Wolverine

About this species

Diet

Carrion and small to large mammals; occasional plant material

Habitat

Remote boreal forest, subarctic country, and alpine tundra

Range

Northern Eurasia and North America

Litter size

Usually 2–3

The wolverine is the largest land-dwelling mustelid, with a muscular, low-slung body, broad head, small rounded ears, short powerful legs, and a long bushy tail. Dark brown fur is usually relieved by a paler band running along each side. Its heavy build and large feet distinguish it from martens, while its plantigrade stance and compact proportions can recall a small bear. Genetic studies place it closest to martens and the tayra. Eurasian animals are assigned to Gulo gulo gulo. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Wolverines occupy remote northern boreal forest, subarctic country, and alpine tundra. They are solitary, wide-ranging carnivores and scavengers that follow wolf or lynx trails, feed heavily on carrion in winter and early spring, and also kill mammals from rodents to deer. Surplus food is cached, an important strategy where cold conditions preserve meat. Mating occurs in summer, but implantation is delayed until early winter; females usually bear two or three kits in spring. Mongolia lies within the broader Siberian portion of the Eurasian range, though the consulted account names no specific Mongolian site. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Description: Wildlife of Mongolia guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com); general species information paraphrased from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)