A wolf recently gave birth to eight pups at the Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Koppal district.

About Indian Grey Wolf

• Subspecies: A subspecies of the grey wolf, ranging from Southwest Asia to the Indian subcontinent.
• Distribution: Extends from Israel to the Indian subcontinent.
• Nocturnal Behavior: Hunts primarily during dusk to dawn.
• Monogamous Nature: Mates with only one partner throughout its lifetime.
• Gestation period: 62-75 days.
• Pack Size: Travels in smaller packs and is less vocal than other wolf species.
• Habitat: Prefers scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid agro-ecosystems, thriving in warmer conditions.

Conservation Status

• IUCN: Listed as Endangered.
• CITES: Included in Appendix I.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I.
• Threats: Habitat loss, depletion of prey species, and human interference.

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Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary Highlights

• Location: Spread across 332 hectares near Gangavati town, Karnataka.
• Flora and Fauna: Hosts wildlife like leopards, blackbucks, foxes, and peacocks alongside wolves.
  • The sanctuary features a dry Grassland on Deccan Plateau with Acacia, Neem and Ficus plants.
• Current Wolf Population: Approximately 35-40 wolves, including the new pups.
• Declared as Karnataka’s first Wolf Sanctuary during the 15th Wildlife Board meeting.

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