How many species of wolves are there in the world?
Canis lupus - the wolf as a species - is unique and distributed almost all over the world. However, it was hunted so heavily as a predator that it no longer exists in some regions. Many species of wolves are described as subspecies.
In earlier times, different species of wolves lived throughout Europe, Asia, North America and even North Africa. How many animals populated the continents at that time is unknown. The wolf used to be the most common predator in the world. Surely you still know many myths and legends about it, the species itself no longer exists in some parts of Europe.
Many wolves are common in the world
- The wolf is a species of predator that comes in different subspecies. The most common in Europe and Asia is the Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus). It lives in packs of several animals and is known for its distinctive social behavior. This species is sometimes reported in the press today. Because some animals settle in Germany back to. Lusatia and Altmark become wolf areas again. If you find opinions from supporters and opponents, it is in the nature of the wolf, which unfortunately still has a bad reputation as a hunter.
- The endangered Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs) is native to the Arab world. It is a small species of wolf, whereas the Russian wolf (Canis lupus communis) is a very large subspecies. Their population is stable, they are hunted legally.
- Other wolf species (subspecies) are Tibetan wolf, Mexican, Indian or Italian wolf. A total of 13 living subspecies are assumed and two more that are extinct. However, there are different opinions on this classification. How many subspecies are correct may not be so important to a layperson. It is crucial that the many variants are retained for future generations.
- In myths and stories about the robber you probably know the wolf in sheep's clothing. It says, for example: "The wolf's teeth are always hidden in sheep's wool." The wolf is cruel and voracious. However, his power was also revered. One of the favorite pets is descended from Isegrimm, the dog. As a loyal friend, he served as a protector. People are supposed to benefit from their teeth.
Enemies of the wolf - interesting facts about the food chain in wolves
The wolf is one of those wild animals that rarely occur in German latitudes, ...
There are species of wolves that aren't
- Have you ever heard of the Maned Wolf or the Aardwolf? And what about the coyote? Isn't that a little Indian wolf? The dingo is also often placed in the line of the wolves. Are these all different types of wolves?
- It is clear in the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). He's not one of the wolves. Although they are predators, they are classified with the hyenas. The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), like the native wolf, belongs to the canine species, i.e. to the order Carnivora. Outwardly, with its pointed snout, it is similar to a fox with very long legs. The fur is reddish and in some zoos you can see the animals that live in South America.
- The coyote (Canis latrans) is also known as the North American prairie wolf. The first part of its scientific name indicates the relationship to the wolf, but the second part clearly identifies the coyote as an independent species.
- It is similar with dingo (Canis dingo). They are domestic dogs that feral thousands of years ago and now live as a separate species.
- So when you see an animal called a wolf, it doesn't have to be a real wolf. Many predators adorn themselves with the Names. As an independent species, there is only one wolf in the world - Canis lupus - and it comes in various subspecies.
