(5)
Researching the grey wolf got me thinking about how they once had the largest distribution of any mammal except for human beings ofcourse (1). And this led me to ask the question: Is it possible sometime in the future for the grey wolf to reclaim this record?
The alpha pair in a grey wolf pack are the only ones that breed (3). However when one alpha individual dies, a new alpha male or female will become the new mate. Female grey wolves choose their mates (3). The time of season when wolves mate is towards the end of winter, and the pups are born after 9 weeks (1). The pups are born in groups ranging from 2 to 10 pups (1). They are born into a den that the female grey wolf digs to raise her young (3). When the pups are first born, they are helpless, weak, and blind, but they grow very quickly (2). After 9 days, the pups eyes open and they grow fur. Also, the female grey wolves are sexually mature when they reach 2 years of age, whereas the male grey wolf matures about a year later (2).
We must also never forget the economic importance of these grey wolves! They are incredibly important in maintaining populations of their prey animals (3). Also, many people believe the wolf symbolizes the spirit of wilderness, so the grey wolves are very significant to our culture (3).
Here is a short clip I found of some grey wolves in their natural habitat. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beyvV02cFqg&NR=1
It's interesting that they are born blind. Do you know how long it takes for them to gain sight? You mention to never forget the economic importance of these grew wolves, how are they important to the economy?
ReplyDeleteAlpha pairs are the only ones allowed to breed? Can't others in the pack breed?
ReplyDeleteWhen you say that the alpha pair are the only ones that breed, is that a physcial trait or just kind of like a custom amoungst the wolves?
ReplyDeleteHow many cubs are in a litter of grey wolves?
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that the alpha pairs are the only ones that breed?
ReplyDeleteI was also wondering Bekah's question regarding the economy. We need to save the grey wolves. I never knew they were an important factor in our culture.
ReplyDeleteRebekah- At ten to fifteen days of age, the pups' blue eyes open. Wolves are important in our culture because many people believe they symbolize the spirit of wilderness. Wolf products like posters and books are very popular which also helps the economy as well. Also in parks and reserves, wolf tourism is very important.
ReplyDeleteKate- yes they are the only ones allowed to breed, but when one of the alpha pairs die then another wolf in the breed will take his/her place in the pack as an alpha leader.
Alex- I assume it's a custom, especially because they like to maintain order within these packs.
Hailey S- As mentioned above, about 2 to 10 cubs.
Alyssa- as I said to Alex, the packs are supposed to maintain order and if all the wolves are interbreeding then the pack will get out of order and the pack will no longer remain organized and tightly knit.
ReplyDeleteI love their blue eyes.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, another thing I just realized is that the females of many of the species we've studied seem to develop (sexually) much sooner than the males, even humans for that fact.
Thank you for recognizing that the Wolves help control the population of their prey.
Nice Job
Its so interesting that the symbolic or superstious beliefs play a role in the preservation of wolf populations.
ReplyDeleteI love the clip you found! Wolves are such beautiful and fascinating creatures. It is so sad that they are endangered.
ReplyDelete