![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Honshu WolfThe Honshu wolf was identified in 1839 as the gray wolf subspecies Canis lupus hodophilax by Dutch zoologist Coenraad Temminck. It was also known as the Hondo wolf, the yamainu, and the mountain dog.
The Honshu wolf was the world's smallest wolf, standing just over a foot at the shoulder and measuring 35 inches from nose to end of the tail. They had short wiry hair and a thin dog-like tail that was rounded at the end. Their legs were shorter in relation to their body length. In many ways, it resembled dogs, coyotes and jackals much more so than its Siberian wolf ancestors. Although it is presently classified as a gray wolf subspecies, many argue that its physical differences are enough to consider the Honshu wolf to be its own species. Some believe it may not have even been a true wolf. DIETThe Honshu wolf was known to have preyed on deer, wild boar, and smaller pests. Farmers praised the wolf for keeping down the number of animals that might otherwise damage their crops.. ![]() EXTINCTION |
![]()
| Ethiopian Wolves | European Wolves | Gray Wolves | Great Plains Wolves | Greenland Wolves | Indian Wolves | | Mackenzie Valley Wolves | Maned Wolves | Mexican Wolves | Red Wolves | Tundra Wolves | Wolf Links | E-Mail |
Cosmosmith |