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Tag: Iberian Wolf

This week (October 19th – 25th) we join wildlife lovers worldwide in celebrating Wolf Awareness Week 2025, a time to recognise one of natures most fascinating, intelligent and misunderstood animals.

Wolves have shared the landscape with humans for thousands of years, inspiring stories of admiration, reverence, and unfortunately for some, fear. Many cultures have depicted wolves as dangerous or cunning villains, the “Big Bad Wolf” lurking in fairy tales and folklore. Yet others have seen wolves as spiritual relatives, or “kin,” embodying strength, loyalty, and wisdom.

Examples of this cultural reverence include:

  • Native American groups, particularly on the Northwest Coast, where wolves are honoured as ancestral figures and crest animals.
  • Turkic peoples (West, Central, East, and North Asia as well as parts of Europe), whose myths often trace their own origins back to wolves.
  • Slavic and Balkan traditions, in which wolves appear in folklore and spiritual tales, sometimes carrying sacred significance.

This mix of fear and respect reflects the complex relationship humans have had with wolves throughout history. Wolves are not only woven into our cultural imagination but have also shaped our biological history.

Wolves are the ancestors of domestic dogs, and both belong to the Canidae family. Humans likely began forming mutually beneficial partnerships with wolves between 14,000 and 29,000 years ago. Some researchers believe wolf pups drawn to human camps were given scraps of food. The friendlier, less fearful pups survived and bred, passing on traits that eventually gave rise to the dogs we know and love today.

Yet despite this shared history, wolves remain wild at heart, independent, intelligent, and vital to the balance of nature. As apex predators, they feed on everything from small rodents to large ungulates, regulating prey populations and maintaining the health of ecosystems. When wolves disappear, prey species can grow unchecked, leading to overgrazing, soil erosion, and the collapse of plant and animal diversity.

In other words, the same animals that have inspired awe, fear, and stories across cultures are also ecosystem engineers, caretakers of the wild whose value goes far beyond the myths we tell.

 

Iberian Wolf

When most people think of wolves, the grey wolf comes to mind. But there are many subspecies, including the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), found only in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes northwestern Spain and northern Portugal.

Like many wolf species worldwide, Iberian wolves face serious threats: habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal hunting. Although hunting is banned, an estimated 45% of Iberian wolf deaths are still caused by humans, and populations are fragmented, with wild populations estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure these wolves do not disappear from the Iberian Peninsula.

At Dartmoor Zoo, we are proud to provide a safe and stimulating home for two Iberian wolf brothers, Raul and Gregorio, now in their golden years at around 13–14 years old. Ella Hopper, one of our dedicated keepers, shares insight into her work with them:

“Working with the brothers has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. They have gone from animals that lack trust and need to build their confidence, to waiting for me to arrive at training time which is incredibly heartwarming and truly represents the bond we have been able to build. Seeing their faces eagerly looking for me is exactly why we do the job we do. My training has solely been to create a positive relationship between our wolves and keepers by building this up over time and with our presence. 

Wolves take a lot of time, requiring great deals of trust and respect, but once gained, they are incredibly playful and unbelievably loyal. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of amassing 15 years of working with wolves and part of this honour is getting to show people what’s really behind the bad reputation. Wolves are still hunted and persecuted to this day and yet we have their ancestors in our homes and on our sofas, calling them ‘man’s best friend.”

 

5 facts about Iberian Wolves

  1. Their scientific name, Canis lupus signatus, comes from the Latin signatus, meaning “marked,” referring to the characteristic dark marks on its lips, legs, and tail. 
  2. The Iberian wolf was nearly driven to extinction in the 1970s by hunting and habitat destruction. 
  3. Iberian wolves live and hunt in small, hierarchical family packs led by an alpha pair.
  4. Iberian wolves are considered one of the national animals of Portugal.
  5. They can live for about 6 to 8 years in the wild, but up to 16 in captivity.

