Mongolian wolf (Image by KomodoEmpire/Bill Fleming on Deviantart)
Since middle August I've been reading this book called "Wolf Totem" by the Chinese author Jiang Rong. There he describes the way life used to be for the sheep sheperds in Mongolia in the past century, and how was the relationship of the people with the local wolf packs. It's an excellent book, recommended to me by my bff, who knows I'm totally crazy about wolves.
So, I decided to tell ya'll a little about Mongolian wolves today!
They are also referred to as Siberian wolves, since the species (Canis lupus) roams both countries. They're the largest canids on the planet and weigh up to 120 lbs and grow to over 6 feet. Being ancestors of the dog, wolves observe a strict pack hierarchy. Although highly social, wolves hunt both singly and in packs, feeding on large herbivores and small animals. Like many wolves, they are shrouded in myth and legend and despite their striking appearance, they're largely unseen in their own habitat.
Their hunting is someowhat extraordinaire, displaying great intelligence - even military strategy, according to the book. However, the species is also a victim of hunters. Mongolians typically hunt them with the help of domesticated Golden Eagles and sheperd dogs. The coats are sold or used for human comfort and the meat can be eaten (though it requires a careful preparation due to its strange taste) or thrown away for other animals. Despite that, they are considered the spiritual ancestors of Genghiss Khan and all Mongols. If this rewards them with any kind of reverence or respect nowadays, it is still a question.
So, I decided to tell ya'll a little about Mongolian wolves today!
They are also referred to as Siberian wolves, since the species (Canis lupus) roams both countries. They're the largest canids on the planet and weigh up to 120 lbs and grow to over 6 feet. Being ancestors of the dog, wolves observe a strict pack hierarchy. Although highly social, wolves hunt both singly and in packs, feeding on large herbivores and small animals. Like many wolves, they are shrouded in myth and legend and despite their striking appearance, they're largely unseen in their own habitat.
Their hunting is someowhat extraordinaire, displaying great intelligence - even military strategy, according to the book. However, the species is also a victim of hunters. Mongolians typically hunt them with the help of domesticated Golden Eagles and sheperd dogs. The coats are sold or used for human comfort and the meat can be eaten (though it requires a careful preparation due to its strange taste) or thrown away for other animals. Despite that, they are considered the spiritual ancestors of Genghiss Khan and all Mongols. If this rewards them with any kind of reverence or respect nowadays, it is still a question.
~Ally
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