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Writer's pictureJennifer J

A Profile: Critically Endangered Red Wolves



Red Wolves are one of the most beautiful animals in the world today. But, they are also one of the rarest animals in the world today. There is only a handful of them surviving today.


Red Wolves once were found throughout the South West of the United States of America. Sadly, these animals have declined significantly throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century, their population numbers still remain very low.


These beautiful animals were sadly hunted to near-extinction in the 20th century.


What Is Their Conservation Status?


Today, they are critically endangered.


What Is The Population Of This Animal?


The population of this animal is very low today. In December of last year, it was reported that there were only 40 individual red wolves remaining in the world today.



Just a few days ago though, the Wolf Conservation Centre has said that there are now only 10 of them left in the wild now. With a very low population, these animals are sadly very close to extinction today. Which makes them one of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world today. These are one of the animals that we could see going extinct in our lifetime.


What Is The Habitat Of Red Wolves?


These wonderful animals are found in quite a few different habitats.


They are found in forests, shrublands, inland wetlands and artificial areas. This makes red wolves suitable for living in a wide variety of different ecosystems.


But, they face a few dangers in the wild.


What Dangers Do Red Wolves Face In The Wild?



Red wolves face a few different issues in the wild, which could result in these animals becoming extinct. Two of the main threats that these animals face are them being hunted by humans and because of transport (so, maybe things like road collisions, or roads being built).


There are however conservation efforts being done to try and help save them.


What Do Red Wolves Eat?


Red Wolves eat other animals, so they are carnivores.


Amongst the animals that they usually eat include animals like rodents. Red wolves also eat bigger animals, such as deers and raccoons. Therefore, the diet of red wolves can be a bit varied.


What Time Of The Year Do Red Wolves Mate?


Many animal species in the Northern hemisphere will usually have their young during the spring season. Red wolves are no different, and will also have their young during the spring.


Red wolves mate during the winter; in January and February. Then they will go on to have their young in early spring; around March, April and then in late spring during May.


Female red wolves will carry the young for about two months inside of her, then, she will give birth to seven different baby red wolves at the end of her pregnancy.


Both parents will then help raise the young.


What Is The Population Trend For Red wolves?


Red wolves are sadly seeing a decrease in their population today.


How Has Their Population Changed In The Past Decade?


The red wolf population has seen its population change in the last decade. They have seen their population decline quite rapidly in just 8 years.


In 2012, there was estimated to have been between 100 to 120 red wolves in America. Since then, their numbers have almost halved. In December 2019, it was said that there were only 40 individual red wolves living in the wild. Now, it is thought that there are as few as 10.


The Future Of Red Wolves On The Earth


The future of red wolves on earth doesn’t seem that bright. They are a species that is slowing seen their light put out. We are the last generations that may be alive at the same time as red wolves: they may not exist for much longer. And therefore, future generations may not get to see these wonderful animals.


It is us that will decide whether or not red wolves go extinct.


But time is slowly slipping away to help save this species. What we do, or don’t do, now, will determine whether or not red wolves survive for future generations, or go extinction.


It’s not too late to save them. We can still do it. We can still save red wolves from extinction.


If you would like to help red wolves, then you can do so with the Wolf Conservation Center - here.






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