The Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is a subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis lupus). Adult Arctic wolves are between 25 and 31 inches in height (measured at shoulder) and reach weights of up to 175 pounds. Females tend to be smaller and lighter than males. They measure between 3 and 5 feet from head to tail. Their thick coat is off-white.
Arctic wolves live in groups of 7 to 10 individuals. Occasionally, Arctic wolves form groups of larger numbers (up to 30 individuals). They reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years and have gestation preiods of 53 to 61 days. Litters usually include 4 to 5 pups. Their average livespan is about 7 years.
- Mass: 23-80 kg
- Body Length: 87-130 cm
- Diet: Arctic hares, lemmings, caribou, musk ox
- Breeding Season: January to March
- Sexual Maturity: 2-3 years
- Number of Offspring: 5-14 (average 7)
- Predators: coyotes, gray wolves
- Average Lifespan: 5 years
Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
- Species: Canis lupus
The species Canis lupus contains the following subgroups:- Subspecies: Canis lupus arctos (Arctic wolf)
- Subspecies: Canis lupus nubilus (plains wolf)
- Subspecies: Canis lupus albus (Eurasian tundra wolf)
- Subspecies: Canis lupus lupus (Eurasian wolf)
- Subspecies: Canis lupus pallipes (Indian wolf)
- Subspecies: Canis lupus arabs (Arabian wolf)
- Subspecies: Canis lupus lycaon (eastern timber wolf)
- Subspecies: Canis lupus baileyi (Mexican wolf)
Range and Habitat:
Arctic wolves inhabit Arctic land masses, they do not inhabit permanent Arctic ice sheets.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Dewey T, Smith J. 2002. Canis lupus. Animal Diversity Web. November 26, 2008.
