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.
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).