Iberian wolves are more than captivating animals, they play a vital role in their ecosystems. By preying on herbivores like deer and wild boar, they prevent overgrazing and allow forests, grasslands, and other habitats to recover. Their influence extends beyond numbers; the presence of these apex predators shapes the behaviour of prey species, creating cascading effects that support biodiversity and restore ecological balance. In turn, healthier ecosystems provide humans with clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil, highlighting the broader impact of these wolves.

 

 

How You Can Make a Difference

Protecting wolves means protecting entire ecosystems, from the forests they roam to the rivers and grasslands that flourish because of their presence. By safeguarding wolves today, we’re ensuring that future generations can witness and learn from these extraordinary animals.

By learning more about wolves like Raul and Gregorio, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for these remarkable animals and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. With your support, we can continue to protect their habitats and help wolf populations recover.

Here are 3 simple ways you can stand up for wolves:

  1. Learn – You’re already off to a great start by reading this blog! Keep exploring and discovering more about wolves.
  2. Fundraise – Host a bake sale, organise a fun run, or get creative! Every effort makes a real difference, find out more today.
  3. Spread the Word – Talk to friends, family, and your community about why wolves matter.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating these incredible creatures and taking steps to secure their future. Together, we can ensure wolves remain a thriving part of our world for generations to come.

 

Sources:

https://www.nathab.com/blog/3-ways-to-celebrate-international-wolf-day#:~:text=On%20August%2013%2C%20the%20world,bring%20attention%20to%20their%20plight | https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tossing-wolves-our-leftovers-could-have-led-their-domestication-new-study-finds-180976713/#:~:text=Humans%20domesticated%20wild%20wolves%20at,a%20hot%20topic%20among%20archaeologists. | Dartmoor Zoo Animal Pack | https://wolf.org/wolf-info/basic-wolf-info/wolves-and-humans/ | https://animals.fandom.com/wiki/Iberian_Wolf#Population_number | https://www.giraffa.co/iberian-wolf/#:~:text=It%20gets%20its%20Latin%20name,a%2020th%20century%20zoologist.

Today, the 13th of August, is International Wolf Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of one of nature’s most fascinating, intelligent, and misunderstood animals. 

Like snakes or spiders, wolves often suffer from a bad reputation. Many of us grew up hearing stories about the “Big Bad Wolf”, a menacing figure lurking in the woods, waiting to pounce. These longstanding myths and folktales have painted wolves as dangerous villains, shaping public perception and fear over generations. 

But in contrast to these negative portrayals, in some cultures, wolves are seen as close spiritual kin to humankind. Revered for their strength, loyalty, and deep connection to nature. 

In reality, wolves are generally shy animals that prefer to avoid humans altogether. They are apex predators, feeding on everything from mice to large hoofed animals (also known as ungulates), and they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Without wolves, populations of ungulates can grow too large, overgrazing vegetation and triggering a chain reaction that harms themselves and countless other species. Wolves help keep this natural balance in check.  

Wolves & Humans 

Wolves have had a deep, complex relationship with humans for thousands of years. They are ancestors of domestic dogs, and both belong to the Canidae family. Both wolves and domestic dogs share many biological traits, however after thousands of years of selective breeding, it has made them very different animals today. 

Humans are believed to have started to domesticate wild wolves somewhere between 14,000 and 29,000 years ago. They turned fierce predators into trusted companions over the course of many generations. It is unknown how exactly this transformation began and is still debated among many archaeologists. One theory suggests that the relationship started in northern Eurasia, where early hunter-gatherers may have tossed leftover meat to wild wolf pups to gradually build up a bond. These pups, possibly raised as pets, would have benefitted from a steady food source, while the humans gained help with hunting and protection. Over time, this mutually beneficial partnership led to the domesticated dogs we know and love today.  

Despite this shared history, wild wolves today remain very different from our pet dogs. They retain their natural instinct, independence, and vital role in the wild. The grey wolf is the species most people think of, and with good reason. They are the most widespread wolf species on the planet, found across North America, Europe, and Asia, known for their striking appearance, strong social bonds, and iconic howl. 

