Scientific name: Canis lupus
Many ancient cultures worshipped the wolf. But where man became settled and raised livestock this harmonious coexistence came to an abrupt end.
Description
The size of a large German Shepherd wolves weigh between 25 and 30 kg. The colour varies but is mostly grey with a hairy, bushy tail. Domestic dogs are said to be descendants of the wolf.
Distribution
Once the most widespread mammal, occurring from arctic northern Greenland down to the semi-deserts of Saudi-Arabia.
Behaviour and Habitat
Active at dawn, dusk and at night. Occasionally also active during the day. Great stamina as a runner. Lives and hunts mostly in a pack. Larger packs are formed during cold winters. The diet consists primarily of smaller and larger mammals, while carrion and plants are also taken.
Reproduction
Mating season during the winter. 63 days gestation. 4-6 pups are born between March and April. Become independent at approximately 6 months of age and reach sexual maturity at 2 years. Wolves can live for 14-16 years but in the wild they rarely reach more than 7 years in age. A large proportion of the pups does not survive the first year.
