Context:
The Indian grey wolf recently gave birth to eight pups at the Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary in Karnataka's Koppal district. The Forest Department has implemented stringent safety measures to ensure the survival of the pups, as typically only half survive in the wild.

About the Indian Grey Wolf

• Scientific Name: Canis lupus pallipes.
• Habitat: Found predominantly in arid and semi-arid regions across India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra.
• Ecosystems: Inhabits grasslands, scrublands, and deserts, showcasing adaptability to diverse environments.
• Physical Characteristics:
• Smaller in size compared to other grey wolves.
• Fur coat is greyish-brown with lighter and darker shades.
• Social Behavior:
• Highly social and family-oriented, living in packs that typically consist of a breeding pair and their offspring.
• Skilled hunters preying on small to medium-sized ungulates, with occasional scavenging behavior.
• Conservation Status:
• Listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.
• Faces threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
• Conservation initiatives are crucial to ensure their survival and protect their natural habitats.

Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary

• Situated in Koppal district, Karnataka, approximately 15 kilometers from Gangavati town.
• Area and Terrain: Spans 332 hectares, encompassing scrub forests, hills, and natural caves, which provide a diverse ecosystem.
• Wildlife Diversity: Apart from wolves, the sanctuary is home to species such as leopards, peacocks, blackbucks, foxes, hares, and porcupines.
• Significant Developments:
• Recently, a female Indian grey wolf gave birth to eight pups, increasing the sanctuary's wolf population to approximately 35-40.
• Enhanced safety protocols are in place to protect the pups, minimizing human disturbance.
• Authorities have proposed designating the sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone and are exploring the feasibility of establishing a safari to promote eco-tourism.
• Historical Significance: Karnataka’s first Wolf Wildlife Sanctuary, officially declared at the 15th Wildlife Board meeting.

Conservation and Tourism Prospects

The Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary holds immense potential for conservation and eco-tourism. With its unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity, it can serve as a vital habitat for endangered species like the Indian grey wolf while attracting nature enthusiasts and researchers.