Iranian wolf: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 13:16, 3 January 2009
| Iranian Wolf | |
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| File:Iranian wolf at Kinneret.jpg | |
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| Species: | Canis lupus
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| Subspecies: | Canis lupus pallipes
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The Iranian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of Grey Wolf which ranges from Lebanon, Northern Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. The Iranian wolf was thought to be the most likely direct ancestor of the Dingo [1], however recent evidence has shown the Dingo to be more closely related to domestic dogs. [2]
Description
Standing 18 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder, Iranian wolves weigh between 55 to 70 pounds.[3]
The short, pale color of their fur helps them to blend into the semi-arid landscape of their habitat. They have little to no undercoat, thus keeping them cool in the hot Middle Eastern climate.[3]
They apparently seldom howl.[3]
Lately research of the mtDNA of the Indian Wolf, formerly thought to be a variant of Canis lupus pallipes, confirms that this is a new species of wolf, now called the Canis indica, separate and distinct from other wolf species in the world.[4]
It is distinguished from the Arabian Wolf by its darker fur, larger size and proportionately larger head.[5]
Current status
Israel seems to be the last hope for the Iranian Wolf's survival in the Middle East because it is the only country in the region where they have legal protection. There are between 150-250 wolves all over northern and central Israel.
References
- ^ The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Human Evolution, Cambridge University Press 1992
- ^ "A detailed picture of the origin of the Australian dingo, obtained from the study of mitochondrial DNA". Population Biology. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
- ^ a b c "The Iranian Wolf". Wolf Song of Alaska. Retrieved 2007-10-06.
- ^ Blackwell Synergy - J Zoological System, Volume 45 Issue 2 Page 163-172, May 2007 (Article Abstract)
- ^ Bright, Michael (2006). Beasts of the Field: The Revealing Natural History of Animals in the Bible. pp. p346. 1861058314.
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