Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Canis
Species: Canis lupus arctos
In the remote and frigid landscapes of the Arctic, a magnificent creature roams with a grace that belies its harsh surroundings—the Arctic Wolf. Also known as the Canis lupus arctos, this stunning predator is a sub-species of the grey wolf and is perfectly adapted to survive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Join us on a journey into the icy realm of the Arctic Wolf, exploring its unique characteristics, behaviour, and the critical role it plays in maintaining the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem.
Artic Wolves (Canis lupus arctos) typically have a life span of 7–17 years and weigh between 32-70 KG (70.4 – 154 pounds). They can grow up to a length of 90-180 centimetres and a height of 63-79 centimetres with a top speed of around 40 MPH (65 KM/H). The Artic wolf can be found in the Artic regions of Greenland and North America as well as Arctic region’s glacier valleys, northern rolling hills, and ice fields by shallow lakes. They tend to take residence within mountain biomes and polar, cold climate zones. This species is awake either during the day or at night but are typically diurnal (active during the daytime).
The Arctic wolf boasts a distinctive appearance, being the only species/sub-species of wolf with its pristine white coat which provides exceptional camouflage against the snowy backdrop. This thick fur not only conceals the wolf from prey but also serves as insulation, protecting it from the bone-chilling temperatures that can plummet well below freezing. Unlike their grey wolf relatives, Arctic Wolves possess shorter ears and snouts, minimizing heat loss and in turn adapting to the harsh colder climate. During winter months Artic wolves (Canis lupus arctos) grow a second layer of fur to protect themselves against the cold. Like many other animals, such as domestic dogs, Arctic wolves have a mechanism that keeps their paws and paw pads at a temperature lower than the body core, which minimizes heat loss in them, although they are in contact with the frozen ground. Blood going into their paws heats the blood that is leaving, preventing their core from getting cooled by the loss of heat through their feet. The feet of birds such as ducks and penguins have similar mechanisms.
Survival in the unforgiving Arctic conditions requires a combination of physical adaptations and intelligent behaviour. Arctic Wolves are highly social animals, typically forming packs or routs of around 7-8 related members, to increase their chances of securing food in the vast, frozen expanses. A wolf has a few different means of communication. Their communication is intricate, involving a range of vocalizations, body language, and even scent marking. These packs are led by an alpha pair (1 alpha male and 1 beta female), showcasing a complex social structure that ensures cooperation and coordination in the face of extreme conditions. Each wolf knows its position through body posture communication. Artic wolves howl for many reasons from signalling their location to other pack members or bringing members together for a hunt, to warning neighbouring wolves to stay away from their territory. They also use scent markings to communicate territorial boundaries, as well as their presence to other wolves, whether in their pack or neighbouring.
Arctic Wolves are carnivores meaning they live on a diet of meat. They are apex predators in their icy domain, preying on a variety of Arctic-dwelling species such as muskoxen, Arctic hares, lemmings, and caribou. Their hunting strategies often involve strategic teamwork, with pack members collaborating to isolate and bring down their prey. Artic wolves are pursuit and ambush predators. Once the pack has caught their prey, they then share their kill. The efficiency of these hunting techniques is crucial for the survival of the pack.
Males of this species are called dogs where the female is called a bitch, and their young are called pups or whelps. Within an Artic wolf pack only the alpha male and beta female are allowed to mate and show a monogamous mating behaviour. This occurs between the months of January-March and if successful the female will have a gestation period of 61-63 days. Artic wolves are viviparous (viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent). After the gestation period around 5-7 pups are born and will depend upon the entire pack to help protect them. The new-born pups weigh roughly around a pound, are brown in colour, and are deaf and blind rendering them helpless. When the pups reach around 10 days old their eyes start to open and only after the 2 weeks mark the very protective mother of the pups will allow other members of the pack into the den to share the responsibility of looking after the pups. When the pups are around 2 months old, they are weaned off the mother and will soon begin learning how to play and hunt, taught by their fathers. Pups are strong enough to join, travel with and learn survival skills from the pack. Male pups will become reproductively mature at a year old and females will become reproductively mature at around 2 years old.
Arctic Wolves play a vital role in maintaining the health of the Arctic ecosystem. By controlling the populations of herbivores like caribou and muskoxen, they help prevent overgrazing, ensuring the survival of delicate plant species in the region. This cascading effect underscores the intricate interdependence of species in this extreme environment, highlighting the importance of preserving the Arctic Wolf's habitat.
The Artic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is seen as Least Concern (LC) with a population size of around 200,000 individuals according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Due to their isolation, Arctic wolves are not under threat by habitat destruction and hunting as their southern relatives are and are the only wolf sub-species that is not threatened. Despite their ability to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth, Arctic Wolves face threats that could endanger their populations in the future. Climate change, industrial development, and disruptions to their prey base all contribute to the challenges that these magnificent creatures may confront. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting the Arctic Wolf and preserving the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem.
The Arctic Wolf stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, embodying the beauty and harshness of the Arctic wilderness. As we marvel at its adaptations, behaviour, and ecological significance, it becomes evident that the conservation of these magnificent creatures is not only essential for their survival but also for the preservation of a fragile and harsh ecosystem. As stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to protect and respect the Arctic Wolf and its habitat, ensuring that future generations can continue to be captivated by the wonders of this vast frozen wilderness.
All images taken by Ella Munro at Hoo Zoo
Audio from Yellowstone National Park Service
Conservation status from IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
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