Wolf — Canis lupus L.
Widely distributed throughout Kyrgyzstan, from its valley regions to high mountain ridges. Within its range, it adheres to seasonal pastures, where tens, and sometimes hundreds of thousands of small and large livestock concentrate, or places abundant with game (ibex, argali, roe deer); in summer, it can be found in areas inhabited by marmots. Despite such a wide distribution of wolves across the republic, their numbers have significantly decreased in recent years, and they have become rarer in areas developed for agriculture (Chui and Talas valleys, Issyk-Kul basin, etc.). Wolves have completely disappeared from the plains of the Fergana Valley due to the complete transformation of the landscape, resulting in the destruction of all suitable hiding places for predators. A large population of wolves has only survived in the ridges (Pokrovsky, Ton, and Sary-Jaz) and in high mountain valleys: Ak-Sai, Arpa, Alai, Son-Kul, and others.
In the life of wolves, there is no strict adherence to specific territories. At different times of the year, they can move from one area to another, covering significant distances. This behavior of predators is determined by the availability of food sources and constant persecution by humans.
Wolves usually lead a nocturnal lifestyle; however, in places where they are not disturbed, they can also be seen during the day. One such place is the Kubergenty Pass, located in the border zone, at the junction of the Issyk-Kul and Tien Shan ridges. Here, it has been repeatedly observed during the day not only adult wolves but also their litters.
A female and a male live together until one of them dies. In the latter case, the surviving animal looks for a mate. If the established pair of mature wolves experiences the mating season in a relatively calm environment, then for younger males, it is accompanied by a struggle for possession of the female. During this time, one can observe a female surrounded by five or more males, among whom fierce fights occur, often ending in the death of one of them. Ultimately, the strongest remains with the female.
In Kyrgyz conditions, the mating season for wolves occurs in January, depending on the zonality, it can begin at the beginning or the end of the month. The gestation period is 62–65 days. More often, the female gives birth to 5–6 pups, rarely more.
They are born blind and begin to see on the 9th to 12th day. For some time, the female feeds the pups with milk, which continues for up to 6 weeks, after which they are fed meat provided by their parents in the form of semi-digested regurgitation. The upbringing of the offspring is equally carried out by the male and female, who are quite zealous about their responsibilities. Wolves make their dens in caves, under large stones, in ravines and cliffs, and under the roots of trees and shrubs. Often, for this purpose, wolves use badger and fox burrows, which they expand. Maturity in males occurs at 2-3 years, in females — at 2 years. Wolves possess great physical strength, agility, and endurance. They have well-developed hearing, smell, and vision.
Wolves feed on animal food. Their main food in summer consists of marmots, occasionally ground squirrels, as well as small mouse-like rodents. Throughout the year, they hunt roe deer, argali, ibex (mostly their young). They may also eat small predators. They do not disdain carrion, especially in winter. In addition to mammals, wolves eat ground-nesting birds and their eggs. They consume frogs, lizards, and insects, as well as a limited amount of berries and fruits. The wolf has no significant enemies, except for humans.
Twice a year, wolves shed their fur: the first time from late March to early April, the second time from mid-September to November.
Red Wolf — Cuon alpinus Pall. (in Kyrgyz: кызыл-карьиикыр)
A very rare species inhabiting the upper belts of the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. It is distributed extremely unevenly and often changes its habitat, completely disappearing in some places and appearing in others. This species is more common in the mountains of Southern Kyrgyzstan than in the North.
It resides on rocky mountain peaks and sometimes on ridges. It primarily hunts ibex, as well as other ungulates (argali, roe deer, maral, and wild boar). According to shepherds from the Inner Tien Shan, in winter it sometimes attacks flocks or stays nearby waiting for carrion. In summer, it consumes a large amount of plant food, particularly mountain rhubarb.
There is no information on the reproduction of Tien Shan red wolves. As D. P. Dementyev wrote on this matter: "You can hear about this wolf in Kyrgyzstan more often than see it."
Red Book