The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) or caberù, one of the rarest and most threatened canine species in the world, is surprising scientists with a unique behavior: the consumption of flower nectar and the potential role as pollinator.
This large predator, known primarily for its rodent-based diet, has been observed feed on the nectar of Kniphofia foliosaa flower endemic to the Ethiopian highlands. During this process, the wolf’s muzzle becomes covered in pollen, suggesting that could transport it from a flower to the other, facilitating the reproduction of the plant.
The discovery is the result of a study by the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP), conducted in collaboration with several academic institutions. Observers have noticed that wolves spend a lot of time searching for flowers, moving from one plant to another for over an hour and visiting up to 30 flowers consecutively. This behavior, documented in several packs, seems widespread and not an isolated case.
Ethiopia’s Afro-Alpine habitat is under threat
Despite the association of pollination with insects, birds or small flying mammals, the Ethiopian wolf may represent an exception among large carnivores. However, to confirm its role as an effective pollinator, it will be necessary to demonstrate that pollen is carried by wolves actually contributes to fruit production by plants.
This interaction between wolf and flower is not only a scientific curiosity, but opens up new perspectives on conservation. The Ethiopian Afro-Alpine habitat, which is home to both wolves and flowers of Kniphofia foliosaAnd threatened from human growth, competition with livestock and climate change. The protection of this ecosystem becomes crucial not only for the survival of the wolf, but also for the maintenance of these unique ecological dynamics.
An interesting aspect raised by the researchers is the possible nutritional role of nectar for wolves. Even small amounts could provide significant benefits, highlighting the importance of preserving the plants that support them. This discovery reinforces the urgency of protecting the Ethiopian wolf and the entire ecosystem in which it lives, highlighting how biodiversity is interconnected and surprising.
