The grey wolf (Canis lupus), also called the common wolf, is one of the best known species of canids. However, gray wolves can eventually be confused with both other species of wolves, as well as some breeds of dogs that look like wolves. Traditionally, wisdom and popular culture often claim that dogs are descended from wolves. Although some genetic research has been proving that dogs are genetically related to gray wolves, it is not yet possible to say with precision if dogs really derive directly from this species.
If you want to know more curiosities about the gray wolf, we invite you to continue reading this file on our site to learn more about the origin, behavior and reproduction of gray wolves.
Origin of the Gray Wolf
Currently, a species called Miacis cognitus, belonging to the oldest known group of primitive carnivores (Miacis), is recognized as the common ancestorof all modern carnivorous mammals, including canids. It is estimated that these first ancestors of the carniformes would have lived during the Late Cretaceous period, which has extended from 100 to 66 million years ago[1]
Later, the members of Miacis began to differentiate morphologically, giving rise to different groups of carnivorous mammals, including the first canidsto inhabit our planet (the hesperoquionines), which would appear for the first time about 38 million years ago. After undergoing many evolutionary changes, the hesperoquionines would give rise to Eucyon davis, a species of primitive canid that lived about 10 million years ago and was probably the first to cross the Bering Strait and reach the African continent and Eurasia, where they would appear years later the first modern canids[2]
However, the first recorded fossil specifically associated with the gray wolf dates back to about 800,000 years old [3] Originally, the global population of gray wolves was very large, spreading across Eurasia, North America, and even the Middle East. Unfortunately, hunting and the transformations in its territory associated with the productive and economic progress of man have caused the habitat of the gray wolf to be significantly reduced, as well as its population.
Grey Wolf Appearance and Anatomy
Like most wolf species, gray wolves display a great morphological diversity Size, weight and Dimensions of the body of each individual belonging to this species can vary significantly, depending mainly on the conditions of their habitat. In general, the colder and more extreme the weather in its territory, the more big and robust the wolf will be. Regardless of their exact measurements, all wolves maintain harmonious lines and balanced proportions on their bodies, which allow them to make quick and precise movements that are essential in their hunting technique.
In general terms, the body of a gray wolf is usually between 1, 3 and 2 meters long, measured from the nose to the tip of its tail, which usually represents up to ¼ of the total length. The height at the withers ranges from 60 centimeters in the smallest individuals and up to 90 centimeters in the largest. The average body weight of the species is also highly variable, ranging from 35 to 40 kilos in females to about 70 kilos in adult males
Their anatomy is perfectly adapted to the long distances they have always needed to travel in their habitat in search of food. The strong back, narrow chest, legs with very well developed muscles, are some of the outstanding physical features of gray wolves that facilitate their mobility and give them great resistance to face their long hunting days.
Its "all-terrain" legs are also very important for its adaptability, as they are prepared to walk on different surfaces Between its fingers, gray wolves have a small interfingertip membrane that facilitates their locomotion through the snow that abounds in their territory during winter. They are also digitigrade animals, that is, they walk on their toes without leaning on their heels, have longer hind legs and show a vestigial fifth toe only on its front legs.
The gray wolf's head and snout are smaller than other types of wolves, and its chest is also usually slightly narrower. Also, it has some very sharp teeth in its powerful jaws, so its bite is really strong. The colors of its coat can also vary, but as its most popular name indicates, the grayish tones usually prevail in its coat, with reflections or tufts in yellowish colors, orange or reddish. In turn, their eyes are usually yellow.
Grey Wolf Behavior
Grey wolves usually live in packs that can gather between 5 and 20 individuals that will respect a well-developed hierarchical structure. Generally, a wolf pack is made up of a breeding pair, made up of the alpha and her mate (commonly known as a beta female), and her offspring. Eventually, it is possible to observe wolves traveling alone, but the reason that makes them separate from their packs is not known.
This capacity for social organization and the instinct for protection and cooperation among the members of the herd have been essential for the survival of the gray wolves, since it allows them to improve their efficiency when hunting in groups, ensuring better nutrition for all members of the pack, in addition to achieving greater reproductive success, considering that males and females do not need to be exposed to climatic adversities to meet, and that the pups are less vulnerable to attack by predators as they are protected by their pack.
To speak of nutrition, wolves are some carnivorous mammals whose diet is based on the consumption of the prey they manage to hunt in their habitat. For this reason, the diet of the gray wolf can vary according to the biodiversity of its environment, that is, according to the animals that live in the surroundings of its territory. Generally, gray wolves' "favorite" prey are medium-large animals such as pigs, goats, reindeer, bison, deer, sheep, antelope, moose, among others. But they can also catch small prey, such as birds and rodents, mainly if they detect a lack of food in their environment.
Individuals living in maritime areas can also include aquatic mammals in their diet, mainly seals. Additionally, wolves from Alaska to Canada may consume salmon to supplement their nutrition. Eventually, wolves living near urbanized centers can take advantage of human food residues in times of low food availability.
It is also important to mention the outstanding vocalization capacity of gray wolves, which plays a fundamental role in communication between members of the herd and its social organization. The howling is their main sound and helps the pack stay connected even when some members go off to hunt or during mating seasons, when breeding pairs they may be separated for several days from their group to mate. In addition, the howls also help to drive away possible predators or wolves from other packs that may eventually want to approach to dispute the territory.
Grey Wolf Breeding
The reproductive behavior of wolves can vary depending on the species and the conditions of their habitat. Gray wolves stand out for being one of the animals most faithful to their partner, always mating with the same individual until one of them dies. Generally, only the breeding pair mates to produce pups, but if the pride lives in a territory with plenty of food and favorable weather conditions, siblings may also breed. On the contrary, if they perceive food scarcity and unfavorable conditions in their environment, even the breeding pair may decide not to procreate to avoid a lack of food for the herd.
The breeding season for wolves occurs between the months of January and April, during the winter and early spring in the North Hemisphere. The males begin to be more affectionate towards the females, dedicating themselves to grooming them and spending more time with them, a few weeks before they enter their fertile period Each season, females may be receptive for about 5 and up to 14 days, during which they will mate several times with their partner. In addition, males tend to ejaculate multiple times in each mount, which increases the reproductive success of their species.
The gestation of gray wolves usually lasts about 60 days, at the end of which they usually give birth to alitter of 4 to 6 pups , although they can give birth to more than 10 pups. With the help of the male, the female will find a cave or shelter where she can experience childbirth and lactation in safety. The cubs will be nursed by her mother and will remain in the shelter with her for their first three months of life. The alpha male will be the main one in charge of protecting the cave from his pack, leaving only when it is necessary to hunt for food.
After completing three months of life, the cubs will begin to gain more autonomy and explore their environment, trying new foods provided by their parents. But only after their 6 months of life will they be able to fend for themselves. When they complete their development and are sexually mature, usually after their second year of life, young wolves often separate from their original pack (that of their parents and siblings) to pair up and form their own pack.
Gray Wolf Conservation Status
The gray wolf is currently classified as a "Least Concern" species, according to the United States Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). However, their population has drastically decreased over the last two centuries, especially in North America and Eurasia.
hunting continues to be the greatest threat to the conservation of this species, since wolves are often mistakenly considered dangerous or They can attack people for no reason. For this reason, greater investments are needed in awareness campaigns about the behavior and importance of wolves in their ecosystems, as well as better delimitation of productive areas and urban centers to prevent further unplanned or uncontrolled encroachment on gray wolf habitat.
