CHITRAL: The Chitral Wildlife Division staff rescued an injured Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus chanco) in the Ragh area after a falling rock struck the animal.
They provided immediate veterinary treatment and placed the wolf under close observation.
The Wildlife Department plans to release the wolf back into its natural habitat once it fully recovers and veterinary experts give their approval.
It may be mentioned here that wolves and other wild animals often descend into human settlements in the winters in search of food in Chitral.
The Himalayan wolf is a rare and genetically distinct subspecies of the grey wolf. It thrives in the harsh, high-altitude environments of the Himalayas and inhabits remote regions of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Tibet.
As a top predator, it plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of fragile mountain ecosystems.
Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and limited research threaten this elusive species, making its conservation essential for Himalayan biodiversity.