Karnataka’s First Wolf Sanctuary

• 23 Jan 2021

Karnataka will soon get its first Indian Grey Wolf sanctuary in Koppal district of Kalyana-Karnataka region.

• Besides wolves, the area will also provide conservation of striped hyena, Indian fox, golden jackal and other fauna, the agenda copy added.
• Melkote region in Karnataka is said to be the first protected area for wolves in the country. The Melkote Wolf Sanctuary was reportedly set up by the maharajas of Mysuru. However, there has been no documentation of wolves in the region for over a decade.

Other Conservation Initiatives

• ‘Arsikere Sloth Bear Sanctuary’: The Karnataka Wildlife Board is likely to take up a proposal to set up ‘Arsikere Sloth Bear Sanctuary’ in the state by including Hirekallu Gudda and adjoining areas.
• Hesaraghatta: A long-pending proposal to declare Hesaraghatta — the last standing grassland ecosystem of Bengaluru — as a Conservation Reserve is also under consideration.

About Indian Grey Wolf

• It is a subspecies of grey wolf that inhabits semi-arid and arid areas.
• It inhabits the dry grassland regions of Deccan Plateau in pockets and prey on blackbucks and other herbivores.
• It lacks the luxuriant winter coat as it lives in warmer conditions.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature Status - Least Concern
• Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 - Schedule I Part I.