As I peered across the flat, dusty landscape, the hot wind stung my face. The mirage of a lone male blackbuck, standing on his dung pile in the 48°C sun, resembled an elephant in the distance. The only shade for miles was provided by sparse clumps ofmesquite bushes. I trudged silently from one to another, looking for signs of the elusive Indian wolf. It had been three months since I left my university in Blacksburg, Virginia. Equipped with the theory needed to study the Indian wolf, I headed for the Bhal in western India. I'd been warned that this wolf was not an easy subject: its low density and shy nature meant few scientists had ever seen one. Evening approached, and a movement caught my weary eye. I stood mesmerised as a wolf rose from a coolhollow it had dug under a bush. Then came another, and another, until four wolves had risen from the ground. The pack watched me for a few moments before trotting away.
展开▼
