Wolves are animals of the genus Canis that are grouped together in the same species, which, in turn, has several subspecies. One of them is Canis lupus arabs, commonly known as the Arabian wolf or Arabian wolf. Each of the types of wolves has developed certain characteristics that are differentiated from each other, not only because of their physical appearance, but also because of their adaptations to ecosystems and environmental conditions so different that range from polar habitats to desert habitats. Keep reading this PlanetAnimal article to learn about the characteristics of the Arabian wolf.
Origin
- Asia
- Saudi Arabia
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Oman
- Yemen
Characteristics of the Arabian wolf
The Arabian wolf is one of the largest canids in Arabia, however, within the wolf subspecies, it is among the smallest. Adults can measure around 65cm and reach weights of around 18-20kg, giving them a lean appearance necessary for the harsh habitat in which they thrive.
The color of the coat can vary from light brown to grayish yellow, the abdominal area has a lighter shade. His hair is short and fine, probably due to the temperatures in which he lives. However, the hair of those from northern regions tends to be a little longer, probably to protect them from the sun's rays.In winter, as with other subspecies, the coat becomes thicker and longer.
The Arabian wolf has large ears, compared to other subspecies of these canids, which facilitates heat dissipation. On the other hand, it has no sweat glands, so it depends on accelerated panting to control its temperature, which produces evaporation from the lungs.
Like the rest of the wolves, it has yellow eyes, but individuals with brown coloration have been identified, proof of the cross between wolves and wild dogs. There are two unique traits in this subspecies, one is the fusion of the middle toes of the paws, which helps identify its footprint as distinctive from other wolves, and the other is that it does not howl. no.
Habitat of the Arabian wolf
The habitat of this wolf was previously extended to the entire Arabian Peninsula. However, over time its distribution has narrowed considerably and currently it is found in isolated groups in Israel, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and is believed to also exists in parts of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt.
The subspecies of wolves developed in very different habitats. Thus, the Arabian wolf lives in the arid and semi-arid conditions of the Middle East. It is common to have a presence in mountainous areas, gravel formed plains and desert locations.
The Arabian wolf is one of many species that disappeared from the United Arab Emirates, a fact that happened about three decades ago. These animals are only found in one wildlife refuge in Arabia, as well as in other protected areas where reintroduction programs are developed.
Habits of the Arabian wolf
This wolf is used to patrolling long stretches of the territory in which it lives. However, since it depends on water for its sustenance, this aspect limits it to transiting certain areas such as sandy deserts. Given the high temperature conditions where it is found, it is common for it to dig burrows of a certain depth to shelter from the heat.
Unlike other wolf subspecies, it does not form very large groups. In fact, it usually hunts in pairs or, at most, in groups of about four individuals. Due to the harsh impact it has suffered which has greatly decimated its population, it tries to avoid contact with humans.
Arabian wolf diet
The Arabian wolf is a mainly carnivorous animal, however, eventually and depending on the availability of certain fruits, it can be omnivorous. It feeds on what it hunts, being an efficient hunter, but it also consumes dead or decomposing animals, as well as the remains of waste left by humans.
Among the animals that this wolf ingests are rodents, smaller ungulates, hares, fish, birds and even domestic animals such as sheep, goats or cats, which generates unfortunate conflicts with the humans living in these areas, who, in these cases, react by shooting at them or disseminating poison.
If you want to learn more about the diet of the Arabian wolf and other species, don't miss this other article on How Wolves Hunt.
Arabian wolf reproduction
Arabian wolves are animals that become quite territorial when caring for their young. Also, for mating, they tend to congregate in larger groups than usual. The breeding season starts in October and can last until December.
Gestation time lasts between 63 and 65 days. Although exceptionally they can generate large litters, females often give birth between two and three cubs, a number that is common in species that live in somewhat harsh conditions.
As is usually the case with canines, Arabian Cubs are born blind and are totally dependent on their mother. They are breastfed until about eight weeks old, when they will begin to receive regurgitated food from their parents.
State of conservation of the Arabian wolf
As we mentioned, the Arabian wolf has disappeared from some regions and in others its population has decreased significantly due to human actions, which have directly attacked this animal. Among the causes of its population decline are the mass murders perpetrated by the inhabitants of their regions of origin under the pretext that they preyed on domestic animals. This fact, no doubt, had tragic consequences for this subspecies.
On the other hand, the Arabian wolf has been affected in some cases by rabies infections and, equally important, it has been determined that the interbreeding of this subspecies with wild dogs threatens the stability of its population. In some regions, programs have been developed to reintroduce this wolf, establishing certain protected areas to be able to reintegrate it.
Pictures of The Arabian Wolf
