List of gray wolf populations by country
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As of 2018, the global gray wolf population is estimated to be 200,000–250,000.[1] Once abundant over much of North America and Eurasia, the gray wolf inhabits a smaller portion of its former range because of widespread human encroachment and destruction of its habitat, and the resulting human-wolf encounters that sparked broad extirpation. Wolf reintroduction programs have been instituted where there is suitable wilderness. Considered as a whole, however, the gray wolf is regarded as being of least concern for extinction according to the IUCN. Today, wolves are protected in some areas, hunted for sport in others, or may be subject to extermination as perceived threats to people, livestock, and pets.
This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (September 2019) |
Wolves tend to quickly adapt to change, and are often referred to as an indicator species; a species delineating an ecoregion or indicating an environmental condition such as a disease outbreak, pollution, species competition or climate change. Wolves do not seem to be able to adapt as readily to expanding civilization the way coyotes do. While human expansion has seen an increase in the coyote's population, it has caused a drop in wolves.[2]