DISTRIBUTION RANGE AND POPULATION STATUS OF INDIAN GREY WOLF (CANIS LUPUS PALLIPES) AND ASIATIC JACKAL (CANIS AUREUS) IN LEHRI NATURE PARK, DISTRICT JHELUM, PAKISTAN

Present study on distribution range and population status of Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and Asiatic jackal (Canisaureus) was conducted in Lehri Nature Park district Jhelum from August 2008 to May 2009. The data was collected using direct observations and indirect signs in the field. Interviews were also conducted with the eye witnesses and victims' families of wolf attacks on their livestock in various hamlets of the study area. The line transect method was used for population density by collecting indirect signs by stratified random sampling. Vegetation analysis on plant community structure and cover of particular species was calculated by taking sample plots. Based on the data acquired, current population of Indian grey wolf was estimated to be 6 individuals while Asiatic jackal was 28 in the study area. The most preferred habitat of both the species was scrub forest. It is concluded that major threats to both the Canis species were low availability of natural prey and habitat destruction due to anthropogenic pressure. The information gathered will be functional for conservation and management of theen dangered grey wolfand Asiatic jackal near threatened species per IUCN status the salt range, Potho war region as well in Pakistan.