Iranian Wolf

The Iranian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of Grey Wolf which ranges from Lebanon, Northern Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. The Iranian wolf was thought to be the most likely direct ancestor of the Dingo [1], however recent evidence has shown the Dingo to be more closely related to domestic dogs. [2]

Standing 18 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder, Iranian wolves weigh between 55 to 70 pounds.[3]

The short, pale color of their fur helps them to blend into the semi-arid landscape of their habitat. They have little to no undercoat, thus keeping them cool in the hot Middle Eastern climate.[3]

They apparently seldom howl.[3]

Lately research of the mtDNA of the Indian Wolf, formerly thought to be a variant of Canis lupus pallipes, confirms that this is a new species of wolf, now called the Canis indica, separate and distinct from other wolf species in the world.[4]

It is distinguished from the Arabian Wolf by its darker fur, larger size and proportionately larger head.[5]

[edit] Current status Israel seems to be the last hope for the Iranian Wolf's survival in the Middle East because it is the only country in the region where they have legal protection. There are between 150-250 wolves all over northern and central Israel. The biggest dangers to the wolves in Israel are the local dogs that interbreed with them, essentially contaminating the genetic purity of the subspecies.

[edit] In culture The wolf, known in Turkey as the Bozkurt, was the main totem of ancient Turkish tribes and became the national symbol from the Hun to Ottoman Empire. Before the Turks' adoption of Islam, a wolf’s head was used to be put on the tips of flag poles, replaced later by the crescent and star.[citation needed] In Turkish mythology, it is believed that the Göktürks were descended from a she-wolf called Asena, a legend paralleling the myth of Romulus and Remus. Also, a wolf was responsible for showing the Turks the way out of their legendary landlocked mountain-valley homeland Ergenekon.