The African wolf was once classified as an African variant of the golden jackal. However, they were later shown to be a distinct species more closely related to the grey wolf and coyote, through a series of analyses on the species’ mitochondrial DNA and nuclear genome in 2015. These canids face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments, as well as farming and ranching; hunting; and trapping as retaliation for killing rancher’s animals. However, they are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Canis lupaster
Weight: Up to 33 lbs.
Length: Up to 50 inches, plus up to a 7.87 inch tail
Height: Up to 15.75 inches, at the shoulders
Lifespan: Up to 18 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These wolves were considered sacred in ancient Egypt, particularly in Lycopolis, where they were revered as a god.
2.) In North African folklore, they are viewed as an untrustworthy animal whose body parts can be utilized for medicinal or ritualistic purposes.
3.) Aristotle wrote of wolves living in Egypt, and mentioning that they were smaller than the Greek type.
4.) Between 2011 – 2015, 2 mtDNA studies discovered that the Himalayan wolf and Indian wolf were closer to the African wolves than they were to the Holarctic grey wolves.
5.) The basic pack consists of a breeding pair, followed by their current offspring, or offspring from previous litters staying on as “helpers”.
But wait, there’s more on the African wolf!
6.) Large groups of these wolves are only noted to be found among trash heaps and landfills.
7.) Females undergo up to a 63 day gestation (pregnancy) that can yield up to 9 pups.
Did you know…?
Other names for these wolves are African golden wolf, golden wolf, Egyptian wolf, African golden jackal, North African jackal, African jackal, gray jackal, wolf jackal, jackal wolf, and Egyptian jackal.
8.) Daily activities are centered around a home burrow, which typically consists of an abandoned and/or modified aardvark or warthog burrow.
9.) They produce up to 7 dog-like sounds, including: barks, cackles, growls, howls, and whines. The most common sound produced is a high, keening wail.
10.) Mice, rats, hares, birds, snakes, lizards, beetles, grasshoppers, termites, gazelles, carrion (dead animals), and human refuse are all consumed.
But wait, there’s still more on the African wolf!
11.) These wolves often carry away more food than they can eat. When this happens, they will cache the extras and come back for seconds up to 24 hours later.
12.) They will often times feed alongside spotted hyenas however, they will be chased away if they get too close.
13.) The Serengeti populations are known to carry the canine parvovirus, canine herpesvirus, canine coronavirus, and canine adenovirus.
14.) Arab Egyptian folklore states that their meat is useful in treating insanity and epilepsy. This has never been proven to hold true.
Now a Short African Wolf Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Cécile Bloch
