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Delhi's Wild Secret: Wolf Sighted Again!
30 Mar
Summary
- Indian grey wolf spotted again in Delhi's Palla area.
- Wildlife experts confirm animal is likely an Indian wolf.
- Wolf sightings crucial for citizen science and conservation efforts.
A suspected Indian grey wolf was recently sighted for the second time in ten months along the Yamuna floodplains in north Delhi's Palla area. The animal, observed on a Saturday morning, was noted to be sporting a winter coat.
Wildlife enthusiast Hemant Garg, who spotted the wolf, shared photographs with experts. Renowned wildlife scientists, including YV Jhala and Dr Bilal Habib from the Wildlife Institute of India, have confirmed the animal as a wolf. While the tail shows possible signs of hybridization, experts generally agree it is an Indian wolf.
This marks a significant rediscovery, as there were no prior records of wolves in Delhi before the sighting last year. A 2014 publication indicated Indian wolves had not been seen in the capital since the 1940s.
The Indian grey wolf is classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN, with an estimated 2,877 to 3,310 mature individuals remaining in the wild. These repeated sightings highlight the vital role of citizen science in wildlife documentation and preservation efforts.
