The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of Grey wolf. It travels in smaller packs and is less vocal than other variants of the Grey wolf, and has a reputation for being cunning. The Indian wolf is one of the most endangered populations of Grey wolves in the world.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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CursorialA cursorial organism is one that is adapted specifically to run. An animal can be considered cursorial if it has the ability to run fast (e.g. chee...
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AltricialAltricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. They lack hair or down, are not able to obtain food ...
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Pack huntersA pack hunter or social predator is a predatory animal that hunts its prey by working together with other members of its species. Normally animals ...
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Pursuit predatorPursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. Pursuit predators r...
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Apex predatorAn apex predator, also known as a top predator, is a predator at the top of a food chain and has no natural predators. These animals usually occup...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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Ambush predatorAmbush predators are carnivorous animals that capture or trap prey by stealth, luring, or by (typically instinctive) strategies utilizing an elemen...
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Pack huntersA pack hunter or social predator is a predatory animal that hunts its prey by working together with other members of its species. Normally animals ...
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MonogamyMonogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. This pair may cohabitate in an area or territory for...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Indian wolf is medium in size and lacks a luxuriant winter coat due to it living in warmer conditions. Indian wolves have short, thin fur in summer, though the hair on the back remains long even in summer. It is suggested that it's an adaptation against solar radiation. The fur is generally greyish-red to reddish-white with grey tones. The hairs are grizzled with black, particularly on the back, which sports a dark V-shaped patch around the shoulders. The limbs are paler than the body, and the underparts are almost completely white. Pups are born sooty-brown, with a milk-white patch on the chest that fades with age.
Indian wolves are found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria. They live in open grasslands, thorn forests, and scrublands.
The habits of these animals are similar to those of other Grey wolf subspecies. However, Indian wolves generally live in smaller packs rarely exceeding 6-8 individuals. They are also relatively less vocal and have rarely been known to howl. Indian wolves are territorial and hunt during the night. Each member of the pack will hunt for its own food, however, when targeting big prey such as antelopes, they prefer to hunt in pairs. One wolf usually is acting as a decoy while the other attacks from behind.
Indian wolves are carnivores and prey mainly on antelopes, rodents, hares, and raccoons.
Indian wolves are monogamous and mate for life. They tend to breed from mid-October to late December. Females give birth to 5-6 pups in holes or ravines. The gestation period usually lasts around 62-75 days. The pups are born blind and their eyes open after 9-12 days of birth. The entire pack usually helps in caring for newborns and when pups are around 3 months old they are ready to leave the den. Indian wolves become reproductively mature after around 2 years of age.
Main threats to Indian wolves include habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and loss of prey. Even though these animals are protected they still are frequently killed due to being considered as livestock predators. Indian wolves also may attack humans and it is believed this is due to the lack of food in their natural environment.
The IUCN Red List and other sources do not provide the Indian wolf total population size. However, according to Wikipedia resource, there are estimates of its populations in the following areas: around 7,000 individuals in Turkey and around 2,000-3,000 individuals in India.
Feeding upon a wide variety of animal species, Indian wolves may control the numbers of their populations, thus benefiting different animal and plant species of their range.
Social animals are those animals that interact highly with other animals, usually of their own species (conspecifics), to the point of having a rec...