The Indian wolf (Canis Lupus Pallipes) is listed under schedule 1 of the wildlife protection act 1972.
They were widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent but their numbers have sharply declined due to poaching, loss of habitat and drastic reduction of prey species.
Also called the Indian Grey Wolf they are presently surviving in isolated human dominated pockets of the Deccan.
Koppal district, of which Hampi is an integral part, has the distinction of Wolves being detected in 86 % of the districts landscape.
A closer look at the sown or fallow agricultural fields and pastoralist groups with hundreds of sheep will reveal a variety of wildlife, the most enigmatic being the Indian Grey wolf.
They share the habitat with blackbucks, jackals, rusty spotted cats, jungle cats, leopard and the elusive striped Hyena.
The Shepherd community, Kurubas, have co- existed with wolves in this region for generations. They believe the wolves keep their flock fit by preying on the weak and diseased.
The Deccan Conservation Foundation
Founded in 1970 the team at DCF comprises of naturalist, retired bureaucrats, senior police officers, wildlife wardens, scientists, vet doctors and activists.
According to Indrajit Ghorpade the co- founder, while the Tiger is the umbrella species of forest, the Indian Wolf is the umbrella species of grasslands and if it can be saved, the associated species and their habitat will also be saved.
It is actively involved in the conservation and protection of wildlife habitat of Koppal district.
They have identified Twalahalla Community reserve, Mandalamari protected area / community reserve and Bankapura Reserve Forest as the habitat of Indian Wolf in the koppal district.
In collaboration with Karnataka Forest department they have installed cameral traps to observe the movement of Wolves and other animals.
This has been supported by private watchers, researchers and preparation of scientific reports
The Deccan Conservation Foundation is leaving no stone unturned in order to save the misunderstood and exclusive predator of the grasslands. Not too many people know that wolves exist in India because of the focus on the Tigers.
Eastbound Initiative
Eastbound having visited and interacted with the foundation members can facilitate a visit to this area to interact and observe the work done by the Foundation and to drive through the three areas identified to see the Indian wolf and other animals.
Specialists groups can spend more time at the foundation and at the three habitats interacting with the shepherd community; the local tribes and observing the wolves and other species that share this habitat.
The DCF field office and the relevant areas identified are 90 kms away from Hampi in Karnataka and the drive will be aprox 2 hours one way.
How to Connect
Koppal is about 60 kms (2hrs) drive one-way from Hampi. So can be done as a day excursion ex Hampi with a packed lunch
Where to Stay
Hampi has good accommodation available (luxury & mid range). Our preferred suggestions are TUTC Camp, Evolve Back Resort and the Heritage.
Only for small special interest groups – EB can put up comfortable Tents at Koppal (close to the DCF sites), giving the group an easy early morning and late evening access to the DCF sites for best sightings.
Closest Airport
Hampi is just 45mins drive away from Vidyanagar airport (daily flights operate to Hyderabad and Bangalore)
Hampi is approx 5hrs drive away from Bangalore international airport
Hampi is approx 4hrs 30mins drive away from Hubbali airport (daily flights operate to Mumbai and Bangalore)
Koppal is approx 2hrs 45mins drive away from Hubbali airport (daily flights operate to Mumbai and Bangalore)
