Scientists record 10 Indian wolves on trail cameras

Trail cameras in West Bengal recorded a group of 10 Indian wolves, and researchers say the animals are persisting in human‑modified grasslands while facing habitat loss, conflict with people and competition from other carnivores.

Trail cameras positioned by researchers captured footage of a group of 10 Indian wolves in Madhaiganj in West Bengal. The team spent eight months in 2023 monitoring the animals using camera traps, surveys and interviews with local communities. The Indian wolf is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, and estimates suggest between 2,800 and 3,300 remain in the wild. Officials and researchers say the animals appear to be surviving in altered grassland landscapes but face multiple pressures. Key findings: - Trail cameras and fieldwork in Madhaiganj recorded a pack of 10 Indian wolves during monitoring in 2023. - The Indian wolf is classified as vulnerable, with estimated wild numbers between 2,800 and 3,300. - Reported threats include habitat loss from mining and urban change, direct killing or poisoning by people, and reduced natural prey leading to livestock predation. - Competition for habitat with common leopards and growing numbers of feral dogs are reported concerns, including possible disease transmission and resource competition. - The IUCN notes several zoos run captive breeding programmes intended as insurance populations, and advocates genetically informed selection if animals are used for reintroduction or supplementation. Summary: The camera footage documents a rarely recorded group of Indian wolves and adds data from an underreported part of eastern India. Researchers say these observations will inform conservation policy, and officials have proposed region-specific measures and monitoring, but detailed implementation plans and timelines are undetermined at this time.