Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary

The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is located in Latehar district of Jharkhand. It is nestled within a landscape dominated by tribal communities.

• It is India’s only dedicated sanctuary for Indian gray wolf (Canis lupus pallipes).

• One of the most striking practices among the adjacent tribal communities (Sarna followers) is their seasonal avoidance of Sal forests during the winter months, a time considered sacred as it coincides with the blooming of the Sal tree (Shorea robusta).

• The belief is that entering the forest during this sacred phase may anger the deities, and so these groves are left undisturbed from November to February.

• Coincidentally, this period aligns perfectly with the breeding and denning season of the Indian gray wolf.

• One of the most remarkable traits of the Indian grey wolf is its ability to coexist with humans. Over 70 per cent of its population lives outside India’s protected areas, inhabiting human-dominated landscapes.

(Source: Nature)