Steppe Wolf Range: The Grassland Predators of Eurasia

The Steppe Wolf (Canis lupus campestris) inhabits the vast temperate grasslands and semi-arid zones of Eurasia.

Core Range Countries

• Russia: Southern European Russia (Kalmykia, Stavropol, Volga region), Western Siberia.
• Kazakhstan: Vast central and northern steppes (core global population).
• Mongolia: Eastern steppe and Gobi fringe.
• China: Xinjiang (Junggar Basin), Inner Mongolia grasslands.
• Ukraine: Formerly widespread in southern steppes; now rare/fragmented due to agriculture/war.

Habitat Preferences

• Open grasslands, rolling hills, semi-desert, dry forest-steppe ecotones.
• Avoid dense forests and high mountains.
• Follow prey: saiga antelope, rodents, hares, ground birds, livestock carrion.

Conservation Status

Heavily persecuted historically (livestock conflict, fur). Protected in parts of range (Kazakhstan reserves, Mongolian protected areas). IUCN lists Grey Wolf as Least Concern globally, but steppe subspecies faces local threats from habitat loss and poisoning.