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0149 Explorations in Turkestan : Expedition of 1904 : vol.2
Explorations in Turkestan : Expedition of 1904 : vol.2 / Page 149 (Grayscale High Resolution Image)

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doi: 10.20676/00000178
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ORDO CARNIVORA.   347

spaces between the premolars are absolutely wanting, while they are very largely developed in the skull of a wolf from Peking. This character is derived from the greater shortness of the muzzle, whose length is that of Canis pallipes. The second molar is also strongly developed. Thus the remains of the upper jaw are characterized as belonging to a wolf. The lower jaw, however, contributes still mote proof.

So far the bones might still possibly belong to Cuon alpinus Pallas, since the dimensions of the teeth are similar, especially as regards the carnassial tooth, which for the most part is 21 mm. long (21.2 to 21.5, according to Nehring). But the lower jaw decides clearly in favor of the wolf, since the talon of the first molar shows two very stout conical points. In the Cuon there is invariably only one conical point. The accompanying measurements explain these relations. The Anau wolf stands apparently nearest to the Indian wolf or Canis pallipes Sykes. Indeed, it is not at all unlikely that Canis pallipes formerly existed in the district of Anau and on the Kopet Dagh. In any event it is certain that the Indian

Table of dimensions (in millimeters).

buffalo (Bubalus arnee Kerr) still existed in historical times in northern Persia and Mesopotamia; and if these, why may not Canis pallipes also have had a wide geographical range? According to the view of Th. Studer,* however, this is not at all necessary, for according to exact researches the different species of wolves present only local forms which are without profound differences. Therefore, we will characterize the wolf of Anau only in general terms as Canis lupus Linnæus. We will, however, emphasize the fact that it harmonizes best with Canis pallipes Sykes.

We have not, however, done with the bones of the Canid of the Anau kurgans. We find in the strata between +28 and +36 feet a perfectly preserved skull with the superior maxilla belonging to it, as well as two lower jaw branches, one right and one left, which possibly belong together. These bones differ in essentials from those of the wolf in numerous ways, for which reason they can not belong to the wild Canidæ; we have here to do with a tame animal, the domestic dog.

*The Prehistoric Dogs. Abhand. Schweiz. paleont. Gesell., p. 9. Zürich, 1901.

Length
of tooth
range.

Length of
carnassial
tooth.

Width of
carnassial
tooth.

Length of

molar 4.

Width of

molar 4.

Length of

molar 3.

Width of

molar 3.

Upper jaw.

Anau, —6 feet    7o

Canis lupus Linnæus, Russia

(Mus. Bern)    71
Canis pallipes Sykes, India (Mus.

London), after Studer   
Cuon alpinus Pallas (after

Studer)    67
Canis lupus Linnæus, killed near

Peking (coll. Duerst)    81

Canis poutiatini (after Studer) .   65

Canis inostranzewi (after Studer)..   67

16

17

2I

20

2I

2I

2I

18

19.5

IO

II IO

II

14

13

13

15

17

15

18

8

7

7

7

8

12 I2

IO I2