wolves:
  1. Habitat Conservation:
    • Restore healthy prey populations.
    • Establish wildlife habitat refuges.
  2. Livestock Protection:
    • Improve guarding methods.
    • Implement sustainable herding practices.
  3. Management of Feral Dogs:
    • Control feral dog populations.
    • Preserve ecological balance in wolf habitats.
  4. Transboundary Cooperation:
    • Emphasize interconnectedness of wolf populations.
    • Implement coordinated research and monitoring initiatives.
Important Points:

Himalayan Wolf Overview:

  • Recently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
  • Inhabits high elevations of the Himalayas in China, Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
  • Unique genetic markers, predating the Holarctic grey wolf, as revealed by mitochondrial DNA.

Population Status:

  • Estimated 2,275-3,792 mature individuals.
  • Concentrated in subpopulations across the Himalayan range.

Conservation Status:

  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
  • Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Schedule I.

IUCN Red List Significance:

  • Global resource for assessing extinction risk.
  • Indicator of global biodiversity health.
  • Categories range from NE to EX, with CR, EN, and VU indicating extinction threat.
  • Key indicator for Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi Targets.

Factors Contributing to Decline:

  1. Habitat Degradation:
    • Ongoing reduction in habitat area, extent, and quality.
  2. Depredation Conflict:
    • Livestock abundance triggers conflicts.
    • Negative attitudes towards conservation due to conflicts.
  3. Interbreeding with Domestic Dogs:
    • Increasing interbreeding in Ladakh and Spiti.
    • Competition for resources intensifies.
  4. Illegal Hunting:
    • Wolves hunted for fur, body parts, despite legal protection.

Conservation Measures:

  1. Habitat Conservation:
    • Restore healthy prey populations.
    • Establish wildlife habitat refuges.
  2. Livestock Protection:
    • Improve guarding methods.
    • Implement sustainable herding practices.
  3. Management of Feral Dogs:
    • Control feral dog populations.
    • Preserve ecological balance in wolf habitats.
  4. Transboundary Cooperation:
    • Emphasize interconnectedness of wolf populations.
    • Implement coordinated research and monitoring initiatives.
Why In News

The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas, has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive conservation measures to safeguard this unique and ecologically vital species.

MCQs about Himalayan Wolf

  1. What is the current conservation status of the Himalayan Wolf according to the IUCN Red List?
    A. Critically Endangered (CR)
    B. Vulnerable (VU)
    C. Endangered (EN)
    D. Near Threatened (NT)
    Correct Answer: B. Vulnerable (VU)
    Explanation: The Himalayan Wolf is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
  2. Where is the main concentration of the Himalayan Wolf population located?
    A. Rocky Mountains
    B. Andes Mountains
    C. Himalayan Range
    D. Alps Mountains
    Correct Answer: C. Himalayan Range
    Explanation: The main concentration of the Himalayan Wolf population is found in subpopulations across the Himalayan range.
  3. What is a significant factor contributing to the decline of the Himalayan Wolf population related to human-wildlife conflict?
    A. Climate Change
    B. Habitat Degradation
    C. Interbreeding with Domestic Cats
    D. Overpopulation of Wild Prey
    Correct Answer: B. Habitat Degradation
    Explanation: Ongoing reduction in the area, extent, and quality of the wolf’s habitat is a significant factor contributing to their decline.
  4. Why is the IUCN Red List considered a crucial global resource?
    A. It predicts weather patterns.
    B. It assesses extinction risk.
    C. It ranks popular tourist destinations.
    D. It promotes pet adoption.
    Correct Answer: B. It assesses extinction risk.
    Explanation: The IUCN Red List is a global resource for assessing the risk of extinction among various species, providing insights into their characteristics, threats, and conservation measures.

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