The Himalayan wolf is an ancient wolf with a lineage that goes back 800,000 years. This ancient wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, is also critically endangered. It's considered a CITES Appendix I in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan -- meaning it's one of the most endangered animals on the planet that faces a real threat of extinction.
A new study published in ZooKeys confirms the Himalayan wolf's presence in Nepal. More specifically, the study took place in the Upper Mustang of Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). The ACA is a unique conservation area because locals are permitted to live in the protected area, tourists and trekkers can visit and there's no military presence in place to protect the environment and wildlife. After interviewing herders, livestock owners, nomads and the village elite, both formally and informally, the researchers learned that livestock is behind the wolf's high mortality rate. The war on wolves occurs "mainly in retaliation for livestock depredation" as the wolves threatened their livelihoods, according to ZooKeys. The team called for "species action plan" to save this ancient, genetically distinct wolf.
The Nepalese government has to get involved, particularly in the area of human-wolf conflict, if Himalayan wolf conservation is to become a reality. Possible solutions to start could include increased economic support and a military presence to protect the wolves. Sign and share this petition urging Nepal's leaders and local conservationists to work together on an action plan to save the ancient Himalayan wolf.
*The National Trust for Nature Conservation guides the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
Photo Credit: Kuribo