But not all wolves are the same. 

One lesser-known, and more elusive, subspecies of the grey wolf is the Iberian wolf, found only on the Iberian Peninsula in parts of Spain and Portugal. Smaller and more slender than their northern cousins, these wolves have unique markings and behaviours that set them apart. Their scientific name, Canis lupus signatus, means “marked,” referring to the distinctive dark markings on their lips, tail, and front legs. Interestingly, the most significant biological difference between Iberian wolves and other wolves is the size of a single molar tooth. Unfortunately, like many wolf species, they face growing threats in the wild due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and conflict with humans. 

Iberian wolves are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (2016), meaning they are considered threatened at a global level. While populations remain stable or dense in some regions, others are experiencing serious declines, and isolated groups face a high risk of extinction. Their range has shrunk dramatically since the 1930s due to habitat loss, prey decline, and human persecution. Today, it’s estimated there are around 297 breeding packs in Spain and 51 to 63 in Portugal, totalling roughly 700 mature adults. 

Although hunting is banned, around 45% of wolf deaths are still caused by human activities, including illegal hunting. The Iberian wolf population showed a partial recovery during the 20th century, but this progress has stalled in recent years in Spain due to insufficient protection measures. 

Conservation measures vary between the countries: 

  • Portugal: Fully protected and classified as an endangered species at the national level.
  • Spain: Protected by international law, but national protection is inconsistent because of regional administration. Only in territories south of Duero River are Iberian wolves considered endangered and fully protected.

At Dartmoor Zoo, we are proud to care for two Iberian wolves, brothers Raul and Gregorio, who are aged around 13/14 years old. Even though the pair are in their later years, they are still curious, playful, and full of character.

Ella Hopper, one of our keepers who works closely with the brothers, tells us more about their personalities, their training, and why she does it:

“Gregorio is the confident and cheeky brother of the two and can often be seen bouncing over for his tea like a little puppy. He also has a fondness for rolling, especially in strongly (and not always pleasantly!) scented things.   

Raul on the other hand is a sweet boy with a shy side. I can often see him popping his head over the bushes to check us out, but once he gets his snack, it’s wonderful to see his proud and triumphant walk away! 

Working with the brothers has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. They have gone from animals that lack trust and need to build their confidence, to waiting for me to arrive at training time which is incredibly heartwarming and truly represents the bond we have been able to build. Seeing their faces eagerly looking for me is exactly why we do the job we do. My training has solely been to create a positive relationship between our wolves and keepers by building this up over time and with our presence. 

Wolves take a lot of time, requiring great deals of trust and respect, but once gained, they are incredibly playful and unbelievably loyal. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of amassing 15 years of working with wolves and part of this honour is getting to show people what’s really behind the bad reputation. Wolves are still hunted and persecuted to this day and yet we have their ancestors in our homes and on our sofas, calling them ‘man’s best friend’. 

Wolves are not to be feared, but to be celebrated and protected.”

 

By learning more about wolves like Raul and Gregorio, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for these remarkable animals and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. With continued conservation efforts and respect for their natural habitats, we can help ensure that wolves remain a thriving part of our world for generations to come.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating these incredible creatures and supporting their future! If you’d like to help us continue this important work, please consider making a donation.

Donate

 

Sources:

https://www.nathab.com/blog/3-ways-to-celebrate-international-wolf-day#:~:text=On%20August%2013%2C%20the%20world,bring%20attention%20to%20their%20plight | https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tossing-wolves-our-leftovers-could-have-led-their-domestication-new-study-finds-180976713/#:~:text=Humans%20domesticated%20wild%20wolves%20at,a%20hot%20topic%20among%20archaeologists. | Dartmoor Zoo Animal Pack | https://wolf.org/wolf-info/basic-wolf-info/wolves-and-humans/ | https://animals.fandom.com/wiki/Iberian_Wolf#Population_number | https://www.giraffa.co/iberian-wolf/#:~:text=It%20gets%20its%20Latin%20name,a%2020th%20century%20zoologist.