Literature review revealed that all the 3 proposed mining sites were within the historical range of Canis lupus pallipes (Jhala and Giles, 1991). Discussion with old timer naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts suggests that this area was a major strong hold not only for wolves but for all species of wildlife including leopards and caracal historically occurring in Kutch (M.K. Himatsinhji pers. comm.). According to records of the State Forest Department a healthy wolf population is believed to exist within the remnants of the neighbouring Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary. Parts of this sanctuary were included within our defined study area (Figure 1).

Wolf is an extremely secretive, highly intelligent carnivore and is primarily nocturnal. Being top carnivores, wolves typically occur at low densities and a single animal covers large areas as part of its normal routine (Mech, 1970). The combination of all the above characteristics makes direct sightings of wolves extremely rare. Data collection on such secretive species relies primarily on animal signs like tracks, scats, kills etc. However, during the course of this study wolves were sighted at 2 locations. A lactating female wolf (Plate 6) was sighted within the proposed mining lease area of Umarsar, and another male wolf was sighted within the buffer zone of the Mata-no-Madh proposed mining area (Figure 2). The presence of a lactating female wolf at Umarsar suggests that a breeding pack occupies the proposed mining area at Umarsar.

Two wolf dens were located near the proposed Mata-No-Madh mining area with the help of local people. Evidence of attempts to smoke out the pups was present at both locations. From one of the dens a foul decaying odour was detected. Excavation of this den resulted in exposing carcasses of 4 partly decayed month old wolf pups. At the other den evidence suggested that the villagers were unsuccessful in eliminating the pups. The wolves had likely moved the pups to another (undiscovered) den prior to the villagers setting fire to the den. The above evidence suggests that Mata-no-Madh and Umarsar area support breeding packs of wolves. Even though the local people had eliminated the current years litter of 4 pups at Mata-no-Madh, the wolves could potentially breed next year provided, habitat and food resources were available in the area.