The Canidae family is made up of various wild animals and also domestic dogs. Specifically, in this tab on our site we want to present information about one of the types of wolves, the European, Canis lupus lupus, which has been divided into several subspecies. Also known as the Eurasian wolf, it is an animal with distinctive characteristics within the group.
Wolves have an ancient relationship with human beings, which, on the one hand, has given rise to fables, myths and even filmic creations, but, on the other, they have often been terribly affected by the massive hunt. Continue reading the next few lines to meet the european wolf
Characteristics of the European wolf
The European wolf, due to its characteristics, is one of the great predators of Europe, in fact, it is the second, since the first place belongs to the brown bear. Let's know its main features:
- It is a wolf generally of large size, although its dimensions can vary depending on the specific region where it lives. Thus, for example, the wolves that are located further north can weigh about 80 kg, while those in regions further south weigh between 25 and 30.
- The length of the body varies between 1 and 1.6 meters. The height reaches and can exceed 40 centimeters.
- The footprint of a wolf is similar to that of a large dog. It clearly shows four fingers and fingernails.
- The skull is narrower than that of other wolves, a feature that increases until the nose is formed.
- The ears are set high, giving them proximity, even though they are short.
- It has long legs, but a somewhat narrow base.
- The hair is relatively short, with the exception of the neck, back and tail, where it is usually longer.
- As for the coloration, it may vary. Northern specimens are generally lighter, with grayish tones, while in other areas they tend to be brownish, even with reddish parts. However, it is common for them to be white from the cheeks to the chest.
Habitat of the European wolf
The European wolf was once the most widely distributed carnivore, being present in practically all the countries of the continent, with certain exceptions, like the UK. However, starting in the 20th century, their situation changed drastically. Currently, thanks to recovery projects, it may be present again in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway, as well as in the east of the continent and on the Iberian Peninsula. Likewise, a population increase towards the north and center of Asia is estimated.
The habitat of the European wolf is varied, which is deduced from its flexibility in terms of territorial extension that it has had throughout the weather. In this sense, it can inhabit isolated forests with different temperature ranges, forest forests, snowy ecosystems, prairies, as well as places close to human populations, which can always generate conflicts.
Customs of the European wolf
These canids have a well-defined social structure in the packs in which they live. These vary in number, depending on food availability and habitat conditions. The group is led by a pair of alpha female and male, who, among other privileges, are the first to feed. European wolves are used to being territorial, in fact, it is a vital aspect for an individual of a certain age to find a mate and be able to form their own pack.
Once established, they are jealous of their expansion area, which, depending on the region, can vary between 100 and 500 square kilometers. To delimit the territory use urine and faeces marks, thus indicating their presence to other groups. If these cross the limits, strong confrontations can originate. European wolves are usually active within their range, moving within it.
Feeding of the European wolf
The European wolf is a carnivorous animal The prey in its habitat conditions its presence in the area. It has a broad diet, consuming a significant diversity of animals, since an average wolf requires 1.5 to 2 kg of meat daily to maintain itself, although it can spend several days without eating. In this sense, this subspecies of wolf can feed on moose, deer, wild boar, roe deer, reindeer, bison, small invertebrates and even, eventually, vegetation. When food is scarce, wolves are forced to attack domestic animals, such as sheep or cows. In addition, in these circumstances, they feed even on garbage.
Reproduction of the European wolf
Generally, the reproduction of the European wolf is a privilege of the alpha couple, so that the other individuals must become independent and found their own herd to have their offspring. These animals usually reach sexual maturity at two years of age. The reproductive season occurs between January and April, although it is usually later for the groups that live in the north of the region. The gestation time lasts between 60 and 63 days and each litter is 5 to 6 puppies, although it will depend, fundamentally, on the availability of food. The new members of the group remain in it for up to two years, at which time they will seek their independence.
Conservation status of the European wolf
The European wolf is a subspecies that has suffered great pressure for centuries, to the point of having disappeared from certain regions due to the persecution and murder of every last individual, for which it was even rewards were offered and laws were enacted. Thanks to efforts aimed at its conservation, this animal is recovering in different countries and has even reappeared in its native areas from which it had been eliminated.
Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the gray wolf species as of least concern, but, depending on the conditions of the subspecies, each region establishes particular guidelines, which has led to their inclusion in some legal instruments for their protection.
