Eurasian Wolf
(Canis lupus lupus)
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Canidae |
| Genus: | Canis |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
C. l. lupus
|
The Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus), also known as the common wolf or Middle Russian forest wolf is the largest of old world subspecies of grey wolf native to Europe and the forest and steppe zones of the former Soviet Union. It was once widespread throughout Eurasia prior to the middle ages.
The howl of the Eurasian wolf is much more protracted and melodious
than that of North American grey wolf subspecies, whose howls are louder
and have a stronger emphasis on the first syllable. However, the two are mutually intelligible, as North American wolves have been recorded to respond to European-style howls made by biologists.
Physical Appearance
The European wolf's head is narrower, and tapers
gradually to form the nose, which is produced on the same plane with the
forehead. Its ears are higher and somewhat nearer to each other; their
length exceeds the distance between the auditory opening and the eye.
Its loins are more slender, its legs longer, feet narrower, and its tail
is more thinly clothed with fur.
The shorter ears, broader forehead, and thicker muzzle of the American
Wolf, with the bushiness of the hair behind the cheek.
Its fur is relatively short and coarse, and is generally of a tawny colour, ranging from pure white to mixtures of white with gray, brown, cinnamon, and black with white on the throat that barely extends to the cheeks. Melanists, albinos and erythrist are rare, and mostly the result of wolf-dog hybridization.
Habitat
Gray wolves are
one of the most wide ranging land animals. They occupy a wide variety
of habitats, from arctic tundra to forest, prairie, and arid landscapes.
Gray wolves are
one of the most wide ranging land animals. They occupy a wide variety
of habitats, from arctic tundra to forest, prairie, and arid landscapes.
Gray wolves are
one of the most wide ranging land animals. They occupy a wide variety
of habitats, from arctic tundra to forest, prairie, and arid landscapes
Size
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The size of Eurasian wolves is subject to geographic variation, with animals in Russia and Scandinavia being larger and bulkier than those residing in Western Europe. Adults from Russia measure 105–160 centimetres (41–63 in) in length, 80–85 centimetres (31–33 in) in shoulder height, and weigh on average 32–50 kilograms (71–110 lb), with a maximum weight of 69–80 kilograms (152–176 lb). The largest on record weighed 86 kilograms (190 lb).
Larger weights of 92–96 kilograms (203–212 lb) have been reported in Ukraine, though the circumstances under which these latter animals were weighed are not known. Although similar in size to central Russian wolves, Swedish and Norwegian wolves tend to be more heavily built with deeper shoulders.
In Italian wolves, excepting the tail, body length ranges between 110–148 cm, while shoulder height is 50–70 cm. Males weigh between 25–35 kilograms (55–77 lb) and rarely 45 kilograms (99 lb).
Lifespan/Longevity
Eurasian wolves may live thirteen years in the wild, though
average lifespan is 5 to 6 years. As adults they usually die from old age or
from injuries received while hunting or fighting with other wolves. In
captivity they may live to be fifteen years of age.
Reproduction
The dominant pair in a grey wolf pack are the only members
that breed. This pair is monogamous although, with the death of an alpha
individual, a new alpha male or female will emerge and take over as the mate.
Breeding occurs between the months of January and April,
with northern populations breeding later in the season than southern
populations.
Behavior
Eurasian wolves are highly social and pack-living animals. Each
pack comprises two to thirty-six individuals, depending upon habitat and
abundance of prey. Most packs are made up of 5 to 9 individuals. Unrelated immigrants may also become members of packs.
There is a strong dominance hierarchy within each pack. The
pack leader, usually the alpha male, is dominant over all other individuals.
The next dominant individual is the alpha female, who is subordinate only to
the alpha male. In the event that the alpha male becomes injured or is
otherwise unable to maintain his dominance, the beta male will take his place
in the hierarchy.
Each year, eurasian wolf packs have a stationary and nomadic
phase. Stationary phases occur during the spring and summer, while pups are
being reared. Nomadic phases occur during the fall and winter. Wolf movements
are usually at night and cover long distances. Daily distance traveled can be
up to 200 km, the usual pace is 8 km/hr. They can run at speeds up to 55 to
70 km/hr.
Food Habits
Eurasian wolves are carnivores. They hunt prey on their own, in
packs, steal the prey of other predators, or scavenge carrion. Prey is located
by chance or scent. Animals included in the diet of eurasian wolves varies
geographically and depends on prey availability. Wolves primarily hunt in packs
for large prey such as moose, elk, bison, musk oxen, and reindeer. Once these
large ungulates are taken down, the wolves attack their rump, flank, and
shoulder areas.
Wolves control prey populations by hunting the weak, old, and
immature. A wolf can consume up to 9 kg of meat at one meal. Wolves usually
utilize the entire carcass, including some hair and bones. Smaller prey such as
beavers, rabbits, and other small mammals are usually hunted by lone wolves,
and they are a substantial part of their diet. Wolves may also eat livestock
and garbage when it is available.
sources:
Reproduction
The dominant pair in a grey wolf pack are the only members that breed. This pair is monogamous although, with the death of an alpha individual, a new alpha male or female will emerge and take over as the mate.- Mating System
- monogamous
- cooperative breeder
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