Kutch represents one of the areas classified under the desert zone of the country. The concerned area of Kutch offers unique habitat for significant populations of several endangered faunal species. Some of these species are of national and international significance, the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is one of them.

Increasing population, industrialisation and the problems of drought prone climate already place great pressures on ecological viability of some of the wildlife habitats in this region. The proposed projects for lignite mining in Lakhpat district are being looked upon as a source of added pressure on species and their habitat resources. The Indian Grey Wolf, a species of global conservation significance is found in this region.

The Indian wolf is a highly endangered canid primarily inhabiting the arid and semi-arid tracts of the Indian sub-continent. According to Shahi (1981) not more that 500-800 wolves are believed to exist in India. More recent surveys estimate numbers close to 1500 individuals in the Indian Union and about 250 wolves in Gujarat (Jhala and Giles, 1991; Jhala, 1993). The wolf population in Kutch being a major strong hold for the continued survival of the species in India. With such low numbers, the wolf could be considered even more endangered than the tiger (Panthera tigris), whose numbers are officially estimated to be close to 3,000. Major threats to surviving wolf populations in India are - i) loss of remote habitat patches for breeding, ii) depletion of natural prey populations resulting in enhanced human-wolf conflicts and iii) direct persecution by humans (Jhala, 1991; Jhala and Giles, 1991; Jhala, 1993).

An assessment of the impacts of the lignite mining with particular emphasis to the Indian Grey Wolf is therefore crucial for formulating the strategies for the conservation of endangered desert fauna and also for rectifying, rehabilitating and restoring the affected environment.