Since wolves are terrestrial animals, they live in packs. If a wolf is found on it's own, it is likely an elderly wolf driven from the pack or a young wolf searching for prospective mates and territories (Srivastav & Nigam 2009). The young normally stay with their parents until they are two or three years old, at which time they search for new mates and territories; however, they may return to help their parents rear new pups. Although young wolves remain submissive to their parents until they are four years old, they may start a pack of their own during that time once they bond with another wolf of the opposite sex; wolves of the same maternal pack will normally avoid mating with one another. Once two wolves bond with one another, they search for a new territory in time for the next mating season. Similar to other canines, wolves use urine as a scent-mark for territory and fresh kills, among other activities; breeding males will scent-mark more often than non-breeding males (Srivastav & Nigam 2009).
There are several sub-species of Canis lupus. Two of the sub-species can be found in India: Canis lupus laniger (also known as Canis lupus chanco, found in the Upper Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Kashmir) and Canis lupus pallipes (Srivastav & Nigam 2009). A recent study suggests that the Indian sub-continent could be one major reason for the diversity of sub-species within Canis lupus. Currently, scientists are debating whether there has been a new wolf species/subspecies in evolution, which can be described as Canis lupus himalayaensis and Canis lupus indica (Srivastav & Nigam 2009).
.
Wolves cover one of the largest ranges in the world, extending from Europe, most of northern Russia, certain regions of the Middle East, India, to Nepal. Grey wolves are rarely found in western Europe; however, there are still a few existing populations in Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Greece, and Turkey (Srivastav & Nigam 2009).
Mating usually occurs between January and April, with a gestation period lasting approximately 63 days. At higher altitudes, it may occur later. During a given mating season, one male mates with one female; together, the pair prevents other wolves from mating. Mating results in 5-6 pups, who reach sexual maturity within two to three years, prompting them to find new mates and territories (Srivastav & Nigam 2009).