Canis lupus (gray wolf, also called timber wolf, Artic wolf, Mexican wolf, plains wolf, lobo) as other subspecies are part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) provides information on species at risk of extinction. Are part of this list thousands of species and subspecies of animals and plants, classified in different categories (extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or least concern).

Species and subspecies of wolves in the Red List:
- Canis lupus (gray wolf)
- Canis lupus ssp. dingo
- Canis lupus (Italian subpopulation)
- Canis lupus (Mexican subpopulation)
- Canis lupus (Spanish-Portuguese subpopulation)

Although Gray Wolves are in low risk of extinction, being first categorized as vulnerable (1982-1994) and later as least concern (1996), according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, conservation programs for their protection and reintroduction are still very important. Wolves as many other species are part of the Red List for many reasons but especially because of human-related issues. Continued common threats to wolves include:
- destruction of habitat;
- negative image still held by the public (wolves are mistakenly considered as a threat and danger for humans);
- excessive hunting and poaching;
- competition with humans for livestock;
- car accidents;
- scarce food
References/related websites:
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- http://www.wolfpark.org
- http://www.canids.org/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf
- http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org

Wolves are magnificent animals that have unfortunately been extirpated from many parts of the world. By the mid 20th century, the grey wolf (Canis lupus) was exterminated from (a) great part of the United States and Mexico. Restoring the historic population size would be impossible, since a big proportion of the genetic diversity has been lost, (as well as sustainable habitat). Furthermore reintroduction of wolves frequently faces other difficulties such as diverging opinions between anti-wolves activists and conservationists. Fear and hate toward wolves are attitudes that, although have been changing over the years thanks to education and conservation programs, still exist and are used as a strong argument to indiscriminately kill them. Hunters are afraid that because of wolves, their favorite common prey such as deer will be significantly reduced. However, studies have shown that deer, elk, and other ungulate populations have actually become healthier after the wolf reintroduction. And farmers allege significant losses due to livestock predation, which again is an unfounded concept since the number of farm animals killed by wolves in a year represents a very small percentage in the total of deaths from natural causes.

Therefore, to protect this specie from extinction, ecologists, scientists and everyone who understands the wolf important role in the ecosystem have been trying to change its negative image. They have succeeded in some parts of the world, with small wolves’ populations being gradually reestablished. However, the wolves’ numbers are still significantly low and there is a lot to work to be done. Humans are the major responsible for the extinction of many species on the planet. Wolves as all the other species in nature have an important role, which cannot be replaced. We just have to understand it…

References/related websites:
- Leonard JA, Vilà C, Wayne RK. Legacy lost: genetic variability and population size of extirpated US grey wolves (Canis lupus) Molecular Ecology (2005) 14, 9–17.
- http://www.wolfpark.org
- http://www.canids.org/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf
- http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org