Pune: A recent discovery of a hybrid wolf-dog species near Pune has raised alarm among conservationists and the Forest Department. The evidence points to a growing issue that threatens the ancient Indian wolf species, presenting significant conservation challenges.

The Grasslands Trust, in collaboration with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), has been studying wolf-dog hybrids since 2013-14.

Mihir Godbole, founder of The Grasslands Trust, noted, "During the lockdown, we observed a yellowish animal near Pune, which was later identified as a hybrid. Genetic testing confirmed it as a mix of dog and wolf."

This discovery marks the first scientifically proven case of such hybridization in India. The findings, published in the Journal of Ecology and Evolution, also revealed that these hybrids can reproduce.

Risks of Hybridization

The hybridization poses a significant risk to the Indian wolf, potentially diluting their unique genetic identity. Mihir Godbole explains, "Dogs can spread diseases like rabies to wolves, which could decimate local wolf populations."

Causes of Hybridization

Dogs and wolves are closely related genetically, with dogs having evolved from wolves. Reduced wolf populations can lead to interbreeding with dogs. Human activities such as agriculture, grazing, and waste disposal in grasslands, along with urbanization, have increased interactions between stray dogs and wild wolves.

Conservation Efforts Needed

The findings underscore the need for immediate conservation measures to safeguard the Indian wolf and address the growing issue of hybridization. Godbole emphasizes, "We have submitted a report to the state Forest Department outlining conservation strategies for pure wolves. Identifying and protecting hybrid-free areas and pure wolf populations is crucial."

There is an urgent need to protect and conserve the Indian wolf. The hybrid species has been detected in Pune, Gondia, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Satara, and other regions in Maharashtra, as well as in Rajasthan and Gujarat.