Ethiopian Wolf

The Ethiopian Wolf, distinct by its long and narrow skull and red and white fur, is one of the world’s rarest canids and Africa’s most endangered carnivores. Its current range is limited to seven isolated mountain ranges in Ethiopia with altitudes of 3,000 to 4,500 meters. The Ethiopian Wolf has short guard hairs and a thick underfur, which provides protection at alpine temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

Due to the high density of rodents in this alpine habitat, the Ethiopian Wolf, unlike most large canids, is a highly-specialized rodent hunter. It organizes socially into packs (of three to thirteen individuals) based on the abundance of rodents in each territory, with adults helping to raise each other’s pups. However, this species tends to hunt and forage alone, particularly preying on the Big-headed African Mole-rat.