Scientific name
Canis lupus
Popular name
Wolf
Description
The wolf is a priority species within the European Union and the largest member of the Canidae family (except a few domestic dog breeds). The body length is between 100-145 cm, the height at the withers reaches 70-80 cm and the weight is of 30-45 kg, reaching even 75 kg (the male is bigger than the female).
It has a gray-yellow fur, with large black spots on the back and tail, relatively small and high ears, well developed canines (that can reach 35 mm), long thick tail and strong non-retractable claws.
The wolf is one of the most effective predators, living and hunting in packs with a strong hierarchy (the pack is a family unit composed of two or more adults, cubs of the leading couple and survivor cubs of the previous year). It hunts on large territories and depends on the numerical concentration of the prey, which may cause fluctuations in the density and number of the pack members.
Food
The wolf is almost exclusively carnivorous. Its prey is made up of stags, deer, rabbits, wild boars, rodents and sometimes domestic animals, also consuming invertebrates, fruits or carcasses.
Reproduction
This species is monogamous, breeding once a year (generally only the alpha pair of the pack). The pairs of wolves are formed in December-February and the leading pair is valid for several years, if none of the partners disappears. Mating takes place in February and, after a 9 weeks gestation period, the female gives birth to 3-8 cubs, which are blind for the first 10-14 days.
Habitat
The wolf lives in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from Arctic tundra to forests, prairies and arid territories, while in our country it can be found mainly in compact mixed forests from the hill and mountain areas, at an altitude of 600-2300 m. Wolves need vast territories, with areas ranging from 10.000 to 50.000 ha, but solitary wolves do not have a defined territory and go through impressive distances to find their mate and reproduce.
Distribution
In Romania, the wolf population is found throughout the Carpathian Mountains and even in the sub-Carpathian hills with a high percentage of afforestation, while the historical area of the species also includes the steppe bioregulation, where it can be sporadically encountered (Danube Delta, Măcin Mountains, Dealul Mare Hârlău and Bârnova forest).
