Arabian Wolf

The Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs ), is probably not present in the UAE at the time of writing. However, they are able to travel up to 60 kms in a night and may therefore appear suddenly in an area where they have not been seen for a long time. In Oman the wolf population has increased significantly since hunting was banned, and there is a strong possibility that they will reappear in the United Arab Emirates in the relatively near future. Smaller than the European or American wolves, the local animals have shorter hair and are greyish-beige in colour. The pure Arabian wolf's eyes are yellow with black pupils. Today many are found with brown eyes, a certain sign that they are not of pure blood anymore and that their ancestors have interbred with feral dogs. This poses a very serious threat to the survival of this species. They do not live in large packs but hunt in pairs or groups of three to four animals. Their cubs are born in a den and it is probably only during this time that the wolves are territorial. Young wolves are blind at birth and are weaned at the age of about eight weeks, at which time the adults start regurgitating food for the pups. When hunting, the Arabian wolf will attack animals up to the size of a goat. It will also readily eat any carrion that is encountered.