Girma-Eshete-Jenbere-thesis - Ethiopian Wolf Conservation ...

In addition, Afro-alpine ecosystem of Ethiopia is home for several unique populations of
threatened endemic large mammals such as Ethiopian wolf, the walia ibex and the gelada
baboon.
2.2.1.1. The Ethiopian wolf
The Ethiopian wolf is an Afro-alpine specialist endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia (Marino,
2003). It survives where there is an Afro-alpine vegetation community and an associated rodent
community. Unlike many carnivores, pack members of Ethiopian wolves forage and feed alone
on small diurnal rodent prey, which they commonly and actively dig out from their burrows
during the day time. In the Bale Mountains, the Ethiopian wolf feeds primarily on the giant mole
rat and other species of Murinae rodents (Sillero-Zubiri et al. 1995). Other food items include
rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), young antelopes and lambs (Sillero-Zuberi and Gottelli, 1995;
Ashenafi, 2001).
Ethiopian wolf density, measured both from observation and road counts, correlated positively
with the total biomass index and the biomass index for diurnal species, but not for nocturnal
species. Also a positive correlation was detected between rodent burrows and wolf sign
(droppings or diggings) along habitat assessment transects (Sillero-Zubiri et al., 1995).
The Ethiopian wolf is a medium-sized Canid with a reddish coat, distinctive white markings,
long legs and elongated muzzle. Males are significantly larger than females in terms of body
mass. The face, ears and upper parts of the muzzle are red. Ears broad, pointed, and directed
forward. Characteristic facial markings include a white ascending crescent below the eyes, and a
small white spot on the cheeks. The throat, neck, chest and under (ventral) parts is white.
Boundary between the red coat and the white markings is sharp and well defined. The contrast of
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