For an understanding of the conservation status and likely impacts of habitat changes on the ecology of a top carnivore population, it is important to study the system as a whole. Such a holistic approach is essential since carnivores on top of the ecological pyramid are likely to respond to variations in the vegetation and associated prey population fluctuations. Both the food resources and habitat requirements are of equal importance in maintaining healthy carnivore populations. In case of wolf populations, an equally important parameter, is the attitude and level of persecution by the local human population. The life styles and socio-economies of local human populations are critical factors which contribute to the survival of wolf populations in a region. An indepth study of all these factors in a region is likely to take several years. Answers are needed within a short time span (couple of months) for an impact assessment of lignite mining at 3 sites in Lakhpat taluka of Kutch on wolf populations. Moreover, ecological answers are likely to be in shades of grey due to the extreme variability of ecological parameters and several confounding factors. The industrial lobby expects answers in Black and White. The methodology we have used for this impact assessment takes into account the issues discussed above and provides a data set that could aid in determining the likely impacts of lignite mining on wolf populations in the region.

• Literature review and discussion with local conservationists
   

• Delineation of the study area
   

• General surveys and site visits
   

• Vegetation belt transects
   

• Quantification of indirect wildlife signs and direct sightings
   

• Wolf food habits
   

• Informal interviews of pastoralists and farmers