Ecology and Conservation of Canids in the Salt Range with Focus on Indian Wolf (Canis Iupus Pallipes)

Abstract

Three spices of wild canids are reported to exist in the salt range namely ; Indian wolf ( canis iupus pallipes ) , red fox (vulpes vulpes pusilla ) and Asiatic jackle ( canis aureus aureus ) . to explore the ecology of wild candies in the salt range, a total of more than 814km of line transects were laid between 2010 and December 2005 on the random basis in different part of study area with view to estimate the population density of red fox and Asistic jackal . Information on Indian wolf ( canis inpus pallipes ) is also gathered based on the information gathers on live stocks depredation due to species and sightings . The data is presented on temporal basis. Data regarding socio-biological aspects has also been gathered from some 423 individuals following kellert 1985 and analyses of the same is presented. Information regarding extant of occurrence of Indian wolf has been gathered and is reflected in the report. Objectives of the project; • Workout the status and distribution of candis in the salt range • Conduct an extensive review of literature and reports on members of family canide with focus n wolf • Study and identify refuge area and habitat preference in the region where the animal still exit in the fair number • Collect information on ecology , behaviour and reproduce biology of the species; • Identify factor responsible for the recent decline in caned population and to seek methods to prevent carnivore predation on livestock at the outset. • Suggest potential ways and means, at least to stop population decline in the region over all effort in sampling they are in 814 km with an average transect of 4.54+2.44 and 3.52+1.78 km in protected areas and non protected area of salt range . Jackal population density is estimated in the area as 1.15+0.11 and 1.77+0.35 in proceed and non protected areas. Similarly, fox density in this area is founded to be 0.116+0.039 and 0.354+0.098 respectively. Density of red fox and jackal is also described in the selected stretched of protected and non protected areas spread in different geographic location. A general trend of higher densities in eastern salt range owes tom higher precipitation and better vegetative cover. Existence of rare Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis) is also described in the study area, reflecting the future extension of the range of distribution of the species. Human canid association in the area is described and it is founded that an iver all negativistic attitude exists among the residence of area irrespective of the age, sex and professional of the respondents. A low literacy level, absence of significant nature prey being responsible for such views if the people.