Red or coyote wolves (from the Latin Canis rufus) are predatory mammals, representatives of the canine family (also a subspecies of the gray wolf). Outwardly, red wolves are very similar to gray ones, only red wolves have a slightly smaller size than gray ones. It also has a slender build, longer legs and ears, but shorter fur. The body length of a red wolf on average is from 100 to 130 cm (not taking into account the length of the tail is 30-40 cm), and the height is from 65 to 80 cm. The mass of adults can reach 20-40 kg.

The color of this species is not uniform, the back of such wolves is usually black; limbs and muzzle are reddish. Red hair is more often observed only in individuals belonging to the Texas population and in everyone else in the winter.

The lifestyle and hunting of red wolves is also not much different from gray wolves. Red wolves live in mountains, wetlands or prairies. Geographically, this is the eastern part of the United States (the states of Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina and Penselvania). Packs of red wolves are somewhat smaller in number than packs of gray wolves, usually they consist of different generations of wolves, therefore there are absolutely no aggressive relations between its members in packs.

The diet of red wolves includes not only food of animal origin, but also plant food. Most often, the victims of this species of wolves among animals are: rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and occasionally deer (these animals are hunted by red wolves only in packs). They also feed on various berries and carrion. But red wolves can themselves become prey for alligators and red lynxes.

The breeding season for red wolves begins in January and lasts until March.
Pairs of red wolves, like other species, are created for a very long time. Females bring from 3 to 6 cubs, very rarely up to 12. Cubs live with their parents in dens, arranged under fallen trees, along river banks in sandy slopes. Both parents take an active role in the development of their offspring. Already in the sixth month of life, the cubs become completely independent. In nature, red wolves live on average 4 years, in captivity - up to 14 years.

Red wolves are the rarest of all wolf species and are listed in the International Red Book as a critically endangered species.
In total, there were three species (two of which became extinct) of red wolves: Canis rufus floridanus, Canis rufus rufus and Canis rufus gregoryi. Back in 1967, the species of red wolves was declared endangered. There are several reasons for this situation: red wolves were actively exterminated for attacks on domestic animals; the habitat was also gradually deteriorating; hybridization of red wolves with coyotes began. To date, the population of red wolves is only 270 individuals (which were restored from 14 individuals) and they all live only in North Carolina.

RED WOLF(Canis rufus) today is the rarest representative of the wolf genus. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, it was widespread in the southeastern United States, but its active extermination by humans led to the almost complete destruction of the species. The remaining two dozen individuals were captured and placed in nurseries, where conditions for their reproduction were created. Today, the population of the red wolf reaches 300 individuals, some of which were released into their natural habitat in North Carolina.
The main habitat of the species is inaccessible mountainous and swampy areas covered with forests. It is distinguished from its closest relative, the red wolf, by its smaller proportions: its legs and ears are longer, and its fur is shorter. The body length of an adult varies from 100 to 130 cm, another 30-40 cm falls on the tail hanging down by a log, the height at the withers reaches 80 cm. Males are on average 10% larger than females. The color of the predator is dominated by gray-brown tones with an admixture of black and brown colors. The reddish shade of the coat, from which the wolf got its name, is especially noticeable in winter. Full molt occurs in summer. Sometimes this predator is mistakenly called, which is a representative of a completely different species.
is predominantly nocturnal. Individuals live in small groups consisting of a dominant pair and their offspring of different ages. Harmony reigns in intergroup relations, but predators are aggressive towards representatives of other clans. To communicate with each other, animals use body language, pheromones, sounds and touch.
The mating season for the red wolf runs from January to March. After gestation, lasting 60-63 days, the female from the dominant pair gives birth to an average of 3 to 6 puppies. In raising the offspring, both the male and the female, and the rest of the flock take part. At the age of one year, the cubs become completely independent, at the same time they reach puberty.
Like all other members of the wolf family, the red wolf is carnivorous. Its diet is based on rodents and small ungulates: raccoons, white-tailed deer, rabbits, wild boars, etc. In one place, predators remain for no more than 7-10 days, after which they move to hunt in another area. The red wolves themselves, in turn, can become victims of other predators: coyotes, lynxes, large birds of prey, alligators, and even relatives from other flocks. But the greatest danger for this beast was a man, who almost completely exterminated this species. In nature, the red wolf lives for about 4 years; in captivity, a case was recorded when an individual lived for 14 years.

Read about other members of the animal kingdom.

