NEWS – Himalayan Wolf recategorized as Vulnerable by IUCN

HIMALAYAN WOLF

• Also called as Tibetan wolves, which live at more than 4,000 metres altitudes are genetically distinct from grey wolves
• Living at such high altitudes + genetically adapted themselves to live in low oxygen (hypoxic) conditions
• Distribution: China, Northern India(Union Territory of Ladakh and in the Lahaul and Spiti region in northeastern Himachal Pradesh)
• Conservation status: IUCN: Vulnerbale + CITES: Appendix I + Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Threats: It is illegally hunted for trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads, and other parts