The Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs) is a subspecies of Gray Wolf which was once found throughout the Arabian Peninsula, but now only lives in small pockets in Southern Israel, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and probably in some parts of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

Features and adaptations

The Arabian wolf is a small, desert adapted wolf that stands at around 26 inches shoulder height and weighs an average of 40 pounds Their ears are proportionally larger in relation to body size when compared to other species, an adaptation needed to disperse body heat. Also, Arabian wolves do not live in large packs, and instead hunt in pairs or in groups of about three to four animals. This subspecies is unusual, as it is not known to howl.^[1]. Arabian wolves have short, thin fur in summer, though the hair on their back remains long even in summer. It is thought that this is an adaptation against solar radiation. The winter coat is long, though not as long as northern subspecies.^[2] Arabian wolves are unique among grey wolves due to the middle two toes of their paws being fused, a trait originally thought unique to the African Wild Dog.^[3] Like other wolves, the Arabian wolf's eyes are yellow, but many are found with brown eyes ? a certain indication that a portion of the population is not of pure blood anymore and that their ancestors have interbred with feral dogs. This poses a very serious threat to the survival of this subspecies.

It is distinguished from the Iranian Wolf by its paler fur, smaller size and proportionally smaller head.^[4]

Diet

A lone arabian wolf (with its winter fur) in the southern Arava desert, Israel

Arabian wolves will hunt small to medium sized animals such as cape hares, Dorcas Gazelles and ibexes, though they will feed on carrion and livestock when in the vicinity of human settlements.^[5]

Current status

In Oman, the wolf population has increased significantly since hunting was banned, and there is a strong possibility that they will naturally reestablish themselves in certain places within the region in the relatively near term. In Israel, there are between 100 and 150 Arabian wolves all over the Negev and the Ha'arava.

In culture

The wolf was frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as an enemy to flocks (Sirach 13:21; Matthew 7:15), and an emblem of treachery and ferocity, and bloodthirstiness. The tribe of Benjamin, owing to its warlike character, was often compared to a wolf in the Old and New Testiment of the Bible.

References

ar:??? ???? de:Arabischer Wolf fr:Canis lupus arabs it:Canis lupus arabs hu:Arab farkas no:Arabisk ulv pl:Wilk arabski pt:Lobo-árabe ru:???????? ???? fi:Arabiansusi sv:Arabisk varg

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