However, the taxonomic uncertainty surrounding the distinction between Himalayan and Mongolian wolves makes it difficult for local governments to formally protect these subspecies. This has caused some problems for the wolf in recent years as farmers look to protect their herds. They can live in a variety of ecosystems, including in montane forests and alpine regions though they tend to prefer grasslands.įor the most part, these wolves feed on a variety of small to medium-sized mammals, but they have a preference for yak, sheep, and other domesticated livestock. These wolves are found throughout the Indian subcontinent, including parts of the Himalaya. Sometimes called the Tibetan wolf, the Himalayan wolf is a debated subspecies that’s closely related to the Mongolian wolf.

It also has massive ears and other unique adaptations that help it thrive in a desert environment. The Arabian wolf is normally less than 45 lbs (20 kg) in weight, which makes it just half the size of its larger cousins. As a result, they have very thin and short fur that tends to be lightly colored. These wolves are fairly unique among their species as they live in desert, rather than forested or tundra environments. However, it is now found only in small packs within parts of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and southern Israel. Arabian Wolf ( Canis lupus arabs)Ĭonsidered to be one of the smallest types of wolves, the Arabian wolf, or desert wolf, is traditionally found throughout the Arabian Peninsula. However, like all wolves, their coat colors can vary widely, so identification of the tundra wolf is difficult in the field. They can weigh upwards of 90 lbs (41 kg) and they have long, fluffy fur with a light grey color.

When compared to other types of wolves, the tundra wolf is quite large. For the most part, they’re found in Russia-particularly within the Kamchatka Peninsula-though they’re sometimes spotted in the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia. These large wolves are mostly found in the northern regions of the world in the tundra and forests of Eurasia. Tundra Wolf ( Canis lupus albus)įirst up on our list is the tundra wolf. In this section, we’ll discuss the many different wolf subspecies and we’ll talk about some of the issues that scientists face when trying to classify this amazing species. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together this list of the 27 types of wolves that currently roam the Earth. Within that species, there are dozens of different verified subspecies as well as a handful of disputed subspecies. Technically speaking, the vast majority of canines that we call wolves belong to a single species: Canis lupus. Wolves Classification and Facts⬇ The 27 Types of Wolves: Your Complete Guide Then, we’ll offer up some awesome facts about these canines to help you become a veritable wolf expert. In fact, we put together this guide to walk you through everything you need to know about the wonderful world of wolves.įirst, we’ll introduce you to our complete list of the 27 different types of wolves that currently wander the planet. If so, we have all the information you seek. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to encounter one on the trail, you know that the wolf is one of the planet’s most majestic creatures.īut, have you ever wondered how many types of wolves there really are?

The conservation status of wolves is complex, with some subspecies considered endangered while others are not.

Wolves live in packs with complex social structures and are not generally dangerous to humans.

A wolf’s diet consists mainly of hoofed mammals, but they are opportunistic feeders.

Wolves are fast runners, able to sprint up to 38 mph.

There are 27 types of wolves roaming the Earth, most of which belong to the species Canis lupus.

3|There’s No Such Thing As An Alpha Wolf.

2|Wolves Can Eat Up To 30 lbs Of Meat At Once!.

Alaskan Tundra Wolf (Canis lupus tundrarum)

Alaskan Interior Wolf (Canis lupus pambasileus) Northwestern Wolf (Canis lupus occidentalis) Baffin Island Wolf (Canis lupus manningi) Mackenzie River Wolf (Canis lupus mackenzii) Alexander Archipelago Wolf (Canis lupus ligoni) Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf (Canis lupus irremotus) Vancouver Island Wolf (Canis lupus crassodon) British Columbian Wolf (Canis lupus columbianus) New Guinea Singing Dog (Canis lupus dingo) The 27 Types of Wolves: Your Complete Guide.

Cute wolf pictures