Wolf Population by Country 2024

Worldwide, there are estimated to be between 200,000 and 250,000 wolves, primarily gray wolves. The decline in the global wolf population is attributed to human encroachment, habitat destruction, and climate change.

In Europe, there are over 17,000 wolves across 28 countries. Austria has seen a growth in its wolf population, now reporting at least 56 wolves. Portugal, offering full protection to wolves, has stabilized their numbers at between 200 and 300. This stabilization is supported by full compensation to Portuguese farmers for livestock losses due to wolves.

Spain has a significant and growing wolf population of around 3,000. Despite being considered a game species, Spain has enacted hunting bans in most regions. In Italy, wolves are protected and number around 3,300, mostly near national parks. Germany, despite protection measures, only has a few hundred wolves remaining. Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands have observed wolves, but their total population is unknown.

Asia also hosts a considerable wolf population, estimated between 89,000 and 105,000. China has about 12,500 wolves, mainly in less human-populated areas. India's wolf population stands at around 1,000, but it is diminishing due to permissible hunting by farmers. Iran has approximately 1,500 wolves, with numbers increasing due to stringent hunting fines. Israel maintains a stable population of around 250 wolves, thanks to the 1995 Wildlife Protection Law. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and Mongolia all report stable wolf populations.

In North America, Canada is home to around 60,000 wolves, where they are often hunted as wild game. The United States has an estimated 18,000 wolves, primarily in Alaska, where hunting is allowed from August to April. Minnesota has about 4,100 wolves, a protected species in the state. Wisconsin, Michigan, Wyoming, and Montana also have stable and healthy wolf populations.