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| Arctic Wolf | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Canidae |
| Genus: | Canis |
| Species: | C. lupus |
| Subspecies: | C. l. arctos |
| Trinomial name | |
| Canis lupus arctos Pocock, 1935 | |
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| Arctic Wolf ranges | |
The Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos), also called Polar Wolf or White Wolf, is a mammal of the Canidae family, and a subspecies of the Gray Wolf. Arctic Wolves inhabit the Canadian Arctic Alaska and the northern parts of Greenland.
Anatomy
See also: Gray Wolf behavior and physiology
Though the same species as a Grey Wolf, Arctic Wolves generally are smaller than the "Forest Gray Wolves" (Arctic Wolves are sometimes called "Tundra Wolves"), being about 3 to 6 ft (0.91 to 1.83 m) long including the tail; males are larger than females and are more aggressive. Their shoulder heights vary from 25 to 31 in (64 to 79 cm), their ears are smaller to trap body heat and their muzzles are much shorter. Often weighing over 100 lb (45 kg), weights of up to 175 lb (79 kg) have been observed in full-grown males. During the winter, the Arctic Wolf grows a second layer of fur for protection during the harsh conditions that may occur during the season. Wolves have very similar characteristics to a German Shepherd Dog, although wolves have longer legs, larger feet, a longer tail and slightly wider heads.
Behaviors
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The Arctic Wolf is able to withstand sub-zero temperatures for years. They can also survive up to five months of absolute darkness a year, and can live weeks without food. The Arctic Wolf is one of the few mammals that can withstand the conditions of weather. Arctic Wolves usually travel in small packs as small as two and as large as twenty.
When the female wolf is pregnant, she will leave the pack in order to dig herself a den to raise her pups. Although, if the layer of ice is too thick, she will move to a den or cave. The pups are born both blind and deaf, weighing at one pound. They are dependent on their mother for food and protection. There can be 3-12 puppies in a litter. When they are three weeks old, they are allowed outside of the den. Some other wolves in the pack might take care of the mother’s pups until she arrives back with food.
Habitat
The Arctic Wolf inhabits the northern part of Greenland, the Canadian Arctic as well as some parts of Alaska.
Hunting
Wolfs have forty-two teeth when they are adults, which is their main use of attack when they are hunting. They eat all of their prey, including the bones. They also, like all wolves, hunt in packs and they mostly prey on caribou and muskoxen, but will also kill a number of Arctic Hares, seals, ptarmigan and lemmings, as well as other smaller animals such as waterfowl. Due to the scarcity of prey, they roam large areas to find prey up to and beyond 2,600 km (1,000 sq mi), and they will follow migrating caribou south during the winter. Wolves generally do not get involved in long chases, and usually stop chasing their prey after 10–180 m (33–591 ft) of running. Although, a wolf pack may sometimes travel up to 800 mi (1,300 km) when searching for their prey. When the temperature drops too low, the pack will turn toward the migrating animals and head south. Arctic Wolves live in small family groups, that have a breeding pair (Alpha male and female), their cubs as well as their offspring. All the wolves in the pack entrust in the Alpha male and the female. The pack works together when it comes to feeding, and caring for their cubs. Some lone Arctic Wolves are young males that left their pack to search for their own territories. They try to avoid other wolves, unless they are able to mate. When a wolf is able to find an abandoned territory, it will claim it as its own by marking the territory with its scent. After doing so, the lone wolf will gather other lone Arctic Wolves into its territory.
Reproduction
Due to the Arctic's permafrost soil and the difficulty it poses for digging dens, Arctic Wolves often use rock outcroppings, caves or even shallow depressions as dens instead; the mother gives birth to two or three pups in late May to early June, about a month later than Gray Wolves. It is generally thought that the lower number of pups compared to the average of four to five among Gray Wolves is due to the scarcity of prey in the Arctic. They give birth in about 63 days to 75 days. At birth, wolf pups weigh about one pound. When they are three weeks old, they are allowed outside of the den. Some other wolves in the pack might take care of the mother’s pups until she arrives back with food.
Distribution
The Arctic Wolf is the only subspecies of the Gray Wolf that still can be found over the whole of its original range, largely because, in their natural habitat, they rarely encounter humans.
References
- L. David Mech (text), Jim Brandenburg (photos), At home with the Arctic wolf, National Geographic Vol. 171 No. 5 (May 1987), pp. 562-593
- L. David Mech, The Arctic wolf: 10 years with the pack, Voyageur Press 1997, ISBN 0-89658-353-8
Notes
- ^ Wolf traits
- Wolf facts
- Morelle, Rebecca (2009-01-31). "Elusive wolves caught on camera". BBC. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- Arctic Wolf
External links
- L. David Mech: Arctic Wolves and Their Prey
- White Wolf Sanctuary website
- Wolf survival website
- International Wolf Center - Arctic Wolf Information