Daily Current Affairs : 5-January-2024

Wolves, majestic members of the Canidae family, possess distinctive features such as a formidable physique, thick fur, sharp senses, robust jaws, pointed ears, and a long bushy tail. The recent groundbreaking initiative in Gujarat focuses on the successful reintroduction of captive-bred wolves into the wild, marking a historic effort outside the United States.

Ecology and Behavior:

Social Animals: Wolves exhibit remarkable social behavior, forming packs that include a breeding pair and their offspring. These packs collaborate in hunting and raising pups, showcasing a strong sense of community among them.

Apex Predators: As apex predators, wolves play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance by primarily hunting large ungulates like deer, elk, and moose. This natural role as biocontrol agents helps regulate populations of wild herbivores like nilgai and wild boars.

Communicative Masters: Wolves are known for their famous howls, which serve various purposes, including strengthening pack bonds, defending territory, and communicating with other packs. This unique communication system enhances their efficiency in cooperative activities.

Subspecies Found in India:

Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): Predominantly inhabiting the peninsular region of India, the grey wolf is an integral part of the Indian wildlife landscape.

Himalayan or Tibetan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco): Indigenous to the northern regions of India, particularly in Ladakh and the Lahaul and Spiti region of northeastern Himachal Pradesh, the Himalayan wolf contributes to the biodiversity of these areas.

Distribution Range in India:

Grey Wolf: Distributed across several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the grey wolf has a diverse presence in the country.

Himalayan Wolf: Primarily found in the Ladakh region and the Lahaul and Spiti region of northeastern Himachal Pradesh, among other areas, the Himalayan wolf thrives in unique and challenging terrains.

Protection Status:

Grey Wolf:

  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
  • Wildlife Protection Act (India): Schedule I
  • CITES Appendix: I

Himalayan Wolf:

  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

This Gujarat initiative not only contributes to the conservation of these remarkable creatures but also showcases the potential for such efforts to restore ecological balance on a broader scale.

Important Points:
  • Ecology and Behavior:
    • Wolves, largest Canidae family members, with imposing physique and distinctive features.
    • Social animals: Form packs for hunting and raising pups, emphasizing community bonds.
    • Apex predators: Crucial role in ecosystem balance by hunting large ungulates.
    • Biocontrol agents: Wolves regulate populations of wild herbivores like nilgai and wild boars.
    • Communicative masters: Wolves use howls for pack bonds, territory defense, and communication.
  • Subspecies Found in India:
    • Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): Predominantly in the peninsular region.
    • Himalayan or Tibetan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco): Indigenous to northern regions, including Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
  • Distribution Range in India:
    • Grey Wolf: Presence in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
    • Himalayan Wolf: Primarily in Ladakh and northeastern Himachal Pradesh.
  • Protection Status:
    • Grey Wolf: IUCN Red List (Least Concern), Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule I), CITES Appendix (I).
    • Himalayan Wolf: IUCN Red List (Vulnerable).
  • Significance of the Initiative:
    • Conservation impact: Contribution to the preservation of wolf species.
    • Ecosystem restoration: Demonstrates potential for ecological balance through wolf reintroduction.
Why In News

Gujarat’s unique project to reintroduce captive-bred wolves into the wild demonstrates promising early success, marking the first initiative of its kind outside the United States. The endeavor aims to replenish wolf populations, enabling them to function as biocontrol agents, regulating the populations of wild herbivores such as nilgai (blue bulls) and wild boars. As a testament to the program’s success, preliminary data shows a positive impact on local ecosystems with a noticeable decline in crop damage attributed to herbivores.

MCQs about Wolf Reintroduction Project

  1. What is the primary objective of Gujarat’s wolf reintroduction project?
    A. Entertainment
    B. Conservation
    C. Agriculture
    D. Infrastructure
    Correct Answer: B. Conservation
    Explanation: The project aims to reintroduce captive-bred wolves into the wild, contributing to the conservation and preservation of wolf species outside the United States.
  2. What is a key ecological role played by wolves as mentioned in the essay?
    A. Pollination
    B. Soil erosion control
    C. Regulating herbivore populations
    D. Oxygen production
    Correct Answer: C. Regulating herbivore populations
    Explanation: Wolves act as biocontrol agents, helping to maintain ecosystem balance by regulating populations of wild herbivores like nilgai and wild boars.
  3. Which region in India is the Himalayan or Tibetan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) primarily indigenous to?
    A. Western Ghats
    B. Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
    C. Sundarbans
    D. Western Himalayas
    Correct Answer: B. Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
    Explanation: The Himalayan wolf is indigenous to the northern regions of India, particularly in Ladakh and the Lahaul and Spiti region of northeastern Himachal Pradesh.
  4. What is the protection status of the Grey Wolf according to the IUCN Red List?
    A. Endangered
    B. Least Concern
    C. Critically Endangered
    D. Vulnerable
    Correct Answer: B. Least Concern
    Explanation: The Grey Wolf holds a status of least concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a relatively stable population. Additionally, it is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act in India and in CITES Appendix I.

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