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Declared extinct in the wild in 1980, the red wolf is one of the most endangered animals in the world. Due to the conservation efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and North American Zoos, the population is growing in captivity and being reintroduced to the wild. Brief History of the Red Wolf |
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Red Wolf Status: Critically Endangered As noted above, the Red Wolf popluation was considered extinct in the wild in 1980, making it one of the most endangered animals in the world. It is believed that the cause of their decline is past aggressive predator control programs combined with clearing of forested habitat. When the few remaining red wolves were unable to find mates of their own species, hybridization with coyotes occurred – another factor in the near extinction of the animal. Thanks to captive breeding programs begun nearly 35 years ago and their resulting reintroduction programs, there are currently a little under 200 red wolves surviving and breeding in the wild. With 178 red wolves in captive breeding facilities currently in place, like Roger Williams Park Zoo, the numbers are likely to continue to rise. This is truly a conservation success story. |
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Roger Williams Park Zoo's Efforts In 1984 the red wolf was incorporated into the Species Survival Plan (SSP). An SSP is a cooperative species population management and conservation program undertaken by AZA member zoos and aquariums in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. Currently 36 (soon to be 39) zoos and nature center now cooperate in an national breeding program to restore red wolves to their natural habitat in the wild. On April 25, 2005, three red wolf pups were born at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, increasing the worldwide population by 1%. The birth of the pups is a significant contribution to efforts to sustain the species. Today, there are believed to be a little under 200 red wolves surviving and breeding on their own in North Carolina’s Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. |
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Video Spotlight |
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Red wolves have a head and body length of 1,000 to 1,300 mm with a tail 300 to 420 mm long. At the shoulder, they stand 660 to 790 mm and weigh 20 to 40 kg. Red elements in the fur are quite pronounced in some individuals but are often restricted to legs and lower body in others. Dorsal fur is commonly a cinnamon buff or tawny with gray or black hairs interspersed, while ventral coat may range from whitish to pinkish buff. Red wolves are primarily a nocturnal species, and live in packs with strong social behaviors. A male and female usually mate and unite for life. The pups live with parents until approximately two to three years old. Here at the zoo, you will find the red wolves in the North American exhibit area. Learn more! |
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