Gray Wolf Population by Country 2024

Wolves, an integral part of global ecosystems, currently face challenges impacting their populations. Here's an organized overview of the current state of wolf populations worldwide:

Global Overview:

• Estimated global population: Between 200,000 and 250,000, predominantly gray wolves.
• Declining populations due to human encroachment, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Europe:

• Over 17,000 wolves across 28 countries.
• Austria reports a growing population with at least 56 wolves.
• Portugal offers full protection, stabilizing numbers at 200-300. Farmers receive compensation for livestock losses.

• Spain: Around 3,000 wolves, with annual growth. Hunting banned in most regions.
• Italy: Approximately 3,300 wolves, mainly in national parks.
• Germany: A few hundred wolves remain, despite protection.

• Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands have wolves, but population estimates are unavailable.

Asia:

• Significant population: Between 89,000-105,000 wolves.

• China: Around 12,500 wolves, mostly in remote areas.
• India: Approximately 1,000 wolves, with a decreasing trend due to permitted hunting.
• Iran: Around 1,500 wolves, increasing due to strict hunting penalties.

• Israel: Stable at 250 wolves, thanks to the 1995 Wildlife Protection Law.
• Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and Mongolia report stable populations.

North America:

• Canada: Around 60,000 wolves, largely hunted as wild game.
• United States: Total population around 18,000, mainly in Alaska (where hunting is allowed).
• Minnesota: 4,100 wolves, legally protected.

• Wisconsin, Michigan, Wyoming, and Montana have stable, healthy populations.