India’s First Wolf Sanctuary in Jharkhand | 28 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Jharkhand’s Latehar district is India’s first and only sanctuary dedicated to wolves. 

Key Points 

• About Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary: 
  • The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary lies within a landscape inhabited largely by Sarna Dharma-following tribal communities. 
  • Over 80% of the local population practices Sarna Dharma, a nature-worshipping faith that venerates forests, rivers, and natural elements. 
  • Traditional Beliefs Supporting Wolf Conservation: 
    • One striking cultural practice involves seasonal avoidance of Sal forests during winter months (November to February), coinciding with the Sal tree’s sacred blooming season. 
    • This cultural reverence unintentionally creates periods of minimal human disturbance, aligning perfectly with the wolves’ critical breeding and denning season. 
• Insights from Scientific Research: 
  • A recent study published in Nature's Scientific Reports, titled "Den site selection by Indian gray wolves in tribal landscapes of Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary considering ecological and cultural factors", examined how wolves choose den sites in this unique cultural-ecological setting. 
  • Researchers hypothesised that wolves would prefer physically challenging terrains for dens while also benefiting from culturally imposed human avoidance zones. 
• Future of Indian Wolves: 
  • The future of the Indian gray wolf and other lesser-known carnivores may hinge on blending scientific understanding with respect for traditional knowledge. 
  • Conservation strategies must move beyond mere legal frameworks to engage cultural values that have long safeguarded ecosystems naturally.