Which wolf subspecies is native to the Iberian Peninsula?

The wolf subspecies native to the Iberian Peninsula is the Iberian wolf.

Usually called Canis lupus signatus, the Iberian wolf is associated with northwestern Spain and northern Portugal. Its range and population have changed over time because of habitat loss, declining prey, persecution, and conflict with livestock owners. It remains one of Western Europe’s most important surviving wolf populations.

The subspecies name signatus means “marked,” referring to the dark bands or patches commonly found on its forelegs, tail, and back. Iberian wolves may also have pale markings around the muzzle and cheeks, helping distinguish them from other European grey wolves. Their long isolation on the peninsula contributed to recognizable morphological and genetic differences.

Taxonomy is not entirely uniform: some references treat the Iberian wolf as a distinct subspecies, while others place it within Canis lupus lupus. That debate does not change the quiz answer, because Iberian wolf is the standard common name for the wolves of the Iberian Peninsula. It is not the same population as the Italian wolf, which is associated with the Apennines.