Soft release

• A “soft release” refers to a process in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation where an animal that has been cared for, often in captivity or rehabilitation centers, is gradually reintroduced into its natural environment. This method is in contrast to a “hard release,” which involves releasing an animal abruptly into the wild.

Key aspects of a soft release:

• Gradual Transition: During a soft release, the animal is given time to acclimate to its natural surroundings gradually. This process helps the animal adjust to the wild environment, relearn natural behaviors, and find food and shelter.
• Enclosure Access:The animal is usually released into a large enclosure or a protected habitat. This allows the animal to explore its surroundings while still having access to some level of human care if needed.
• Monitoring:Wildlife experts or rehabilitators closely monitor the released animal to ensure it is adapting well to the environment.
• Supplemental Support: In some cases, supplementary feeding may be provided for a period to help the animal bridge the gap between captivity and full independence. This support is gradually reduced as the animal becomes more self-sufficient.
• Release Site Selection: Factors such as availability of food, absence of significant threats, and compatibility with the species’ natural behavior are considered for soft release.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation: Soft releases are commonly employed in wildlife rehabilitation programs where animals, such as orphaned or injured ones, are cared for until they are ready to be reintroduced into their natural environment.

Indian Greywolf

• • The Indian grey wolf is generally smaller than its European and North American counterparts.
  • They have a bushy tail and a distinctive facial mask.
  • Indian grey wolves inhabit a range of ecosystems, including grasslands, scrublands, and semi-arid regions.

Why in news

• The Gujarat forest department has planned to release 10 Indian gray wolves from captivity into the wild.