In a discovery that has stunned conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike, an animal believed to be the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) was spotted in Delhi’s Yamuna floodplains, near the Palla region where the river enters from Haryana. This could mark the first confirmed presence of the species in the national capital since the 1940s.
The sighting was reported by Hemant Garg, a 41-year-old businessman and wildlife enthusiast who is famous for discovering the green corridors in Delhi. “I spotted this dog-like animal around 8 am on Thursday. It had a dark grey coat and walked differently from a street dog. I took a few photos before it ran into the tall grass and disappeared,” said Garg to Hindustan Times.
Distinct Traits of the Indian Grey Wolf
The Indian grey wolf is a subspecies of grey wolf that has been suited to live in the arid and semi-arid climate of the Indian subcontinent. It has a slender body, colourless grey or brownish coat, large ears, and long limbs. Compared to its fur-bearing northern relatives, this wolf is well adapted to live in open grasslands and arid forests. It typically preys on small animals such as rodents and birds, and sometimes preys on livestock, particularly in human-proximate areas.
Photos posted by Garg soon caught the eye of experts. India’s top wolf expert Dr YV Jhala examined the pictures and stated, “The animal certainly looks like a grey wolf. But features like its tail and fur color suggest it could be a hybrid—possibly part wolf, part feral dog,” Jhala said. “We need genetic testing to be sure.”
If confirmed, the sighting would be a critical milestone for urban India’s conservation efforts. “This is not just about one animal,” observed a scientist from the Wildlife Institute of India. “If it’s really a wolf, it means there are still natural corridors connecting Delhi to nearby states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. That’s a big deal for conservation.”
Historical Context: Wolves in Delhi
Delhi’s biodiversity histories have for a long time regarded the grey wolf as extinct within the area. GN Sinha, a top-ranking forester, reported in 2014 that since the 1940s, there had been no wolf sightings. Such a chance of a wolf’s reappearance after almost 80 years is thus highly meaningful.
Wolves have been known to cover long distances—frequently hundreds of kilometers—to search for food or their partners. On January 2024, a confirmed wolf presence was reported in the Chambal area, merely a few hundred kilometers from Delhi. Specialists believe the animal may have traveled along riverbanks, agricultural corridor, and forest patches to arrive in Delhi.
Yet, fast-paced urbanisation continues to reduce natural habitats. Wolf-feral dog hybridisation is increasing with more and more interactions around human habitations.
Although pictorial proof seems hopeful, specialists one and all demand genetic testing. Wildlife conservationist Raghu Chundawat too examined the snaps and remarked, “It looks like an Indian grey wolf, but without DNA tests, we cannot say anything for certain.”
What the Future Holds for Delhi’s Wildlife
The sighting is exciting but also worrying. There are fewer than 3,000 Indian grey wolves left in the wild. Primarily found in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, they survive in scrub habitat and frequently adjacent to rural settlements. Their return to the city outskirts like Delhi, if true, would revive attempts to save green corridors and natural habitats.
This might be a turning point,” Jhala said. “It’s a rare moment that reminds us nature can still find a way—if we let it.
