The wolf of the Tibetan Plateau and Himalaya, recognised by scientists as a distinct lineage adapted to high altitude.

  • Group: Mammal
  • Habitats: Alpine steppe, alpine meadow
  • Regions: Ü Tsang, Kham, Amdo

Habitat

Open steppe and meadows across the plateau.

Diet

Blue sheep, gazelles, kiang, marmots, pikas and hares, and livestock.

Ecological role

The main large predator of the open steppe.

Threats

Killing in revenge for livestock losses and the decline of wild prey.

Conservation

The IUCN assessed the Himalayan wolf as Vulnerable in 2023; the wolf as a whole species is listed as Least Concern.

Sources & References for all of Understanding Tibet