Africa’s Most Endangered Carnivore, The Ethiopian Wolf
Between the farming practices of humans and rampant diseases like rabies and distemper, the Ethiopian wolf is declining rapidly. Their numbers continue to plummet regularly. Since 2008, their population has declined by approximately 30%! Read more about these incredible and endangered canids.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Canis simensis
Weight: 24 – 42 lbs
Length: Up to 3 ft, plus tail
Life span: Up to 10 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These wolves are found in the Afro-alpine regions of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
2.) The Ethiopian Wolf is also known as: the Simien jackal, Abyssinian wolf, Simien fox, the Ethiopian jackal, red fox, red jackal, Abyssinian dog, and cuberow.
3.) Since September 2003, nearly 40 Ethiopian wolves have died from rabies in the Bale Mountains. Another approximately 25 are missing and presumed dead. This area is home to 300 of these endangered critters! Scientists believe there are less than 450 left on earth!
4.) The Ethiopian Wolves prey on rodentia like hares, giant mole rats, and common grass rats. They’ll also eat eggs, young ungulates (hoofed animals), goslings, and they will even at carrion.
5.) These canids are typically solitary hunters but will occasionally hunt in packs and form packs to defend territories.
But wait, there’s more on the Ethiopian wolf!
6.) Incidences of Ethiopian wolf-dog hybridization have been recorded in Bale’s Web Valley. At least four hybrids were identified and sterilized in the area. Although hybridization has not been detected elsewhere, it could pose a threat to the integrity of the wolf’s population.
7.) The rivalry among the packs can increase when it is time to mate. It is estimated that more than half of all successful conceptions are from a male outside of the pack.
Did you know…?
They are on the IUCN Red List as: Endangered (C2a(i); D) – Protected by law in Ethiopia.
8.) They live in groups that usually have about six adults and then a group of pups which varies with every litter.
