Though wolves are a Schedule - I species and are protected by law (Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972), they are persecuted throughout their range, since enforcement is difficult. Kutch is no exception where wolves in particular pose a severe threat to the local livestock industry. As a result there are frequent attempts by the local people to smoke out pups from the dens. During the course of this study several instances of attempts to smoke out pups were observed. Heavy seasonal grazing pressure from large livestock and fuel wood collection are the major biotic pressures that are responsible for habitat degradation in most of the project area.