The Red Wolf is a very different species which is not closely related to the grey wolves as some may suspect. This endangered species' range of origin had been the south east potions of the United States such as the Gulf Coast states, Texas, the Carolinas,etc.
A red wolf is a medium sized wolf with gray-black, with a reddish tint giving them their name. They are known to be between 50-80 pounds and about 4.5-5.5 inches long. Red wolves have a lifespan of 6-7 years in the wild on 15 years when kept captive.
In 1980, there were estimated to be 20 red wolves, at most but as of 2007, there are approximately 207 captive red wolves found. Through these captive wolves, we have been able to have over 100 wild wolves.
Role in the Ecosystem:
Red wolves are considered a top predator as well as a keystone species. Top predators are the ones that are not consumed by anything else. Instead, they have control over other smaller and more vulnerable populations. Keystone species are ones that are considered to have a vast impact on ecosystem to a point at which, if they were removed, they would completely alter the environment.
Wolves, as a whole, are known to have a large impact on ecosystems. For example, in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, when wolves were brought back, they largely impacted many aspects in the ecosystem, including the rivers. Although the changes started with the wolves killing deer, it ended with a drastic, remarkable change.
Cause of Decline
Red wolves are the most endangered Canine species in the world. The threats experienced by red wolves mainly habitat loss which is caused by human development, weather/natural disasters, human killings, and the negative stigma that comes with the restoration of our ecosystems. Human development includes things such as chopping down trees leading to deforestation and depriving red wolves of their habitats as well as pollution occurring by factories. Human killings occur due to illegal killings and car accidents.
Red wolves are the most endangered Canine species in the world. The threats experienced by red wolves mainly habitat loss which is caused by human development, weather/natural disasters, human killings, and the negative stigma that comes with the restoration of our ecosystems. Human development includes things such as chopping down trees leading to deforestation and depriving red wolves of their habitats as well as pollution occurring by factories. Human killings occur due to illegal killings and car accidents.
Why Should We Care
We should prevent the extinction of red wolves because it is important to protect every species of an ecosystem, even if they are predators. Predators have the capability of protecting the balance and health of ecosystem. They do this by removing unhealthy animals and preying on other species in order to better balance the cycle.
Conservation Efforts
There are various efforts being made in order to help restore the red wolves. One of the examples was given in the Yellowstone National Park. Another effort was made in 1987 at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refugee. Through these efforts, we are reintroducing red wolves into the wild. Slowly, we have made an effort to revive this species and hopefully this fight will continue for the red wolves.
Resources:
http://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/educational-resources/red-wolf/#.
http://www.defenders.org/red-wolf/threats
http://www.defenders.org/red-wolf/basic-facts
http://a-z-animals.com/animals/red-wolf/
http://tracker.cci.fsu.edu/redwolf/about/what/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q
We should prevent the extinction of red wolves because it is important to protect every species of an ecosystem, even if they are predators. Predators have the capability of protecting the balance and health of ecosystem. They do this by removing unhealthy animals and preying on other species in order to better balance the cycle.
Conservation Efforts
There are various efforts being made in order to help restore the red wolves. One of the examples was given in the Yellowstone National Park. Another effort was made in 1987 at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refugee. Through these efforts, we are reintroducing red wolves into the wild. Slowly, we have made an effort to revive this species and hopefully this fight will continue for the red wolves.
Resources:
http://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/educational-resources/red-wolf/#.
http://www.defenders.org/red-wolf/threats
http://www.defenders.org/red-wolf/basic-facts
http://a-z-animals.com/animals/red-wolf/
http://tracker.cci.fsu.edu/redwolf/about/what/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q