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- In Maharashtra’s Kadbanwadi grasslands, the endangered Indian grey wolf faces an increasing threat—attacks from feral and domestic dogs. This added pressure compounds existing dangers to the species' survival.
- About the Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes):
- A subspecies of the grey wolf, the Indian grey wolf inhabits arid and semi-arid open plains and grasslands across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It plays a crucial role as a top predator in these ecosystems. Unlike other grey wolf subspecies, it tends to move in smaller packs and is less vocal, exhibiting more elusive behavior.
- Conservation Status:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I, granting it the highest level of legal protection in India.
- Major Threats:
- Habitat loss due to agricultural and industrial expansion
- Decline in natural prey species
- Habitat modification
- Spread of diseases from feral dogs, which now also pose direct physical threats through attacks.