Apennine Wolf

Apennine Wolf, 2023
Yulia Shtern, Endangered/Extinct/Enslaved Series
6 x 6 3/4 x 7”
upcycled materials, glue, varnish
490

Apennine wolf is the national animal symbol of Italy. This is because, as the legend states, the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were abandoned at birth, and survived through being suckeled by a she-wolf.
Apennine wolf was widespread in the entire Italian Peninsula until the mid-1800. It was identified as a sub-species in 1921, and was recognized as a separate species in 2002.
It is an endangered species that was nearly lost.
Despite being an important part of Italian culture and mythology, in the second half of the 20th century it has almost gone completely extinct due to over-hunting. Thanks to the hard work of conservation efforts, the wolves’ population was rebuilt, saving it from extinction. As of 2022, their population is estimated at over 3000 individuals.