Comparative Analysis of Past Delimitation Exercises & Their Impact on Governance

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                          Comparative Analysis  Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure fair representation based on population changes . In India, it is conducted by the Delimitation Commission , an independent body established under Article 82 (for Lok Sabha) and Article 170 (for State Assemblies) after every Census . Key Objectives of Delimitation ✔ Equal Representation – Ensures constituencies have uniform voter strength , preventing overrepresentation or underrepresentation.  ✔ Electoral Integrity – Adjusts boundaries to reflect demographic shifts , maintaining fair political representation .  ✔ Reservation Adjustments – Determines SC/ST reserved seats based on population distribution. Historical Timeline of Delimitation in India 📌 1952 – First delimitation based on the  1951 Census .  📌 1963 – Adjustments after state reorga...
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     The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) 

                         


The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of the gray wolf, found in Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is intermediate in size between the Himalayan wolf and the Arabian wolf, but lacks a thick winter coat due to its adaptation to warmer climates.

Key Facts About the Indian Wolf

  • Scientific Classification:

    • Kingdom: Animalia

    • Order: Carnivora

    • Family: Canidae

    • Genus: Canis

    • Species: Canis lupus

    • Subspecies: Canis lupus pallipes


  • Habitat: Found in semi-arid grasslands, scrublands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems.

  • Behavior: Hunts in small packs, is less vocal than other wolf subspecies, and has a reputation for being cunning.

  • Appearance: Grayish-red to reddish-white fur, with a dark V-shaped patch around the shoulders.

  • Diet: Carnivorous, preying on antelopes, rodents, hares, and raccoons.

  • Conservation Status:

    • IUCN Red List: Endangered

    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed in Schedule I, providing the highest degree of protection in India.

    • CITES: Appendix I, indicating species threatened with extinction.

Threats & Conservation Efforts

  • Threats: Habitat destruction, poaching, and competition with feral dogs.

  • Conservation Measures:

    • Protected areas like Kadbanwadi Grassland, Maharashtra.

    • Community-led conservation efforts in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

    • Research on genetic uniqueness, as the Indian wolf is phylogenetically basal to all other gray wolf subspecies

 The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, located in Latehar district, Jharkhand, is India's first and only dedicated wolf sanctuary. It was established in 1976 as part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve to protect the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes).

Key Facts About Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary

  • Location: Latehar district, Jharkhand

  • Area: 63.25 sq. km

  • Established: 1976 for Indian wolf conservation

  • Part of: Palamau Tiger Reserve

  • Wildlife: Home to spotted deer, wild boar, hyenas, bears, and wolves

  • Wolf Population:

    • 1979: 49 wolves

    • 2009: 58 wolves

    • 2020: 120 wolves

    • 2024: 70 wolves across four packs


Conservation Challenges & Efforts

  • Human Encroachment: Wolves have abandoned some dens due to human activities.

  • Habitat Protection: Strict conservation measures are in place to preserve the sanctuary.

  • Scientific Surveys: The first wolf census was conducted in 1979, and a new survey was launched in 2024 to assess population trends.

    📌 UPSC Relevance of the Indian Wolf

    1. Biodiversity & Conservation (GS Paper III)

      • The Indian wolf is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting it the highest level of protection.

      • Conservation efforts focus on grassland ecosystems, which are often overlooked in India’s environmental policies.

    2. Protected Areas & Wildlife Sanctuaries

      • Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary (Jharkhand) – India’s first dedicated wolf sanctuary (established in 1976).

      • Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary (Karnataka) – Karnataka’s first wolf sanctuary, highlighting regional conservation efforts.

    3. Human-Wildlife Conflict & Zoonotic Threats

      • The Indian wolf faces habitat destruction, poaching, and genetic dilution due to hybridization with feral dogs.

      • Rising concerns over canine distemper virus and human-animal conflict make it a case study for wildlife management policies.

    4. Climate Change & Grassland Ecosystems

      • Unlike forest-based conservation models, grassland ecosystems are often neglected in India’s environmental policies.

      • The Indian wolf’s survival is closely linked to grassland conservation, making it relevant for climate adaptation strategies.

    5. International Conservation Frameworks

      • The Indian wolf is listed under CITES Appendix I, indicating species threatened with extinction.

      • Conservation efforts align with India’s commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.




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