Wolf (Japan)
Animal subspeciesAbout
The Japanese wolf, also known as the Honshū wolf, is an extinct subspecies of the gray wolf. It was endemic to the islands of Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū in Japan. This subspecies was smaller than other gray wolves, with a length of about 35 inches and a height of around 12 inches at the shoulder. It had a small head with an elongated muzzle, lined with sharp teeth, and a coat of short, wiry hair. The Japanese wolf was a carnivore, preying on animals like wild boar and deer, which made it beneficial to farmers by controlling pests. Historically, the Japanese wolf was revered but its population declined due to diseases like rabies and distemper, introduced in the 18th century. Human activities, including deforestation and hunting, further contributed to its extinction by 1905. Despite its small size, the Japanese wolf was intelligent and played a crucial role in the ecosystem. Its extinction reflects broader themes of human impact on wildlife, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to preserve species and their habitats. The legacy of the Japanese wolf remains significant in Japanese culture and environmental history.
