Ethiopian Wolves Become First Large Carnivore Documented Feeding on Nectar

Nectar foraging by Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis) may contribute to the pollination of the Ethiopian red hot poker flower (Kniphofia foliosa), according to a new paper published in the journal Ecology.

The Ethiopian wolf — also known as the red jackal, the Ethiopian jackal, the Abyssinian wolf, the horse jackal, the Simien jackal or Simien fox — is the rarest wild canid species in the world.

The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, on account of its small numbers and fragmented range.

Found only in the Ethiopian highlands, fewer than 500 individuals survive, in 99 packs restricted to 6 Afroalpine enclaves.

The primary prey of this large carnivore are African mole-rats, though it also feeds on other rat species and hares, occasionally goslings and eggs.

Dr. Sandra Lai, a researcher at the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme and the University of Oxford, and her colleagues observed Ethiopian wolves foraging for the nectar of Kniphofia foliosa.

“Kniphofia foliosa is a perennial herb endemic to Ethiopia found in the Bale Mountains and other high altitude grasslands, which also host the endemic Ethiopian wolf, a top predator restricted to the Afroalpine ecosystem,” the authors said.

“Flowers from the Kniphofia genus produce large amounts of nectar, which attracts a variety of bird and insect pollinators.”

According to the team, some Ethiopian wolf 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 behavior 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.

“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,” said University of Oxford’s Professor Claudio Sillero, founder and director of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme.

“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 behavior as being commonplace among Ethiopian wolves and explored its ecological significance.”

“These findings highlight just how much we still have to learn about one of the world’s most-threatened carnivores,” Dr. Lai said.

“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.”

_____

Sandra Lai et al. Canids as pollinators? Nectar foraging by Ethiopian wolves may contribute to the pollination of Kniphofia foliosa. Ecology, published online November 19, 2024; doi: 10.1002/ecy.4470