What kind of wolf was the Japanese wolf?

The Japanese wolf was a subspecies of gray wolf that once inhabited the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu in Japan.

They had grayish-brown fur and were smaller, with shorter legs and larger ears compared to other wolves. The Japanese wolf was endemic to Japan, meaning it was found nowhere else in the world. They were also known as 'mountain dogs' (Yamainu). The Japanese wolf is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and beliefs. They often appear in myths and legends and have been revered as sacred animals. They were also feared as they sometimes descended into villages and attacked livestock.

What did Japanese wolves eat?

Japanese wolves were carnivores, primarily preying on deer and wild boar.

They would sometimes hunt alone, but often hunted cooperatively in small packs. They were ambush predators, lurking in bushes and behind rocks, waiting for prey to pass by. When prey came within range, they pounced, using their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to make the kill. They also ate rabbits, rodents, and birds. In the winter, when food was scarce, they would sometimes scavenge on carrion.

Why did they go extinct?

There are several reasons for the extinction of the Japanese wolf.

・Habitat destruction: Starting in the Meiji era, deforestation and agricultural development for modernization in Japan shrunk the habitat of the Japanese wolf.

・Extermination as pests: Japanese wolves were considered pests for preying on livestock and were targeted for extermination. The Meiji government even offered bounties for killing wolves, leading to the deaths of many Japanese wolves.

・Disease outbreaks: In the 1880s, a rabies outbreak in Japan killed many Japanese wolves.

These combined factors led to the presumed extinction of the Japanese wolf in 1905.

[Quiz!] Were Japanese wolves deities?

Japanese wolves frequently appear in Japanese mythology and folklore.

They were called 'Ōkami' (大神, great god) or 'Yamainu' (山犬, mountain dog) and were worshiped as mountain deities. They were also considered beneficial animals that protected crops. The Japanese wolf was a familiar and revered creature in Japanese culture.

[Quiz!] Are Japanese wolves truly extinct?

The Japanese wolf is believed to have gone extinct in 1905. However, there have been some unconfirmed sightings of wolf-like creatures on the Japanese islands since then.

Therefore, some people speculate that the Japanese wolf may still be surviving somewhere. However, none of these sightings have been confirmed, and the question of whether the Japanese wolf truly still exists remains a mystery. Experts continue to investigate the possibility of Japanese wolf survival, but so far, no evidence has been found.

[Quiz!] What does the extinction of the Japanese wolf teach us?

The extinction of the Japanese wolf teaches us the importance of coexisting with nature.

We humans have destroyed nature for economic development, depriving many animals of their homes. As a result, many species are now endangered. The extinction of the Japanese wolf is a symbol of our mistakes. We must learn from this lesson and strive to create a society that can coexist with nature.