
GREEN MINUTE NEWS:
Bringing cheers to conservation, Bankapura Wolf Sanctuary has added 8 new wolf pups/whelps. This protected area in Koppal district of Karnataka, India was formed exclusively for Indian wolves (Canis lupus pallipes which is a subspecies of Gray Wolf) in the recent times.
An area of 332.64 hectares at Bankapura, Koppal district was notified as a protected area for the Indian Wolf on January 03, 2023 by the Karnataka government. Presently, this protected area has a population of 35-40 wolves. The Indian Gray wolf is endangered and its population is estimated to be around 2000-3000.

With the birth of 8 pups, it has shown how the formation of a sanctuary and subsequent conservation measures has saved the Indian Gray Wolf from extinction, said Eshwar Khandre, Minister for Forests and Environment.
The forest minister added, “Presently, the wolves and other species are thriving in this newly formed wildlife sanctuary. Recently, one female wolf has given birth to 8 pups/whelps. Usually, 50 percent of the pups survive and thrive. I have directed forest officials to take all measures and protect the pups from human interference.”

The Bankapura habitat comprising of hills, caves and scrub forests is ideal for the endangered species of Indian Gray Wolf. The Bankapura Wolf Sanctuary is home to other species like leopards, striped hyenas, foxes, porcupines, hares and peacocks.
Eshwar Khandre said, “Plans are afoot to start safari in this sanctuary and develop it as a tourist destination. However, this will be taken up only after studies are done by forest officials to see whether the safari project is feasible in such a habitat.”

Compared to the Eurasian wolves, the Indian Gray Wolf is smaller and slightly built. During the summers, it has shorter thin furs, however, on the backside, it is longer. The fur is greyish-red to reddish white with grey tones while the pups are born sooty brown with milk white patches on the chest that fades later.
The Bankapura Wolf Sanctuary is just 15 kilometers from Gangavati town and is easily accessible. This is the first wolf sanctuary in Karnataka and the second one in India. The first wolf sanctuary (Mahaudanr) is located in Jharkhand state.