Arctic Wolf - Five Sisters Zoo

Subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) Also called polar wolf or white wolf, they are found in the arctic regions of North America and Greenland.

Facts

  • Diet: Carnivore
  • Weight: 30 to 80 Kilos
  • Length: 1 to 1.7 metres
  • Habitat: Tundra
  • Life span: 7 to 10 years in the wild, in human care, they can live as long as 15 years.
  • Their howling can be heard up a distance of 10 kilometres.

Adapted to survive

  • Small ears compared with other grey wolfs, to limit the heat loss in the frozen artic temperatures.
  • Two layered thick and highly insulated fur that cover their body.
  • Thick layer or fat to insulate them and storage of nutrients to survive the scarce food supply during winter.
  • Their fur grows thicker in winter months to protect them from the cold.

Threats

  • Climate change has caused a decrease in numbers in the abundance of prey species.

 

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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