Classification

Family: Canines

Subfamily: Simocyoninae

Detachment: Carnivores

Class: Mammals

A type: Chordates

Subtype: Vertebrates

Kingdom: Animals

Dimensions: in the growth of an individual no more than 55 cm. Males weigh 15-20 kg, females - 10-13 kg. Body length: 75-110 cm (excluding the tail (45-50 cm)

Life Expectancy: in the wild - up to 9 years, in captivity - more than 15 years.

The red wolf got its unusual name, since according to the description of its appearance it looks more like a fox or a jackal. He has a red, and in some cases even red, coat color uncharacteristic for ordinary wolves.

In total, there are 10 subspecies of this animal in the world, but, unfortunately, only 2 of them are in Russia.

At the moment, everything possible is being done to increase the number of red wolves, because you need to make every effort to preserve the species

Habitat

In most cases, you can only meet a red wolf in mountainous and forest areas near Central and South Asia. Even earlier, these wolves lived in the regions of Russia. For example, it could be found in the Altai Mountains.

Unfortunately, today there is no exact data that this animal can be found in Russia, although there were exceptions. Meetings of residents of the Khabarovsk region with forest orderlies were recorded, but it is quite possible that this information is erroneous and the wolf was simply confused with a fox.

The extinction of the species is due to the fact that in the distant seventies, these mammals were actively hunted, because their fur was valued even more than a fur coat, or. Puppies of an individual often came across the arm of stupid hunters.

Important! You can find this type of predator in the Red Book, since the mountain wolf can be found less and less in nature and very soon its complete disappearance is possible. At the moment, various measures are being taken to increase the population of the mountain wolf, but so far there are about 2,500 adults. This is critically small.

Today, this species of mammal is endangered and hunting for it is strictly prohibited! In the habitats, reserves are created that improve the living conditions of the red wolf. There is hope that zoologists and scientists will be able to save the population.

The most comfortable habitat for this wolf is the mountains. This is where another name came from - the mountain wolf. If the situation in the mountains is favorable for life and existence, that is, the availability of food and the required level of snow, then the predator will not leave this area.

Characteristic

The red wolf got its nickname because of the similarity with the fox and jackals according to the following criteria:

  • Red, and in some cases bright red, coat. If you catch a glimpse of this beast, then it is quite possible to say that it was a fox who slipped by, but certainly not, the gray wolf we are accustomed to;
  • A bushy tail, uncharacteristic for ordinary Seromans, which is very long and almost reaches the ground (tail length 45-50 cm);
  • Narrow and slightly elongated muzzle;
  • Large and rounded ears that resemble the outline of a jackal.

Captive red wolf

These mammals create very strong and friendly families in which a certain hierarchy reigns. People have a lot to learn from wolves, because couples that are created to form a future family remain so until the end of their days.

It is interesting! There is a mention of red wolves in the world-famous book "The Jungle Book". Despite the fact that this is a fairy tale, it describes the most basic and truthful characteristics of a mammal. Remember the excerpts from the book: "Predators moved in packs of up to thirty individuals." So it is, but in real life they move in flocks of up to 10-12 members. This is due to the fact that the population is subject to extinction and a larger number is not recruited within one family. The size of a group can reach up to 30 if several families unite.

Appearance

Here you can clearly trace the similarity of the red wolf with the fox.

If you decide to look at the photo of a red wolf, then you will understand where his nickname came from. This individual is quite impressive in size.

The body length reaches 160 cm with the tail, and the weight is 21 kg. The mammal is a kind of collective image that includes the wolf, fox and jackal. It has a characteristic reddish color, a pointed muzzle and large rounded ears.

Important! The color can be different depending on the habitat. The end of the tail is always black. Puppies up to three months old have a dark brown color.

As you know, the main habitat of these animals is mountains. Animals are taken high enough and often reach the Alpine belt. Due to the low temperatures and the snow layer, the coat is thicker and softer in winter than in summer.

Key Features

The red wolf is a typical mountain dweller. Here are some of the unique features of the life of a red wolf:

  • The beast rises high in the mountains up to 4000 meters above sea level.
  • An individual of this species can freely live in forests, due to certain conditions, but still adheres to rocky areas.
  • The mammal can temporarily live even in the steppes and deserts, but only for short periods of time and only when searching for food or migrating.
  • Although the red wolf is a representative of the predatory fauna, it often eats plants in the summer.

Red wolf in the wild

The relationships within the pack are generally friendly and not at all aggressive. Most often, wolves find themselves sleeping in caves, rock breaks, crevices, and so on. Due to the gradual disappearance of the population, they try to keep them in captivity, but still it is impossible to tame them, as, for example, which is not surprising.

Interesting! Often, red wolves are called "singing", because the sounds they make are similar to singing. This is a distinctive characteristic of red wolves from gray wolves.

