the Apennine Wolf, is a subspecies of the European Wolf according to the latest genetic studies.
The Lupus Italicus is smaller than other wolves and has been described as the Farrari of wolves
because of its body shape. Its original habitat used to stretch across the entire Apennine
region into the Italian and French Alps. By the turn of the century the animal was all but
extinct. It had been mercilessly hunted by shepherds. We now know that wild dogs were
responsible for killing a large proportion of the sheep. Provided there are enough, the Lupus
Italicus feeds predominantly on small mammals and will sometimes hunt a wild pig when
in a pack.
This shy animal is now a protected species. The Abruzzi National Park started a exemplary
campaign during the 70s for the first time to protect the wolf. And it's thanks to this
campaign that the wolf can once again be seen in the Apennine region of Italy, with
numbers estimated at 500 for the country as a whole. We chose the Lupus italicus logo
for our travel services to represent a sense of proportion, a compromise between the
needs of people and the needs of the environment. The Lupus Italicus needs tourism with
a sense of responsibility, forming the economic foundations for environmental
conservation.
See
"About Us" too.