India’s First Dedicated Wolf Sanctuary, Mahuadanr In Jharkhand, Keeps Hope Alive For The Elusive & Endangered Indian Grey Wolf

Wildlife lovers, have you ever wanted to explore an underrated wildlife destination? If yes, you would want to know about the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Latehar, Jharkhand. It’s India’s first wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the Indian grey wolves— creatures known for being elusive and mysterious. Here’s all about this unique sanctuary.

Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary: India’s First Wolf Sanctuary

Tiger sanctuaries are common in India, with many parks like Jim Corbett or Ranthambore dedicated entirely to them. But did you know that the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Latehar district, Jharkhand, is the country’s first wildlife sanctuary dedicated entirely to the Indian grey wolf? You might not have heard much about it, but its lesser-known nature makes it even more fascinating.

It’s not the only wolf sanctuary in India, though. The Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary in Karnataka is considered the second such sanctuary. But Mahuadanr was the first, established in 1976, and it offers a raw and unique wildlife experience far from mass tourism.

Here, you can spot the Indian grey wolves, lesser-known than their western counterparts. They are endangered but play a crucial role in maintaining India’s biodiversity. These wolves are elusive, less vocal, lean, and often hunt in smaller packs,  making them harder to detect. Sadly, threats like habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict continue to endanger their numbers and existence in India. 

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Population, Best Time To Visit, And A Unique Tribal Ritual 

Places like Mahuadanr still keep hope alive for these animals. According to a report by Down To Earth, the population of Indian grey wolves in the wild is estimated to be fewer than 3,000. India, home to tigers, cheetahs, and leopards, often overlooks these wolves, though they are equally vital for ecological balance.

You would be interested to know that the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is surrounded by tribal communities, over 80% of whom follow ‘Sarna Dharma.’ It is a traditional practice where locals avoid entering the forests during the winter months, believing it may anger the deities. This custom coincidentally helps protect wildlife, keeping the forests undisturbed during the wolves’ breeding season, which falls between November and February. Fascinating, right? It feels as if nature itself is protecting the Indian grey wolves! 

If you are keen to see the Indian grey wolf in its natural habitat, plan a visit to this offbeat sanctuary in Jharkhand. It’s raw, rustic, and unlike your safari destinations. The best time to visit is between October and June, especially from November to February. This is the time when wolves are more active due to their active breeding season.

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Be prepared for a rugged experience; this is not your regular safari trip. But if you love the wild in its truest form, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list! You can also spot wild boars, spotted deer, and even hyenas in this wildlife sanctuary. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Government of Jharkhand/ Website