Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary

Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary Latest News

Hidden deep within the undulating hills of Latehar district in Jharkhand, the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary remains one of India’s most intriguing yet lesser-known wildlife destinations.

About Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary

• It is located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand.
• It is India’s first and only wolf sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes).
• The sanctuary, spread over approximately 63 square kilometers, was declared in 1976.
• It is an integral part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve.
• It is nestled within a landscape dominated by tribal communities, more than 80 percent of whom follow “Sarna Dharma”, a nature-worshipping religion that venerates forests, rivers, and natural elements.
• The Mahuadanr landscape is a stunning mosaic of sal forests, rocky plateaus, scrublands, and small river valleys, all vital for the survival of wolves that prefer open and semi-arid habitats for denning and hunting. 
• The Chechari or Mahuadanr Valley forms the core of this ecosystem. 
• The sanctuary is drained by the Burha river. The river meets the Aksi River and drains into North Koel near Kujrum. 
• It is also home to other species like leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, wild boars, and spotted deer.

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Key Facts about Indian Grey Wolf

• It is one of the smallest wolves in the world. 
• It is a subspecies of the grey wolf found across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
• It inhabits scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid agroecosystems and thrives in warmer temperatures.
• Unlike other wolf subspecies, it lives in smaller packs and is less vocal, being primarily nocturnal and hunting from dusk to dawn.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered (the Indian population estimated between 2,000–3,000 individuals).

Source: TOI