Estonian Society of Teriology, Looduskalender (Nature Calendar), Looduse omnibuss (Nature Omnibus), Estonian Society for Nature Conservation, Estonian Fund for Nature, Estonian Society of Foresters, the Tallinn Zoo, Estonian Museum of Natural History and the Magazine „Loodusesõber“ (Naturelover) have selected for the very first time an animal of the year and in 2013 this animal will be one of the most colourful characters in our nature - feared and respected lord of the woods - the Wolf.
Wolf (Canis lupus) / Valeri Štšerbatõh
There are over 60 mammal species in Estonia beside Man and our plentiful animal kingdom is demanding more attention. This initiative has the goal to introduce our mammals, getting started with the Wolf, a species that causes controversal feelings in most people. Being cautious and rarely seen this species simply cries out for introduction throughout the year, as the organizers have put it. The Wolf is literally cut out for the purpose – its role in nature is unequivocal. The Wolf is considered to be a medical orderly of the woods, as it is hunting sick or defective prey and is cutting down the number of rodents and bovids. Wolf expert Ilmar Rootsi says that our ancesters considered our animal of the year – the „Fridolf“ or „Ethelwulf“ – as the most important beast in the woods.
Wolf (Canis lupus) / Toomas Tuul
According to the latest census there are about 31 wolf packs in our forests and the overall number has been constantly around 200 animals. Beginning with 2011, when wolves moved also to Hiiumaa and Saaremaa islands, they can be met in each and every county of Estonia.
Wolf track / Greg Funnell
The Wolf leads a primarily nocturnal way of life, its activity pattern may vary depending on the season and the habitat. As for biotopes the Wolf avoids dense forests, but prefers open landscapes instead, where it has much better conditions for hunting. In Estonia the Wolf is found mostly in the bush and raised bogs. In different periods of its life cycle the wolf may live in pairs or in packs.
Wolf (Canis lupus) / Sven Zacek
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