Indian Wolf - Ecology and Behaviour

Ecology and Behaviour

Indian wolves do not form large packs like northern wolves, though they have been shown to better tolerate crowding conditions in captivity. Their social structure is similar to that of dingoes and coyotes than northern wolves. Packs typically consist of a nuclear family of six to eight animals, though pairs are more common. They tend to breed from mid-October to late December. The cubs are born blind with floppy ears and a white mark on the chest which disappears with age.

Indian wolves typically prey on antelopes, rodents and hares. Indian wolves usually hunt in pairs when targeting antelopes. When hunting them, a single wolf will distract the herd with its presence, acting as a decoy, while its pack mate(s) attack(s) from behind. Red deer, wild boar, golden jackal, ibex, fallow deer, chamois and roe deer are also significant food sources in South-Eastern Turkey and South-Western Iran.

A similar behaviour was noted by Sir Walter Elliot when wolves attacked sheep: the main pack would kill and drag off a sheep while the others distracted the herding dogs. When working in packs, Indian wolves have been known to use ambush tactics: Walter Elliot observed three wolves chasing a gazelle herd through a ravine where two other wolves were lying in wait. It was popularly believed by ryots that prior to such a hunt, the ambushing wolves would dig holes and lie in them to conceal themselves from the herd running towards them. This behaviour was confirmed by McMaster, who observed wolves lying in wait in holes while an antelope herd approached them. In India, wolves hunting alone are known as Won-tola.