Red Wolf - Dean Harris

Red Wolf (Canis Rufus)

By Dean Harris

image: https://www.treehugger.com/endangered-species/this-year-poachers-killed-10-percent-remaining-red-wolf-population-usa.html

Species Description

The red wolf is one of the three living Canis species found in North America and one of the most critically endangered species in the world. Smaller than gray wolves, but bigger than coyotes, red wolves are found to be about four feet long and weigh between 50 - 60 pounds. They have brownish-black coats with a rusty tint around their face and legs, which helps to characterize them as red wolves. They travel in packs of five to eight, following a breeding pair who mate for life. The offspring stay around for an average of three years until they leave in search of a mate. They usually eat small mammals such rabbits or raccoons, but sometimes are known to hunt white-tailed deer as well. They protect their territory, which can range up to 20 miles, with their lives against other possible competitors. In the wild they live around six years, although they breed every year around January to March.
reference: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Red-Wolf

Geographic Range and Population Change

Red wolves are historically found in southeastern America. The first confirmed recorded sighting of a red wolf was in Florida in the year 1791. Not much is known about past population sizes since most of them were killed off before scientific investigations began. In 1980 fewer than 20 wild red wolves were found and brought into captivity. In 1987 the US Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced 4 pairs of wolves into the wild in North Carolina with hopes of rebounding the population. The future of these animals seem bleak as there is only an estimated 50 - 75 wolves in the wild and 200 in the selective breeding program.

image: http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/redwolf.htm

Type of Listing, Listing Date, and Cause of Listing

In 1967 the red wolf was declared endangered by a law that predated the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This means that they are severely "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." As of now they are considered "critically endangered" and the population is currently the lowest it has been since 1990. They were hunted throughout of American history out of misunderstanding of man. Bounties were put out and by the 1920's the red wolf population was significantly reduced. World War I caused another set of problems as man began clearing out forests to help aid in the war efforts. This caused severe habitat destruction and fragmentation to a species that was already struggling to survive prior. 

reference: https://nywolf.org/red-wolves/red-wolf-history

image: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/3746/0

Main Threats to Continued Existence

Currently the red wolf's main threat to existence is the inability to find proper mates. Since their population is so small, the wolves have an incredibly limited choice of mates and will often be found to mate with coyotes. This poses as a major threat to the future health of the species as mixing species results in diluted gene pools and infertile offspring. Coyotes also pose as a competitor for resources in the area. The influx of coyotes that have taken over the red wolf historic range cause red wolves to struggle for food and living space in an already limited habitat. The fate of this species also rests in human aid which may be disappearing in the near future. The North Carolina State Government and the US Fish and Wildlife Service have been at odds as to what is the best measure in saving the species. All captive-to-wild releases have been halted as the politics and value of the red wolf continues to be debated over.
reference: https://nywolf.org/red-wolves/red-wolf-history

image: http://trackthepack.blogspot.com/2014/05/space-use-of-red-wolves-and-coyotes.html

Description of Recovery Plan

Having such a small population, the recovery of the red wolf as been handled with great care and precision. Conversationalists took the 15 known red wolves into a captive breeding program in hopes of reintroducing a new generation later down the line. When it was time for the first group to be released into the wild, they settled on an area in Northern Carolina called the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This allowed them to closely monitor the packs without too much interference from civilians. The problem of coyote inbreeding became a significant problem however. To combat this, coyotes in the area were captured and sterilized by conversationalists in order to prevent the cross breeding. Unfortunately, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as shut down this program down due to ethic reasons. The USFWS has also releases of captive species, which may cause the red wolf to become extinct in the wild within a few years. More on the Recovery Plan can be found here: https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/901026.pdf

reference: https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/901026.pdf

reference: https://nywolf.org/red-wolves/red-wolf-history

image : https://www.wired.com/2010/10/red-wolf-puppy-nanny/ 

What You Can Do

Spread the word to as many people as you can. Awareness of the red wolf is the best way to inspire more and more people to act in order to save them. Most people may not know they exist which is telling in it of itself as to how endangered this animal is. Reach out to the USFWS and voice your views on the issues at hand. Educate yourself and those around you on the factors that lead to their demise so we do not repeat history once again. Donate your time or money to nonprofits that encourage the conservation of wolves. Doing something! ANYTHING is better than nothing.

image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/398498267018375073/?autologin=true

References and Resources

1. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Red-Wolf
2. https://nywolf.org/red-wolves/red-wolf-history
3. https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/901026.pdf
4. https://defenders.org/red-wolf/basic-facts
5. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/3747/0