On the Edge of Extinction: The Last Red Wolves Persist in One U.S. State

We often hear about the gray wolf, which is the best-known species of wild canid in the world, but it is far from being the only one. Native to the southeastern United States, the red wolf (Canis rufus), however, does not experience the same prosperity as its gray cousins.

Indeed, red wolves are critically endangered. They are close to the extinction of their species. On the contrary, gray wolves are debated on this subject. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) wanted to remove it from the Endangered Species List, but not all scientists approve of this decision.

North Carolina welcomes the world's last wild red wolves

As for the red wolf, there is no doubt that it is critically endangered. Its species in the wild risks disappearing permanently if the situation worsens or if no measures are introduced in time.

The red wolf is therefore one of the most endangered animals in the world. Currently, the only place where red wolves can be found in the wild is in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Located in the northeast of the state of North Carolina, this refuge is a protected area dedicated to the preservation of flora and fauna. Although protected in this area, wild red wolves are dangerously rare.

There are only 17 to 19 red wolves left in the wild.

To give you an idea, 17 to 19 individuals in the wild have been recorded in the state of North Carolina while there are approximately 290 red wolves in captivity. Additionally, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge does not provide complete protection.

Several threats remain such as poaching, collisions with vehicles and the risk of hybridization with coyotes. The future of this species is therefore uncertain.

As its name suggests, the red wolf has a reddish tint to certain parts of its body. The rest of its fur is brown in color. Its morphology resembles that of gray wolves with a large head, a broad muzzle, pointed ears and large paws.

A mortality rate of approximately 50% among Red Cubs

Red wolves are, however, smaller than their gray cousins, but larger than coyotes. They measure approximately 66 centimeters at the withers and 1.2 meters in length. Adult individuals weigh on average 23 kg.

In addition, you should know that red wolves live in packs like gray wolves. The breeding pair is united for life. Reproduction takes place around February so that the young are born at the end of spring.

However, these births may not be enough to guarantee the survival of the species. In fact, the mortality rate for Red Cubs is around 50%. This is why red wolves are released into the wild as soon as possible.

Source: IFLScience