The Mongolian wolf hails from Mongolia, northern and central China, Korea, and the Ussuri region of Russia. They are a subspecies of the famous grey wolf. These wolves face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments, farming, and ranching; hunting; trapping; hybridization with domestic dogs; and climate change, that can bring about severe droughts and severe winter storms. The IUCN lists these wolves as Vulnerable. Their population trend is listed as decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Canis lupus chanco
Weight: Up to 66 lbs.
Length: Up to 62 inches, plus up to a 12 inch tail
Height: Up to 23 inches, at the shoulders
Lifespan: Up to 15+ years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) While initially described in 1863 by John Edward Gray, these wolves were classified as a subspecies Canis lupus chanco by St. George Jackson Mivart in 1880.
2.) It has been proposed that since these canids also dwell in the Himalayans, they should also be given the common name of Himalayan wolf.
3.) Various ungulates, like Siberian roe deer, are their primary prey of choice. However, in a pinch, they will also prey on farm animals. This can result in their death as ranchers will retaliate and kill the attacking wolf or the entire pack.
4.) They can tolerate a range of habitats such as mountain taigas, boreal forests, forest-steppes, and desert steppes.
5.) Mongolians often see wolves as a spirit animal.
But wait, there’s more on the Mongolian wolf!
6.) These wolves are sometimes coined as “the sheep’s assassin”.
7.) Females undergo up to a 65 day gestation (pregnancy) that can yield up to 7 pups.
Did you know…?
There are only an estimated 3,792 wild individuals remaining, to date.
8.) Being endurance hunters, these wolves will hunt in packs that will chase down their prey until they fall to exhaustion. Then they move in for the kill.
9.) During the socialist era, mass organized hunts took place in order to control wolf populations.
10.) Berkutchi (or burki), is a traditional “sport” where trained golden eagles, partnered with hunters, are used to hunt wolves, requiring immense skill and “bravery”.
Now a Short Mongolian Wolf Video!
This video talks about grey wolves in general.
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Mars Films
