Alaskan tundra wolf: Difference between revisions
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
The Alaskan tundra wolf feeds primarily on [[Reindeer|caribou]] and [[muskoxen]]. Adult prey is generally too large for a lone wolf, requiring cooperation in a pack to successfully bring it down. |
The Alaskan tundra wolf feeds primarily on [[Reindeer|caribou]] and [[muskoxen]]. Adult prey is generally too large for a lone wolf, requiring cooperation in a pack to successfully bring it down. |
||
If the wolves are unable to ambush their prey, muskoxen often form a circle to protect the vulnerable herd members. Unable to break through the circle, the wolves agitate their prey, attempting to get them to flee. If the herd flees, the wolves isolate and kill one of the weaker oxen. |
If the wolves are unable to ambush their prey, muskoxen often form a circle to protect the vulnerable herd members. Unable to break through the circle, the wolves agitate their prey, attempting to get them to flee. If the herd flees, the wolves isolate and kill one of the weaker oxen, but sometimes the wolves would try to kill the big oxen so they would have a bigger diner for the females, males and for the pups to eat so thay can grow strong. |
||
==Physiology== |
==Physiology== |
||
Revision as of 14:34, 21 March 2013
| Alaskan tundra wolf | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | C. l. tundrarum
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Canis lupus tundrarum Miller, 1912[1]
| |
The Alaskan tundra wolf (Canis lupus tundrarum[2]) is a subspecies of the gray wolf, Canis lupus, that resides along the Arctic coast in Alaska.[3]
Social behavior
Alaskan tundra wolves generally live in small packs consisting of parents and their young that have not yet found a mate. The alpha male leads the pack, followed in seniority by the alpha female, his mate. All adults participate in raising the wolf cubs and all wolves participate in the hunt. Although the wolves tend to live in packs, some young animals break away and live alone, also there is an father figure which means the leader hunts and the son or the next leader watches over the pups and the female.
Diet and hunting behavior
The Alaskan tundra wolf feeds primarily on caribou and muskoxen. Adult prey is generally too large for a lone wolf, requiring cooperation in a pack to successfully bring it down.
If the wolves are unable to ambush their prey, muskoxen often form a circle to protect the vulnerable herd members. Unable to break through the circle, the wolves agitate their prey, attempting to get them to flee. If the herd flees, the wolves isolate and kill one of the weaker oxen, but sometimes the wolves would try to kill the big oxen so they would have a bigger diner for the females, males and for the pups to eat so thay can grow strong.
Physiology
The Alaskan tundra wolf's fur is generally completely white, ranging from white to cream-white with darker fur along the spine and tail.[4][5]
| Length | 100–150 centimeters (without tail) |
| Height | 56–80 centimeters |
| Weight | |
| Reproductive age | Male: 3 years, Female: 2 years |
| Offspring per litter | 4–5 |
| Gestation time | 61–63 days |
| Life expectancy | 12–17 years |
References
- ^ "Canis lupus tundrarum Miller, 1912". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved August 28, 2010.
- ^ Fred H. Harrington (1982). Wolves of the World: Perspectives of Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. Noyes. pp. 345–. ISBN 978-0-8155-0905-9.
- ^ Patrick Hook (1998). Wolves. Random House Value Pub. ISBN 978-0-517-16082-4.
- ^ Lois Denny (2004). Alsatian Shepalute's: A New Breed For A New Millennium. AuthorHouse. pp. 39–. ISBN 978-1-4184-3922-4.
- ^ "Lobo Park, the Wolf Park Antequera" – Andalucia Life Magazine – Days Out. andalucia-life.com
External links
- Robin W. Winks (1997). Laurance S. Rockefeller: Catalyst for Conservation. Island Press. pp. 184–. ISBN 978-1-55963-547-9.
 | This dog-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |