How many species of wolves are there in the world?
There are three universally recognized species of wolves in the world: the gray wolf (Canis lupus), the red wolf (Canis rufus) and the Ethiopian (or Abyssinian) wolf, (Canis simensis). Some scientists question whether the Ethiopian wolf is a true wolf or a jackal. Other researchers have presented evidence that Canis lupus lycaon, the eastern timber wolf, may be a distinct species, Canis lycaon.
