A subspecies of the gray wolf alongside the other extinct Japanese species - the Hokkaidō, the Japanese Wolf was a small, smooth coated canine that lived a reclusive live in mountainous ranges. It stood at about 56-58 cm (22 inches) at the withers, making it one of the smallest modern wolf species. Arguments continue for it’s classification as a distinct species due to its dog-like appearance compared to it’s Siberian ancestors.

Their diet consisted of wild boar, deer, and pest species. This may have led to their distinguished position in Japanese culture as a kami. Associated with guardianship and protection, it was, by some regions, considered unlucky to kill the elusive creature due to its benign relationship with humans.

Unfortunately, due to the introduction of rabies in 1732, their populations quickly dwindled. Additional pressure was put upon the Japanese Wolf due to deforestation in an increasingly populated island nation. In 1905, the last known specimen was spotted in Nara Prefecture. Sightings continue into the new millennium, but most are dismissed as misidentification of feral dogs as no conclusive evidence has been found of a modern population.

Extinction Date: 1905