Residents of Soe and Lingzhi Gewogs in Thimphu are increasingly concerned about the reappearance of the Himalayan wolf also known as the Tibetan wolf. Gewog administrations and residents said wolves have been attacking livestock since last year, causing significant losses. After decades of absence, the wolf resurfaced last year, preying on yaks, mules, and horses.
The two gewogs have reported over 200 livestock deaths since the predator’s return, leaving herders worried.
Residents said unlike the snow leopard, which targets younger animals such as calves, the wolves reportedly attack healthy adult livestock.
Recently, people spotted two wolves, a male and a female with a cub in Soe Gewog.
Wangdi, Lingzhi Gup said “Till last year, we did not hear about wolf. But during the time of cordyceps harvest time, we heard that the wolf had killed eight horses and mules, and two yaks.”
Nim Tshering, a resident of Soe said “Last year, there were only two wolves. This year, they have a cub also. It attacks horses and yaks who are less than six years. I alone lost 15 cattle last year and this year I lost one mule to it.”
Chophel Zangmo, Jangothang Tshogpa of Soe Gewog said “My chiwog is worst hit. Wolves are attacking mostly mules, horses and yaks. Just recently, people reported that three mules were killed. We contacted Jigme Dorji National Park and they told us to write a report through Gewog. They said they cannot do much but to protect the wolf.”
Kencho Dorji, Soe Gup said “We received complaints from the people to the gewog administration of Himalayan wolf attacking livestock. In two years, 150 animals were killed.”
Further evidence of the wolves’ presence was confirmed by camera traps set up in Lingzhi and Soe, at the Jigme Dorji National Park.
According to park officials, research conducted by the Nature Conservation Division and the World Wildlife Fund Bhutan also confirmed the wolves’ presence in the area earlier this year.
Tandin Dorji, Ranger at Jigme Dorji National Park said “The Himalayan wolves come from across the border and attack livestock such as mules. We received complaints from the people about it causing nuisances. But we were not able to do anything for them because the wolves come and attack the animals here and go back, crossing the border.”
Officials said the exact number of the Himalayan wolf in the country is unknown.
The Himalayan wolf is considered a rare and endangered species.
Namgay Wangchuk, Soe
Edited by Tshering Zam