Nutrition

Red wolves are predators. Basically, they feed on ungulates, which are hunted in packs, because it is difficult to do this alone. They hunt one at a time only if the prey is small (hares, etc.). In summer, predators can also eat plant foods. Now, briefly about the predator's diet.

"Red dogs" love to feast on mountain sheep. It is not surprising that such animals are hunted in packs, because their weight reaches 180 kg, which is many times more than the weight of one wolf. Rams have swirling and very powerful horns, and also, thanks to the special structure of their hooves, climb mountains perfectly.

Interesting! Red deer are also food for the herd, like other subspecies of red deer. The males of these animals reach a body length of 280 cm, but one of the frightening factors is the span of the horns, which reaches 80 cm.

Fanged deer such as musk deer are also eaten. Long and sharp fangs grow from the mouth of these animals, which can be used as a weapon for self-defense or attack. Musk deer live in taiga and rocky areas and climb mountains perfectly. That is why these animals also have to be driven by a whole flock.

The well-known wild boars or, as they are also called, wild pigs, are also food for the red wolf. They can be found where the environment is more humid and wet, with a variety of vegetation.

Basically, "red dogs" eat animal meat and only in the summer can dilute their diet with plants

Interesting! If you have met a lonely wild boar, then you should know that this is an old male. Young boars or females always adhere to the herd. It is precisely on lonely animals that wolves attack - so the boar will be an easy target for a dozen ferocious predators.

Although red wolves and predators, they still feed on plants. One of the representatives of the flora is rhubarb. It is a large and large plant that grows to a height of 2 meters. The leaves contain a lot of sugar and vitamins and taste good. Also, "red dogs" use it as a medicine for various diseases.

Reproduction

Red mammals live in families, and then unite into powerful flocks that live, hunt, raise puppies, and so on. Males are very loyal to their chosen one, and also take an active part in raising the young.

A female's pregnancy lasts on average about two months. From two to nine puppies are born. For the first two weeks of their existence, the cubs are completely blind. After about six months, puppies are in no way inferior to an adult wolf.

Mating in captivity most often occurs in January-February. In the wild, wolves breed all year round, but still, most often they find new offspring in November-December.

Newborn wolf cubs are difficult to distinguish from ordinary gray ones, because they acquire their characteristic color much later.
It is impossible to study in detail the reproduction of this species, since they cannot be tamed, and their population is extremely small.

A female red wolf with her puppy

Raising offspring

In the wild, it is very difficult to meet a young wolf, especially a cub. This is due to the fact that the adult generation is very careful about their children. It is not for nothing that wolves have long been associated with freedom and loyalty among people.

Having been born, the cubs are completely helpless and cannot exist on their own. Parents provide them with food, warmth, comfort and keep the puppies safe.

Only at the age of one year, the younger generation tries their hand at hunting. Even if it so happened that the cub is lost, then its location is determined by howling.

This is such a unique radar that allows animals to keep in touch. Also, howling, or "singing", can serve as a warning of danger.

Winter hunting in full swing

The hierarchy of the growing offspring is determined from childhood. In various transmissions or photos you can see how the cubs are "playing". But this is not entirely true, because such “sparrings” define a stronger and more worthy offspring.

Sometimes parenting is difficult for parents, as puppies are very curious and courageous. This is probably due to the fact that they do not have to face real danger. As soon as the cubs stop feeding on breast milk, their diet is replaced by prey, which the flock brings to their habitat.

Due to the difference in the climate, red wolves tolerate both frost and heat well. This greatly simplifies keeping them in captivity. In zoos and nature reserves, predators are active only during the daytime. Towards evening, they hide in shelters, and they like to wake up only at noon.

In order to eliminate this, the animals are placed in cages up to three meters high. These enclosures are characterized by the softness of the grating, which prevents the wolves from jumping in a ricochet and leaving the boundaries of the place of detention. If rigid cages are used, then they are equipped with a curved visor on top.

As a substrate, most often, they take sand or earth and refuse concrete. This is due to the fact that the concrete pavement is difficult to warm up by the sun, and because of this, wolves can get sick.

Relationships with people

There is a very reverent attitude towards red wolves. This is due to their special position and their inclusion in the Red Book.

Mountain dogs are incredulous and impossible to tame

It is not possible to study in detail the behavior of these wolves, because they are completely unstable and cannot be trained in any way. Everyone understands perfectly well that if we do not make every effort to preserve the species, then in about 8-10 years we will no longer see any of its representatives.

