The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is a subspecies of wolf that lives in the Iberian Peninsula, mainly in the northwest, although it is also present in other places of the Spanish territory. It is currently considered a vulnerable species, which is why many entities and associations make great efforts to reintroduce it into its natural habitat.
In this file on our site we will talk in detail about the Iberian wolf, explaining its most common characteristics, behavior, habits or reproduction, as well same, we will also solve some frequent doubts and false myths that last until today. So, if you are interested in discovering more about these mammals that inhabit the Iberian Peninsula, don't hesitate, keep reading!
Origin of the Iberian wolf
The Iberian wolf, Canis lupus signatus is a subspecies of the common wolf or Canis lupus, specifically there are up to 35 subspecies of wolf among which are the red, brown or white wolves. Although in ancient times the Iberian wolf was scattered throughout almost the entire Northern Hemisphere of the Earth, today and mainly due to the destruction of habitats or hunting brutal to which they have been subjected, wolf populations have been decimated year after year in recent centuries, although it has been observed that some of these population centers seem to be recovering.
Today the Iberian wolf is cataloged as Near Threatened Species (NT) according to the Atlas of Terrestrial Mammals of Spain and as a vulnerable species (VU) by the Spanish Red Book of Vertebrates. Although in the past it was present in almost the entire peninsular territory, thus forming part of the fauna of the Iberian Peninsula, its populations are currently found in the northeast peninsular, the least affected by the decline, as well as in areas of northern Andalusia such as Sierra Morena, these populations being much smaller and more threatened.
We should also know that wolves are close relatives of other well-known species, such as coyotes or jackals, as well as other species that share an evolutionary relationship such as the fox. However, it is important to note that the dog is not descended from the wolf, as many people believe, since recent studies indicate that they are different species that have evolved from a common ancestor.
Characteristics of the Iberian wolf
Iberian wolves are medium-sized with a weight that ranges between 30 and 50 kilograms, there is evidence of specimens that have even reached 75 kilos, and a height at the withers of 60-70 centimeters. They have an elongated body, between 100 and 120 centimeters in total length. Their life expectancy in the wild is usually around 16 years
Its bearing is athletic and vigorous, showing long and resistant legs. Its head is large and has a narrow snout, ending in triangular and pointed ears. Their spectacular gaze is starred by amber-colored slanted eyes The jaws are powerful, with sharp fangs, typical of large carnivores, which allow them to hunt and feed on various prey.
This subspecies of wolves are smaller than their congeners that live in colder temperatures because the colder it is in the wolf's habitat, the larger it will be to survive inclement weather. In turn, the fur of the Iberian wolf will be less thick and long than that of the Arctic or Siberian wolves. The fur of the Iberian wolf is of a heterogeneous color, usually brownish gray with ocher tones, to blend in with its environment, presenting black stripes on the front legs, the which are the hallmark of this wolf subspecies.
Wolves are intelligent animals, with highly developed senses, especially their sense of smell. They are capable of traveling great distances, reaching a speed of up to 50 km/h They can jump up to 5 m long and swim several kilometers in open water.
Iberian wolf customs
The wolf is a gregarious animal, that is, it spends its entire life in the company of a pack. It will be with this group that he goes hunting and carries out all vital activities such as reproduction or defense of his own, being one of the most sociable and protective speciesConversely, the older the wolf specimen, the more sullen and lonely it will become.
This herd is made up of a breeding pair and their offspring young or adolescent, because when they grow up they become independent to form their own herd. There is always a specimen called "alpha", a male, who will be the dominant and therefore the leader of the pack, since there is a marked hierarchy that establishes power and the position of each copy of it
They are territorial animals, marking the areas they inhabit with scratches or urine, among other things. On the other hand, have you ever wondered why wolves howl? These canids use vocalization to avoid intrusions by other wolves into their territory, as well as to scare away other predators that may compete with them for the prey they are stalking.
Iberian wolf habitat
The wolf's habitat only requires one condition: to be away from urban areas. Except in these cases, wolves can live in multiple places, such as forests, mountains, or riverbanks. As long as there is water and food, they will seek a suitable shelter and, unless humans get there, they will manage to survive on their own. The adaptation capacity of these canids is therefore remarkable, being considered a generalist species that is only affected by man, from which it flees.
Even so, many people still believe that wolves are dangerous or aggressive, however wolves do not usually attack people, in fact, most attacks on livestock or people are led to carried out by feral dogs.
Food of the Iberian wolf
Wolves are one of the best-known carnivorous animals in the world. Thus, if we look at the diet of the wolf, we can see that its prey range from rabbits to different ungulates. They are also great scavengers, taking advantage of the remains of dead animals, either because they have been preyed upon by other predators or because they have died from accidents or other causes. It has been recorded that wolves can also feed on fruits on some occasions, as well as food scraps that they can find, as they are excellent opportunists
Despite their notoriety, wolves do not attack herds frequently. Nor is it usual for them to sneak into enclosures such as chicken coops or rabbit hutches, except in cases of extreme necessity in which breath in their natural habitat is really scarce, causing hunger to risk approaching human-inhabited nuclei, of which they normally tend to run away.
Iberian wolf reproduction
To finish we will talk about the reproduction of the wolf. We should know that the breeding season for Iberian wolves begins at the end of January and ends at the beginning of April, when the breeding pair can separate from the pack. Even so, numerous cases have been recorded in which they remain with young people who are not yet of reproductive age, helping them in the subsequent feeding and raising of the new generation.
Gestation lasts about 60-65 days, giving birth to litters consisting of between 3 and 8 puppiesThey weigh about 500 grams at birth, their eyes do not open until 12-15 days and they are so exposed that the hostility of the mother towards anyone who dares to approach is more than justified by the survival of these defenseless young.
Wolverines are suckled by their mother until they are a month and a half old, or until two months Once they suckle they are fed by both mother and other pack members, with food they regurgitate for themselves. When they reach four months of age they are called cubs and will stay with their family until they reach sexual maturity and go off to form their own pack, which happens to the 2 years of age in females and 3 in males.
