Tibetan Wolf Facts | Himalayas Wildlife Guide

Wherever they exist, wolves are persecuted by humans, and Ladakh is no exception. Domestic sheep and goats are easy prey for wolves, creating conflict with local communities although wolves prefer to hunt wild goats and sheep.

There are an estimated 300 – 350 Tibetan wolves in Ladakh. There is debate in the scientific community about whether the Tibetan, or Himalayan, wolf is a distinct subspecies or species when compared to the widespread grey wolf. They are supremely adapted to life above 12,000 feet, thriving in a low-oxygen environment.

Similar to snow leopards, the wolf is important for keeping prey species moving across a landscape so that no specific area gets overgrazed. Their favorite prey are marmots, hares and bharals.