Red Wolf: A dangerous predator with an unusual appearance

The red wolf is a unique predatory animal, because it can undoubtedly be confused with a fox because of its peculiar color, long tail to the ground and fluffy coat. Also, a red wolf can be recognized not only by color, but also by its ears, which are quite large and have a rounded shape.

Kingdom: Animals Type: Chordates Class: Mammals Order: Carnivores Family: Canidae Genus: Wolves Species: Wolf Subspecies: Red wolf

Scientific name: Canis lupus rufus Audubon
Common name:
English - Red Wolf
Species Authority: Audubon & Bachman, 1851

Endangered. For appearance, see the description of the wolf. The length of the body, including the tail, is 140-165 cm. The length of the tail is 34-42 cm. The constitution is lighter than that of a wolf. The hair color is reddish-brown, especially on the face, ears and outer surfaces of the extremities. There are dark-colored specimens.

By the time the first Europeans arrived in America, red wolves were inhabiting what is now the United States from Central Texas to the Atlantic coast and from the Gulf of Mexico north to the Ohio Valley and Southern Pennsylvania. By the late 1970s, purebred red wolves are believed to have survived only in southeastern Texas and surrounding Louisiana. At present they have probably disappeared there as well.

Formerly inhabited forests and coastal prairies. They currently live in coastal prairie marshes. Active at night. They feed on small mammals: rabbits, squirrels, muskrats, as well as crustaceans and insects.

The decline in numbers is caused by a change in habitat and persecution by humans. Hybridization with coyotes is especially dangerous. Deforestation and land development for agriculture allowed coyotes to spread east of their original range and the once existing gap between coyotes and red wolves by the beginning of the 20th century. disappeared. Protected by law.


Photo: By Tim Ross - Own work, Public domain

IUCN Assessment Information

2004 - Critically Endangered (CR) 1996 - Critically Endangered (CR) 1994 - Endangered (E) 1990 - Endangered (E) 1988 - Endangered (E) (in danger) 1986 - Endangered (E) (in danger) 1982 - Endangered (E) (in danger)
Distribution area Photo: Author: & - &, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org
/w/index.php?curid=32079545
Literature (source): Sokolov V.E. Rare and endangered animals. Mammals: Reference, manual. - M .: Higher. shk., 1986.-519 p. l.

Species: Canis rufus Audubon et Bachman, 1851 = Red Wolf

Red (red) wolf - Canis rufus - was distributed in the southeast C SHA, its distribution area reached the southwest of Texas and southwest of Louisiana. A program is currently underway to introduce red wolves to their former habitats.

Before the extermination of the population began, red wolves lived in the mountains, forests and wetlands of the lowlands. Currently, they live in separate mountainous areas or keep close to swamps.

Red wolves differ from their closest relative, Canis lupus, in smaller size and smaller proportions. The red wolf has longer legs and ears, shorter fur. The length of the body is 1000 - 1300 mm, the tail is 300 - 420 mm, the height at the withers is 660 - 790 mm. Male red wolves are 10 percent larger than females.

The color contains brown, red, gray and black, the back is usually black. The muzzle and limbs are reddish, the end of the tail is black. In winter, the red color is dominant. The annual molt occurs in the summer.

Red (red) wolves live in families in which the dominant pair breeds, other members of the group help raise offspring when the puppies reach one year old and bring food for lactating wolves. Reproduction takes place from January to March. Pregnancy lasts 60-63 days, in a litter of 3-6 puppies (rarely up to 12), which are born in the spring.

The life span of a red wolf in nature is 4 years, there are cases where When in captivity, red wolves lived to be 14 years old.

The red (red) wolf is nocturnal in its hunting area, which protects from strangers. In the family group, in addition to the breeding pair and their young puppies, grown-up puppies who have not left the pack gather, sometimes families grow significantly.

Within the site, red wolves acquire dens - in pits under fallen trees, sandy slopes along river banks. There are practically no acts of aggression in the family, however, towards unfamiliar wolves, the owners of the plot behave extremely unfriendly, as is customary for all wolves. The hunt can last 7-10 days, during which time the red wolves rummage around some area with in their hunting area, in case of failure, they move to another place. The howl of red wolves has something in common with gray wolves and coyotes.

The diet of the red (red) wolf contains rodents and other small mammals, which form the basis of the diet of this species. Other animals that red wolves prey on are raccoons, white-tailed deer, swamp and other rabbits, pigs, rice rats, nutria, and musk rats. Carrion serves as an addition to the diet. In turn, red wolves can fall prey to other, larger predators or die in fights with other packs of red and gray wolves or coyotes. Young animals can fall prey to alligators or wild cats.