№ 51 of 100
Ethiopian Wolf
Canis simensis
Africa's most endangered carnivore — a russet highland wolf that hunts giant mole-rats alone above the clouds.
- Range
- Ethiopia
- Region
- Africa
- Habitat
- Afro-alpine moorland above 3,000 m in the Ethiopian highlands
The story
Ethiopian wolves live only on a handful of alpine 'sky islands', where one rabies outbreak from village dogs can erase a third of a population in months. Vaccination campaigns — including oral baits for the wolves themselves — have become the species' lifeline.
What's killing them
- Rabies and distemper from domestic dogs
- Loss of alpine habitat to farming
- Tiny isolated populations
Who's fighting for them
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
Re:wildRe:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation
African ParksAfrican Parks Network
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Quick answers
How many Ethiopian Wolfs are left in the world?
Approximately ~500. The Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Ethiopian Wolf live?
The Ethiopian Wolf is found in Ethiopia (Africa). Their habitat: Afro-alpine moorland above 3,000 m in the Ethiopian highlands.
Why is the Ethiopian Wolf endangered?
The main threats to the Ethiopian Wolf are: Rabies and distemper from domestic dogs; Loss of alpine habitat to farming; Tiny isolated populations.
Who is working to save the Ethiopian Wolf?
Organisations working on Ethiopian Wolf conservation include International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission; Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation; African Parks Network.