American Red Wolf
The Critically Endangered American Red Wolf
Conservation Status
Biology
Brief History
Red wolves were first listed as “threatened with extinction” under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 in 1967 and later listed as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Additionally, a captive breeding program for red wolves was initiated in the same year. In 1980, they were declared extinct in the wild while 14 remained in captivity. However, in 1984, the AZA's Red Wolf Species Survival Plan was established. Finally, in 1987, the restoration could begin and the first captive-bred red wolves were released into Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
Threats & Conservation
Red wolves suffer hazards, particularly prior to their federal protection These major threats include habitat loss, illegal poaching, and vehicle strikes. Red wolves released to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina are legally protected in that designated location and many zoos and wildlife/wolf conservation communities are taking part in supporting the conservation of the red wolf through AZA programs.
The American red wolf (Canis rufus) is one of two wolf species in North America. Red wolves are smaller than their gray wolf counterparts, only weighing roughly 45-80 pounds and approximately 4 feet long. Although the diet of red wolves can vary depending on food availability, they primarily prey on white-tailed deer, and small rodents such as rabbits, and nutria; and have also been known to consume insects and berries.