California wolf (SciiFii)

The California wolf (Canis lupus californianus) is a subspecies of gray wolf that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and mountainous ecosystems across California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and western Mexico (including Baja California) to help boost biodiversity. This subspecies generally weighs 70–150 pounds (32–68 kg) and stands at 26–32 inches, making it one of the largest subspecies of the gray wolf in North America. The California wolf is distinguished from many other North American gray wolf subspecies by its smaller, narrower skull and its darker pelt, which is yellowish-gray and heavily clouded with black over the back and tail. The California wolf is a social animal. Its populations consist of packs and lone wolves, most lone wolves being temporarily alone while they disperse from packs to form their own or join another one. The California wolf preys primarily on the tapir, chalicothere, bison, pronghorn, moose, elk, California whitetail deer, mule deer, American mountain deer, American sambar deer, California marsh deer, North American brocket, American muntjac, cupine, and the beaver, though it is an opportunistic animal and will prey upon other species if the chance arises. But, for the most part, small prey animals do not make up a large part of its diet. When an individual or a pack is able to take down numerous prey, the amount a California wolf eats daily will generally make up about 10–21% of its body mass, though there have been recorded instances of an individual eating up to 37% of its body mass. However, when prey is not as plentiful, California wolves are able to survive for considerably long periods of time while eating only small amounts. Cannibalism, in times of severe food shortage, occurs, as a pack will kill and eat an injured or weak member of the group. The conservation status of the California wolf is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the California wolf's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii