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Published: 24 March 2025
Shahzada Iqbal, Rohan Desai, Ujjwal Kumar, Orus Ilyas & Qamar Qureshi Scientific Reports volume 15, Article number: 10060 (2025) Cite this article
Abstract
Species that rely on dens are integral to sustaining ecosystem balance, and gaining insight into their den selection patterns is essential for successful conservation efforts. The Indian Gray Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) faces significant challenges in finding safe denning sites amidst India’s human-dominated landscapes. The survival of this species depends heavily on its ability to coexist with humans. As one of the oldest wolf lineages, they have evolved separately and adapted to the semi-arid landscapes of India. This study investigates den-site selection within a 64 km² area of the MWS, Jharkhand, India. Between 2022 and 2024, 18 active dens were identified and analysed against 40 random locations to assess the importance of habitat and anthropogenic variables in den-site selection. The results revealed that dens are typically found in areas with abundant Sal (Shorea robusta) trees, steep slopes, and increased shrub cover. This highlights the significance of the Sal tree, where its cultural association helps minimize disturbances, indirectly supporting wolf breeding habitats. This study emphasizes the need to understand the ecological requirements of the Indian Gray Wolf and incorporate traditional cultural practices into wildlife management strategies. By shedding light on den site selection in tribal landscapes, the study offers crucial insights for wildlife managers, enabling them to develop effective conservation plans that promote the survival of Indian wolves and foster coexistence with humans amid evolving environmental conditions.
Introduction
Large carnivores worldwide are experiencing a significant decline, primarily due to habitat destruction and deliberate persecution by humans1. Many predator species are now classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered, with more than 75% of their populations undergoing a downward trend2,3,4. Human-wildlife conflict is now the leading factor driving many large carnivore populations toward collapse1,5,6. Thankfully, many conservation efforts over the past century have led to the recovery of several carnivore species that were once on the verge of extinction7. Although extinction is primarily a demographic process influenced by changes in mortality and fertility rates that lead to a decline in population growth8. Consequently, the study of breeding sites, which directly contributes to understanding species demography, is crucial for the formulation of effective population management programs8./…