Tibetan Wolf

The Tibetan wolf is one of the 38 subspecies of gray wolf and is often considered to be the same as the Himalayan wolf (based on DNA research). This wolf has a sharp face and a pair of big pointed ears.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Carnivora
Family	Canidae
Genus	Canis
Species	Canis lupus
Scientific Name	Canis lupus filchneri

Quick Information

Description	Size: 58-65 in (147-165 cm) Weight: 65-70 lb (29.4-31.74 kg) Color: Earthy brown body, yellow to white belly and face
Distribution	Tibetan plateau, Xichang , Qinghai, and Gansu of China
Habitat	Alpine forests
Sounds & communication	Howls
Lifespan	6-13 years
Diet	Domestic sheep, mountain sheep, wild yaks, domestic goats, antelopes, and Thorold’s deer
Adaptations	Its physical feature is good for adapting in the high-altitude areas. The fur makes the wolf survive in the chilly zones.
IUCN Conservation Status	Not listed

Behavior

• They live in groups known as pack.
• They are not territorial per say.

Mating & Reproduction

The mating occurs between the alpha male and female of a pack during spring as this is the breeding season. After a gestation period of two months, the female wolf gives birth to 4-6 pups.

Life-cycle

Young pups weigh around 1 lb and they are taken care of by the mother wolf for around 2-3 months. They come out of the den after 3-4 weeks of birth. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 2.

Interesting Facts

1. Despite being considered same with the Himalayan wolf, the two types of wolves have different scientific name.
2. It is often considered as Mongolian wolf as well.
3. Since some wolf species live nearby, scientists hope for a natural cross-breeding in the wild.

References

1. https://thewolfintelligencer.com/tibetan-wolf-canis-lupus-chanco/
2. http://www.cosmosmith.com/tibetan_wolf.asp
3. https://www.wolfworlds.com/himalayan-wolf/
4. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/699412-Canis-lupus-filchneri