In the previous post I defined that description and highlighted the undisputed value/significance of a keystone species. ‘Undisputed’. Yes, the word and meaning are just so and it's like a badge of honour to class an animal as a keystone species. They are extremely important animals (can't state that enough) – essential to maintain the health of any ecosystem and keep it functioning. The removal (loss) of a keystone species, or too small a population, will cause an ecosystem to crash. A part of the world will die and that will very likely cause a 'domino' effect on many other environments, flora and fauna. Do you now realise how vital they are to ensure that does not ever happen? 

A wolf’s (any) role in enabling the survival of many fauna (animals) and flora (plants) is critical and this includes the control of grazing populations which are vital to keep vegetation growing and rivers freely flowing and so on and so on … Just know, they are extremely important animals which, sadly, many have forgotten about, and this blatant ignorance has led to extreme persecution of this crucial animal and obliterated populations in some of their homelands or significantly decreased numbers to negatively affect farmer's production, wildlife and plant life – environments. 

From the most vulnerable wolf, the Ethiopian wolf – found only in the Ethiopian mountains in Africa where only about 500 still roam the planet: to one of the worlds most endangered carnivores – the red wolf, rendered extinct by 1980 and only now found in certain pockets only due to reintroduction. About 140 individuals (red wolves) cling on to life; to the largest wolf out there – the grey or also called the timber wolf. These are senseless examples of wolf persecution. 

This majestic animal (the grey/timber wolf) was once the most widely spread mammal in the world, but now only small populations are scattered in some restricted environments with greatly threatened populations. They are already extinct in western Europe – hunted/persecuted into extinction. What few of us realise, though, wolves have an instinct that saves them. An adaptation for survival. However, this does not protect them from hunters/persecutors/ poachers: Wolves, avoid people, so if possible, please ensure they have a clear path to escape if you happen to see one, or a pack (that factually incorrect Liam Neeson movie did not at all make life any easier for them, but just reinforced our fear of them). OK, I know that is one of those silly sentences – easier said than done, but hopefully some do that. They would rather avoid than confront, no matter how many in a pack or large they happen to be. Saying that, I read something interesting and proof there are always exceptions to any rule… 

A wild grey wolf allowed humans near her and would boldly approach humans with no ill intentions shown towards them. I am no wolf expert, but this is undoubtedly abnormal behaviour of a truly 100% adult wild wolf. I hope she is left alone or taken away and introduced to a stable environment far away from any kind of human contact as the world cannot afford to lose another wolf, especially a female that could likely give birth to vital individuals, thereby ensuring the survival of many species. 

Another unusual story also involved a grey wolf (but one with a striking black coat) that frequented a park to play with dogs walked by their human companions and then the domestic dogs were let off the lead to run and play to their heart’s content. For years this endearing big wolf romped and played with many domestic dogs and never hurt anyone/anything (even though wild grey wolves have, only a few times, preyed on domestic dogs) and was dearly loved and greatly admired throughout the entire human community. This large canid, however, never allowed the adoring public to venture too close and would quickly retreat into the forest and lope back to its pack as soon as a human got too close. It only loved and happily tolerated the dogs. Sadly, this story does not have a happy ending because despite the fierce protection of the local community guarding their cherished visitor a hunter squirmed his way in and killed this unusual wild animal, likely as it emerged from the forest to play with its pals. 

Most humans and wolves do not mix, largely due to pure ignorance from the general population, which is really sad as we will never realise how important they are/were, nor the depth of their complex but highly social and intelligent characters until it is far too late. 

Image Credit: Do not know who took this photo but this is a photo of the said wolf playing with one of his doggy pals.