IUCN has flagged hybridisation between Indian wolves and feral dogs in Gujarat and Maharashtra — three confirmed cases in Gujarat’s Surendranagar & Little Rann of Kutch, plus genetic evidence in Maharashtra
About Indian Wolf:
•Scientific Name: Canis lupus pallipes, commonly referred to as the Peninsular wolf or Indian grey wolf.
•Conservation status: Classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
•Distribution: The Indian wolf was historically found across northern and western India, from Punjab and Haryana to Rajasthan and Maharashtra, thriving in open plains and semi-arid regions.
Physical Characteristics:
Smaller and leaner build: The Indian wolf is smaller and slimmer than Himalayan or Eurasian wolves, reflecting adaptation to open and dry landscapes.
Distinct coat coloration: It has a light brown-grey coat and short fur, which helps it camouflage in scrub and grassland habitats.
Adaptation to heat: The wolf lacks the thick undercoat found in northern wolves, enabling it to survive in high temperatures and low-rainfall regions.
Agile and long-limbed: Its long limbs and narrow body allow for speed and endurance during hunting in open terrains.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
