Canis lupus (gray wolf, also called timber wolf, Artic wolf, Mexican wolf, plains wolf, lobo) as other subspecies are part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species*.

* The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) provides information on species at risk of extinction. Are part of this list thousands of species and subspecies of animals and plants, classified in different categories (extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or least concern).

Species and subspecies of wolves in the Red List:

Ø      Canis lupus (gray wolf)

Ø      Canis lupus ssp. dingo

Ø      Canis lupus (Italian subpopulation)

Ø      Canis lupus (Mexican subpopulation)

Ø      Canis lupus (Spanish-Portuguese subpopulation)

Although Gray Wolves are in low risk of extinction, being first categorized as vulnerable (1982-1994) and later as least concern (1996), according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, conservation programs for their protection and reintroduction are still very important. Wolves as many other species are part of the Red List for many reasons but especially because of human-related issues. Continued common threats to wolves include:

-         destruction of habitat;

-          negative image still held by the public (wolves are mistakenly considered as a threat and danger for humans);

-         excessive hunting and poaching;

-         competition with humans for livestock;

-         car accidents;

-         scarce food

References/related websites:

• http://www.iucnredlist.org/
• http://www.wolfpark.org
• http://www.canids.org/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf
• http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org