Did you know that there's a Himalayan wolf? It's an animal that's visibly distinct from its European cousin and may just be the most ancient wolf lineage. But this animal is critically endangered, and now researchers are showing where this wolf can be found and how efforts can be made to help it.
The Himalayan wolf is much smaller than the European wolf. It has an unusually long muzzle, stumpy legs and distinct white coloration around its throat, chest, belly and inner parts of the limbs. It also has very "woolly" body fur, which has given it the common name of the "woolly wolf."
Populations of the woolly wolf, though, are suffering heavy mortality. In this latest study, the researchers conducted formal and informal interviews with about 400 local herders, livestock owners, nomads and village elite to find out about the status of the human-wolf conflict in Nepal. The researchers found that the wolves were perceived as a threat to local livelihoods and were often killed as a means to discourage hunting of livestock.
"These genetically distinct Himalayan wolves deserve special conservation attention, at the same time that the conservation of this species in a context of human-wildlife conflict is challenge," write the scientists involved in the new study. "A species action plan needs to be formulated that develops mechanisms to minimize conflict, and strategies for motivating local communities towards wolf conservation."
The wolf is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the National Red List. This means that if steps aren't taken, it's very possible that these wolves may become extinct.
These wolves mirror the story of many wolves around the world. Wolves in the United States were largely eradicated through hunting due to their perceived threat to livestock. Then, a conservation effort within Yellowstone National Park helped revive population numbers. Now, wolves can be found in several western states around the park.
In this case, though, the wolf population will need special care. Giving incentives to local farmers and herders could be a huge help to drive conservation efforts. With that said, intervention will be needed for these incentives to take place.
The findings are published in the April edition of the journal ZooKeys.
