The Ethiopian Wolf

 

    The Ethiopian wolf, Canis simensis, is an endangered species with declining population numbers. The most recent estimates are between 450 and 500 individuals living in six population groups. As their name suggests, they can only be found in the mountains of Ethiopia. 

 

     There are two main threats to the Ethiopian wolf. These threats include habitat loss for agriculture and diseases from domesticated dogs. Other less-pressing threats to the species include reduced prey levels and hunting by livestock owners. 

    The Ethiopian wolves play a significant role in their ecosystem. The wolves are the top predators in their niche and they help control populations of numerous species in the region. The conservation of this species is something that should be addressed and cared about by all. By protecting the Ethiopian wolves, we are also safeguarding many other afro-alpine endemic species from extinction. That said, if the wolves were to disappear, the local communities would lose sources of income, food, medicine, and would have to invest in significant pest management efforts.

    There are current conservation efforts underway however. These efforts include the following: 

• The species are now protected from hunting under Ethiopian law.
  
• Scientists are working to improve the quality and abundance of rabies vaccines in the area.
• Efforts are underway to create more protected areas and national parks that will protect them.
  
• Monitoring and research of wolf populations is in place.

    To add to the last conservation effort, the geospatial tools that are used help aid tremendously in the conservation of not only the Ethiopian wolf species, but of all species in the area and thus the entire ecosystem. Among many things, geospatial tools help detect changes in the status and threats of the populations and thus help find solutions to current and emerging conservation problems. For example, with this monitoring diseases can be detected at an early stage and interventions can be implemented before the spread is too harmful to the species. 

 

  

How can you help Ethiopian wolves?

• Donate and support organizations that strive to protect the Ethiopian wolf.
• Adopt a wolf at https://www.bornfree.org.uk/animals/ethiopian-wolves 
• Increase awareness of the problem..
• Vaccinate your dog and encourage others to do the same.
• Sign petitions and donate to the creation of more protected areas and national parks. 

 

Works Cited

“Africa's Most Endangered Carnivore.” African Wildlife Foundation, www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/ethiopian-wolf. 

“Conserving Ethiopian Wolves.” Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme, www.ethiopianwolf.org/about. 

“Ethiopian Wolf Facts.” Ethiopian Wolf Facts - Earth's Endangered Creatures, www.earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?gr=M&sp=152.

“ETHIOPIAN WOLVES.” Born Free, www.bornfree.org.uk/animals/ethiopian-wolves.

Platt, John R. “The 5 Most Endangered Canine Species.” Scientific           American Blog Network, blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-       countdown/ost-endangered-canine-species/.