An Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) feeding amongst the blooming Ethiopian red hot poker flowers (Kniphofia foliosa). Credit: Adrien Lesaffre.
For the first time, Ethiopian wolves have been documented feeding on the nectar of Ethiopian red hot poker flowers.
The observation is the first large carnivore species ever to be documented feeding on nectar and in doing so, the wolves may act as pollinators – perhaps the first known plant-pollinator interaction involving a large carnivore.
Researchers at the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP) observed Ethiopian wolves foraging for the nectar of the Ethiopian red hot poker (Kniphofia foliosa) flower.
Some individuals would visit as many as 30 blooms in a single trip, with multiple wolves from different packs exploiting this resource.
There is also some evidence of social learning, with juveniles being brought to the flower fields along with adults.
In doing so, the wolves’ muzzles become covered in pollen, which they could potentially transfer from flower to flower as they feed.
This novel behaviour is perhaps the first known plant-pollinator interaction involving a large predator, as well as the only large meat-eating predator ever to be observed feeding on nectar.
An Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) with its muzzle covered in pollen after feeding on the nectar of the red hot poker (Kniphofia foliosa). Credit: Adrien Lesaffre.
Most-threatened
Lead author on the new study, Dr Sandra Lai, EWCP senior scientist based at the University of Oxford, said: “These findings highlight just how much we still have to learn about one of the world’s most-threatened carnivores.
“It also demonstrates the complexity of interactions between different species living on the beautiful Roof of Africa.
“This extremely unique and biodiverse ecosystem remains under threat from habitat loss and fragmentation.”
Professor Claudio Sillero, EWCP founder and director based at the University of Oxford, described seeing this behaviour: “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.”
The Ethiopian wolf is the rarest wild canid species in the world, and Africa’s most threatened carnivore.
Found only in the Ethiopian highlands, fewer than 500 individuals survive, in 99 packs restricted to six Afroalpine enclaves.
Unique habitat
The Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP) was set up in 1995 to protect the wolves, and their unique habitat.
It is a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), and Dinkenesh Ethiopia.
EWCP is the longest-running conservation programme in Ethiopia, aiming to safeguard the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and people in the highlands of Ethiopia.
The findings are published in Ecology.
