There are now only 30 Red Wolves remaining in the wild today.
The Red Wolf is one of the most endangered animals on earth. They are so endangered that Red Wolves are heavily monitored by wildlife conservationists. Over half of the Red Wolf population - 18 of them - are fitted with satellite collars, so that scientists can monitor the Red Wolf population in the wild.
Red Wolves are found in the United States of America. Their population has more than halved since 2014. In just five short years, we have lost 70% of the Red Wolf population in the United States of America. During 2014, there was around 100 Red Wolves in the wild. However, today, there is only 30 Red Wolves in the wild.
Their extremely low population means that Red Wolves are critically endangered, and very close to becoming extinct in the wild.
Why Are Red Wolves Critically Endangered?
Red Wolves are critically endangered now because they have been hunted to near extinction at the hands of humans.
They are also critically endangered because of humans aggressively managing Red Wolves and overly aggressive managing their habitats.
A Conservation Success Story, Back To Being Endangered
In the 1980s, the Red Wolf was officially declared extinct in the wild. However, thanks to captive Red Wolves, wildlife conservationists managed to successfully introduce them back into the wild in the US. This reintroduction of Red Wolves into the wild was beginning to be successful - as in 2005, there was a total of 151 Red Wolves in the wild by 2005. However, due humans persecuting Red Wolves again, these animals started to decline. And their population hasnât recovered since.
Humans shooting Red Wolves has played a significant role in these beautiful animals declining, and slipping towards becoming extinct.
What Do Red Wolves Eat?
Red Wolves are predators. Their main diet consists of them eating a few different types of wild animals: namely rabbits, mice and rats.
How Long Do Red Wolves Live For?
Red Wolves living in the wild can live up to 7 years.
Red Wolves living in captivity, can live up to 15 years of age.
Red Wolves As A Species
In March this year, the US government confirmed that the Red Wolf was a separate and unique species of animal that is worthy of protection.
Prior to this, some people have thought that the Red Wolf wasnât a separate species of Wolf - that they weren'tâ separate from the Mexican Gray Wolf. Now, we know that the Mexican Gray Wolf and the Red Wolf are two distinct species.
New Threats Facing Red Wolves
There are some new threats facing the Red Wolf: Trumpâs border wall and also the Endangered Species Act being under threat from the current US government.
The Trump government has also threatened to strip Wolves of their protections.
How Can You Help Red Wolves?
You can help save Red Wolves by supporting âThe Wolf Conservation Centerâ.
The Wolf Conservation Center works to help Wolves, and preserve them for the future. There are many ways that you can help Wolves with the center - including adopting your own Wolf! To help save Red Wolves with The Wolf Conservation Center - go here to help save Wolves.
Sources:
https://defenders.org/red-wolf/basic-facts
http://www.endangered.org/will-usfws-commit-to-red-wolf-recovery/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/07/red-wolf-endangered-species
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2019/wolf-03-06-2019.php
https://www.ecowatch.com/red-wolves-separate-species-2633148302.html?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3
https://nywolf.org/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/07/red-wolf-endangered-species