Wildlife is always an asset of the world and as each day passes various wild animals are now an endangered species. Numerous species of wolves and cats are now extinct and only a few are left on the list of survival that too at a very nominal rate. Based on a recent study it was discovered that with less than 3000 alive Indian wolves are the most endangered species in the wolf category.
Indian Wolves On verge Of Extinction
Indian wolves could be far more endangered than previously believed, reveals a novel study by researchers from the University of California, Davis. Researchers were able to discover this by sequencing the genome of the Indian wolf for the very first time. The study also highlighted that Indian wolves could actually represent the most ancient surviving lineage of wolves.
The Indian wolf species is found specifically in lowland India and Pakistan where they’re constantly threatened by human encroachment as well as urbanization of forests and natural habitats. Today their population numbers dwindle between 2,000 to 3,000.
Indian Wolves Are Unique
Researchers sequenced genomes of four Indian and two Tibetan wolves and included 31 additional candid genomes to better understand their evolutionary and phylogenomic history. Researchers found that Tibetan and Indian wolves were drastically different from each other as well as other wolf species.
According to the researchers, Tibetan and Indian wolves should be recognized as evolutionarily significant units — an interim designation that would allow prioritization of their conservation while their taxonomic classification undergoes revaluation. Today, Indian and western Asian wolf populations are considered as one population, however, this study’s findings reveal that Indian wolves are distinct from western Asian wolves and their distribution is far smaller than previously believed.
India and Pakistan are currently home to the endangered Indian wolves , they must adopt learnings from efforts for conservation of the Red wolves to prevent their extinction. Efforts to restrict urbanization with the help of legislation, especially in areas where Indian wolves often are found, could also be helpful in not affecting their populations. When the countries are dwelved in human matters, these animals also deserve to live and it’s our responsibility to safeguard their lives.
