Distribution, Status, and Conservation of the Indian Peninsular Wolf

An understanding of the distribution range and status a species is paramount for its conservation. We used photo captures from 26,838 camera traps deployed over 121,337 km 2 along with data radio-telemetry, published, authenticated wolf sightings to infer locations. A total 3,324 presence locations were obtained after accounting spatial redundancy 574 modeling in maximum entropy framework (MaxEnt) ecologically relevant covariates potentially occupied habitats. Relationships occurrence eco-geographical variables interpreted based on response curves. Wolves avoided dense wet forests, human disturbances beyond threshold, arid deserts, areas high top-carnivore density, but occurred semi-arid scrub, grassland, open forests systems moderate winter temperatures. The potential habitat that can support occupancy was 364,425 largest available western India (Saurashtra-Kachchh-Thar landscape 102,837 ). Wolf habitats across all landscapes connected no barriers dispersal. Breeding packs likely ≈89,000 . Using an average territory size 188 (SE 23) , could hold 423–540 packs. With adult pack 3 0.24), density < 1 per 100 non-breeding habitats, population 3,170 2,568–3,847) adults estimated. states Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra major strongholds species. Within forested landscapes, wolves tended avoid top-carnivores more sympatric leopards dhole compared tigers lions. This ancient lineage threatened by loss development, hybridization dogs, fast-traffic roads, diseases, severe persecution pastoralists. Their as precarious tiger, yet focused conservation efforts are lacking. patches within each identified this study should be made safe free feral dogs so permit breed successfully recruit individuals ensure persistence larger long term.