ASIATIC WILD DOGS 



553 



woolly hair, of which the color in one is white, and in the other a yellowish white ; 

 and these may be presumed to indicate the winter dress. 



According to Rade, the Siberian wild dog is a forest-loving animal ; generally 

 frequenting mountains like those on the east bank of the Yenesei where forests are 

 abundant, but occasionally appearing on the open steppes. It is locally distributed ; 

 and while in some localities it preys largely upon deer, in others it is in the habit of 

 hunting ibex. In the Altai these dogs go in troops of from ten to fifteen, or more 

 individuals, led by an old male ; and where they hunt deer it is generally hinds or 

 young animals that they select for pursuit. So incessant is their persecution of the 



SIBERIAN WII.D DOG. 



(One-eighth natural size.) 



deer that they will sometimes cause them to completely desert certain localities - 

 this having taken place in the year 1859 in the valley of the Irkut. 



The Indian wild dog ( C. deccanensis) is perhaps the best-known mem- 

 ber of the group, and is distinguished from the preceding species by 

 the smaller size of its molar teeth. Like the others, its general build is 

 more jackal-like than wolf-like ; this being especially shown by the comparative 

 shortness of the legs. It agrees with the Siberian species in the length of the fur, 

 and in the presence, at least in 'Himalayan examples, of a thick and woolly under- 

 fur. The general color of the fur of the upper parts is a rusty red, varying in some 



Indian Wild 

 Dog 



