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There is
a large wolf dwelling in the western part of Kyrgyzstan, which grows to
40-50kg in weight, one and a half-meters in length and a height of
eighty centimetres. A smaller desert wolf is found in the plains.
The wolf has a bad reputation
throughout the world. Perhaps part of this in modern times is due to
the prevelance of Werewolf stories and films. There are a number of
species of wolves found throughout the Republic, and their reputation
is no better here than elsewhere - especially as they seen as a
distinct threat to livestock. In just one year, it is claimed that
wolves in the Naryn province alone were responsible for killing almost
16000 animals, (4000 horses, 4000 cows and 8000 sheep and goats) with a
value of 70,400.000 soms -(about 1.75 million US dollars), whereas in
the same period thieves were responsible for stealing just 342 - worth
1.4 millions soms (about 33,000 US dollars). A bounty is paid to
hunters for killing wolves and there is a planned program for culling
the animals. Even domestic dogs have fallen prey to eager hunters.
There is a large wolf dwelling
in the western part of Kyrgyzstan, which grows to 40-50kg in weight,
one and a half-meters in length and a height of eighty centimetres.
A smaller desert wolf is found
in the plains.
Wolves prefer open spaces,
copses, precipices, hills, and ravines. They live in packs which can be
quite large, although individual pairs can be encountered. It is
estimated that are about 4-5000 wolves in Kyrgyzstan - some have even
been observed close to Bishkek.
They have strong family ties
and couples form lifelong pairings. A litter is usually born
in April/May and can number 5-6 cubs that stay with the parents until
they reach adulthood. They can make their lairs in a variety of places
- caves, under tree roots, even taking over burrows of other animals.
Every family has its own hunting area, with marked boundaries. Unlike
wolves of the Plains, which wander over a large geographical area,
Mountain wolves are attached to a place, roaming over a comparatively
small area - following wild and domestic animals. In the wild, it feeds
on a large quantity of birds, small animals, (marmot, hare,
field-voles, mice, and hamsters).
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