The 1987 'Mongolian RedBook' (Shagdarsuren et al., 1987) estimated the totalpopulation in Mongolia to consist of around 80,000121individuals in Mongolia, although numbers are believed to have declined since this peak(Mallon et al., 1997) due to exploitation, habitat degradation, and competition for resources.Generation length has been estimated as seven years, based on data from Nowak (1991). Atpresent the population size and distribution is large enough to warrant the categorisation ofthis species as Near Threatened. However, the population could decline by as much as 30-40% over the next three generations, primarily due to exploitation, leading to a future recategorisationunder Criterion A if conservation actions are not implemented. The assessmentremains unchanged following application of regional criteria as there is no signifi cantimmigration from adjacent countries.

No data on populationsizes are available at present, although it is knownthat threats, particularly exploitation is having a largeimpact upon this species, coupled with hybridisationand habitat degradation. Generation length has beenestimated as four years, based on data from Nowak(1991). As exploitation is known to be causing apopulation decline, when data becomes available thisspecies may be re-categorised as threatened under Criterion A. There is a small chance ofimmigration from adjacent populations of S. s. sibirica, although levels of hunting pressureon these populations are not known, therefore the assessment remains unchanged followingapplication of regional criteria.

Exploitation is known to beoccurring at high levels throughout its range (Wingardand Zahler, 2006), although no population data areavailable at present. When this information becomesavailable, this species may be re-categorised as threatenedunder Criterion A. Generation length has been estimatedas four years, based on data from Nowak (1991). The assessment remains unchangedfollowing application of regional criteria as there is no signifi cant immigration from adjacentcountries.

Exploitation is known to beoccurring at high levels throughout its range (Wingard andZahler, 2006), although no population data are availableat present. When this information becomes available,this species may be re-categorised as threatened underCriterion A. Generation length has been estimated as fouryears, based on data from Nowak (1991). The assessmentremains unchanged following application of regionalcriteria as there is no signifi cant immigration from adjacent countries.

In 1980 the Mongolianpopulation was estimated at 30,000 individuals bythe Mongolian Academy of Sciences. More recentestimates vary greatly, with the most recent fi guresindicating that there may be fewer than 10,000individuals remaining in Mongolia (Mech andBoitani, 2004). However, there is great uncertaintyassociated with these estimates and more extensivesurveys are needed to gain insight into the current population size. No population studies haveever been conducted to determine wolf population densities, distribution, pack size, or range(Wingard and Zahler, 2006). Generation length has been estimated as six years, based ondata from Nowak (1991). The observed declines in population size are believed to be causedprimarily by exploitation, persecution, and disease. It is clear that this species is declining, butthe rate of decline is diffi cult to determine. It is therefore listed as Near Threatened, but furthersurveys may reveal that it should be listed as Vulnerable or even Endangered under CriterionA. The assessment remains unchanged following application of regional criteria, as there is nosignifi cant immigration from adjacent countries.