Canis lupus arabs

(Pocock, 1934)

Vernacular names

English : Arabian wolf
French : Loup d’Arabie

Classification

Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae
Notes : 21 other subspecies known. Total number of subspecies recognised varies from 11 to 23.

Identification

Up to 130 cm body length, weight up to 62 kg. Biggest canid species. Smaller and thinner subspecies with dark flanks and sandy-brown coat overall.

Range and habitat

This subspecies occurs from Syria to Arabian Peninsula. The species is found in Europe, Asia and America. Lives in montane tropical and subarctic forests, arid areas, tundra.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
Status : The species is treated as least concern by IUCN but is persecuted throughout its range and some populations are now on the brink of extinction. Habitat fragmentation because of human activities is also a major source of concern.