Wolf Species of the World
Gray wolf (canis lupus)
The gray wolf is the most common of all the wolves. This wolf is usually known as just "the wolf". The gray wolf is the largest member of the dog family, having a stocky, muscular body and large teeth. Their coat colors can range from black to white with many shades of brown, gray, and blondish in between. The gray wolf lives in many places in the world and there are about 200,000 gray wolves left in the world. (see Habitat-Location-Population)
Red wolf (canis rufus)
The red wolf is one of the least common wolves in the world. This wolf is a nimble, agile creature, with a narrow face. Their fur color is usually a dark russet/reddish color, hence their name. The red wolf lives in small areas in North America. There are fewer than 1,000 left on the planet. The red wolf may be a distinct species of their own from many genetic tests.
Ethiopian wolf (canis simensis)
Also known as the Abbysinian wolf, red jackal, and simian jackal, these wolves are Ethiopia's national symbol. These animals are highly endangered, with only about 500 remaining on the planet. Unlike other wolves, these wolves prey on small animals such as the Grass Rat and rarely prey on livestock, though these wolves are often killed for being blamed on the death of many livestock. They also have an unusual hierarchy, the females often dispersing themselves from the pack but the males staying behind. A pack usually has many related males and about 1-2 unrelated females. The Ethiopian wolf was once considered as a coyote, but recent genetic tests have proven them to be wolves. Ethiopian wolves live in a small part of Ethiopia, Africa, hence their name. Their fur is usually a brownish-reddish color with white patches on their underfur.
Arctic wolf (canis lupus arctos)
The Arctic wolf is a subspecies of the Gray wolf, a close cousin. Hence their name, Arctic wolves live in areas in the northern hemisphere-in the Arctic. Their fur color is usually a whitish color. Their body structure is a bit different than the gray wolves-their legs can be shorter and their fur is much thicker.
More Subspecies