Surviving in the Elusive Shadows: Human-Wolf Conflict

Indian gray wolves are highly social animals that live in packs, with an average pack size of 6–7 individuals. The pack is usually led by a dominant breeding pair, which is responsible for the survival and success of the group. Indian gray wolves are opportunistic hunters, and their diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized animals such as rodents, hares, reptiles, ground birds and antelopes. They are highly adaptable and use a variety of hunting tactics, including stalking, chasing, and ambushing their prey. They are known for their stamina and can run for long distances to catch their prey. However, in areas where livestock is abundant, they may prey on domestic animals such as goats and sheep.

Along with the states of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand, the central and western regions of India are major holdings for the population of the Indian gray wolf. They favour wide-open spaces and arid areas with less vegetation, as do shepherds and nomads who use these areas as grazing and pasture lands for their livestock.

Because the wolves, livestock, and shepherds all share this area, there are interactions between them that some may refer to as a conflict. It is this conflict which makes wolf reintroduction so controversial.

What are some causes for Human-Wolf Conflict?

Wolves are a common presence in the rural areas adjacent to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, and their impact on the livelihood of farmers, particularly shepherds, cannot be understated. Across numerous regions of the country, livestock such as sheep and goats play a crucial role in the local economy. These animals are grazed in unprotected grasslands, which quickly become depleted and unable to sustain populations of other herbivores like blackbucks which would have been the natural prey population. As a result, wolves are pushed to hunt more vulnerable and easily accessible prey such as sheep and goats, which can have significant negative effects on the local communities.

Livestock are a victim of Human-Wolf Conflict

Based on various studies, the percentage of livestock in the diet of Indian gray wolves can range from around 15% to 50% which varies depending on factors such as the region, season, and availability of prey. In some areas with high goat and sheep populations, the percentage can even exceed 50%. In addition to this wolves have also been observed scavenging on the carcasses of cattle. Additionally, the presence of wolves can also cause stress and fear among livestock, leading to a decline in their health and productivity.

India now hardly has any space to increase the areas of its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and thus it becomes important that these dwelling animals coexist with the human population. Therefore, reducing conflicts between wolves and local communities is essential for the survival of this species. The interaction between wolves and livestock is not only harmful to humans but also to these wolves.

What are some solutions to Human-Wolf Conflict?

Shepherds use various tactics to protect their livestock from wolf attacks. Some wolf-friendly and some not so much.

By Indian law, wolves are protected under Schedule 2, making it illegal to hunt or trap them, but there have been cases where Indian shepherds have killed Indian wolves as a means of protecting their livestock. In some instances, shepherds have used firearms or poisoned bait to kill wolves.

The government thus has implemented various measures to prevent such incidents, such as compensating shepherds for any loss of livestock due to wolf predation and promoting non-lethal methods of wolf control.

One approach is the use of livestock-guarding dogs, which are trained to live with and protect flocks of sheep or goats. Another strategy is the use of physical barriers such as fences or enclosures to protect livestock from predators.

Apart from this, there have been efforts to educate local communities about the importance of wolves in maintaining healthy ecosystems and the benefits of coexistence. This has included the dissemination of information on how to reduce the risk of wolf attacks on livestock, as well as the use of compensation schemes to reimburse farmers for any losses they may incur due to predation. Providing alternative livelihoods is crucial to minimise human wildlife conflict.

Why is human-wolf conflict a?concern?

Indian gray wolves are already critically affected by numerous threats, including habitat loss, habitat fragmentation , and poaching. Adding to these problems is the canine distemper virus, which has been identified as one of the latest dangers faced by this species. This virus can be spread by stray dogs , which come into contact with wolves, and the problem has only been exacerbated by the increasing interaction between humans and wolves. As human settlements and activities continue to encroach on wolf habitats , the risk of disease transmission between domestic dogs and wolves continues to increase. This is particularly concerning given the high mortality rate of the disease, which can wipe out entire wolf populations in just a few months. A lack of sufficient habitat and the threat of human wolf conflict is preventing the reintroduction of wolves in the UK.

Therefore, the need for conservation efforts that address both habitat protection and disease control is critical to ensuring the survival of the Indian gray wolf. The importance of wolves in the ecosystem should catalyze their conservation.

Conserving wolves in India is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Non-lethal approaches to wolf control have the potential to reduce conflicts between wolves and humans. The involvement of local communities, government authorities, and conservation organizations is essential for the successful implementation of conservation efforts. May the wolves and their habitat receive the attention that they have long deserved.

Written by: Samarth Jain

Conservation project to provide alternative, sustainable livelihoods to the communities living with wildlife. This is with the aim to incentivize conservation while uplifting these communities economically. You can purchase merchandise from these communities here !

Originally published at https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com on March 13, 2023.