Arctic Wolf
An Endangered Species
Thanks to its isolation, the arctic wolf is not threatened by hunting and habitat destruction like its southern relatives. In fact, the arctic wolf is the only sub-species of wolf that is not threatened.
Physical Description
Arctic wolves are smaller than grey wolves, They also have smaller ears and shorter muzzles to retain body heat.
Size
Length: about 1-1.8m, including tail.
Weight: 45-70kg
Food
The arctic wolf lives mainly on muskox, Arctic hares and caribou.
Reproduction
As the permafrost (permanently frozen ground) prevents the Arctic wolf from digging a den, they typically live in rocky outcrops or caves. Each year the mother wolf gives birth to two or three pups.
Distribution
Arctic regions of North America and Greenland.
What are the main threats?
Unlike other species of wolf, the Arctic wolf rarely comes into contact with human so does not face the threat of hunting or persecution. However, the greatest threat to the Arctic wolf is climate change. Extreme weather variations in recent years have made it difficult for populations of Arctic Wolves.
How Many Are Left
There are approximately 200 wild Arctic wolves left in the world, and 50 in captivity.
5 Interesting Facts
1. The young arctic wolves soon leave their pack to seek their own territories. They tend to get rid of other wolves, unless they are able to mate.
2. Once alone arctic wolf discovers an abandoned territory, he will mark the territory with its aroma, then he attempts to congregate other wolves to form a pack.
3. The males turn out to be mature after 3 years while the females reach maturity at 2 years of age.
4. The males are fairly larger and heavier as compared to females, with the weight of 175 lbs. The body-length of these males vary from 3 – 5 feet.
5. All the members of the same pack are presumed to feed and look after their pups.
Physical Description
Arctic wolves are smaller than grey wolves, They also have smaller ears and shorter muzzles to retain body heat.
Size
Length: about 1-1.8m, including tail.
Weight: 45-70kg
Food
The arctic wolf lives mainly on muskox, Arctic hares and caribou.
Reproduction
As the permafrost (permanently frozen ground) prevents the Arctic wolf from digging a den, they typically live in rocky outcrops or caves. Each year the mother wolf gives birth to two or three pups.
Distribution
Arctic regions of North America and Greenland.
What are the main threats?
Unlike other species of wolf, the Arctic wolf rarely comes into contact with human so does not face the threat of hunting or persecution. However, the greatest threat to the Arctic wolf is climate change. Extreme weather variations in recent years have made it difficult for populations of Arctic Wolves.
How Many Are Left
There are approximately 200 wild Arctic wolves left in the world, and 50 in captivity.
5 Interesting Facts
1. The young arctic wolves soon leave their pack to seek their own territories. They tend to get rid of other wolves, unless they are able to mate.
2. Once alone arctic wolf discovers an abandoned territory, he will mark the territory with its aroma, then he attempts to congregate other wolves to form a pack.
3. The males turn out to be mature after 3 years while the females reach maturity at 2 years of age.
4. The males are fairly larger and heavier as compared to females, with the weight of 175 lbs. The body-length of these males vary from 3 – 5 feet.
5. All the members of the same pack are presumed to feed and look after their pups.
The Arctic Wolf or The Canis lupus arctos