Ethiopian wolves discovered as unexpected flower pollinators
Scientists have observed a previously unseen behaviour in Ethiopian wolves, a large predator. These animals consume flower nectar, thus acting as pollinators.
The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is studied by scientists involved in the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP), which is a collaboration between the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) from the University of Oxford, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), and Dinkenesh Ethiopia.
Wolves like wild bees?
Researchers from EWCP discovered that Ethiopian wolves, during a single journey, visit up to 30 Kniphofia foliosa flowers. These relatively short perennials with red and yellow flowers on long stalks, resembling bottlebrushes, provide an unusual energy source for predators.
Moreover, there have been instances where older individuals lead younger ones to clumps of flowers. While searching for nectar, wolves comb through the entire plants with their snouts, which may result in the transfer of pollen between flowers and their clusters. This behaviour may be the first known example of a pollination interaction between a plant and a large nectarivorous predator.
Scientists' research
- I first became aware of the nectar of the Ethiopian red hot poker when I saw children of shepherds in the Bale Mountains licking the flowers. In no time, I had a taste of it myself—the nectar was pleasantly sweet. When I later saw the wolves doing the same, I knew they were enjoying themselves, tapping into this unusual source of energy. I am chuffed that we have now reported this behaviour as being commonplace among Ethiopian wolves and explored its ecological significance - says Prof. Claudio Sillero from the University of Oxford, founder of EWCP.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Sandra Lai from EWCP, emphasises the importance of the discovery. In her opinion, it shows how much we still have to learn about one of the most endangered predators. She highlights that the wolves' behaviour demonstrates their extraordinary adaptation to available food resources. She notes that the research published in "Ecology" sheds new light on the ecological role of these rare animals.
The Ethiopian wolf is the rarest species in the canine family and the most endangered predator in Africa. Fewer than 500 individuals live in the wild, concentrated in 99 family groups, inhabiting only the mountainous regions of Ethiopia.
