Sweet tooth—Ethiopian wolves seen feeding on nectar of red hot poker flowers
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New findings, published in the journal Ecology, describe a newly documented behavior of Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis).
Researchers at the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP) observed Ethiopian wolves foraging for the nectar of the Ethiopian red hot poker (Kniphofia foliosa) flower. Some 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.
Dr. Sandra Lai, EWCP Senior Scientist based at the University of Oxford, and lead author on the new study, said, "These findings highlight just how much we still have to learn about one of the world's most-threatened carnivores. 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."
An Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) feeding among the blooming Ethiopian red hot poker flowers (Kniphofia foliosa). Credit: Adrien Lesaffre An Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) with its muzzle covered in pollen after feeding on the nectar of the red hot poker (Kniphofia foliosa). Credit: Adrien Lesaffre
Professor Claudio Sillero, EWCP founder and director based at the University of Oxford, describes seeing this behavior, "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. 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."
The Ethiopian wolf is the rarest wild canid species in the world, and Africa's most threatened carnivore. Found only in the Ethiopian highlands, fewer than 500 individuals survive, in 99 packs restricted to 6 Afroalpine enclaves.
The Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP) was set up in 1995 to protect the wolves, and their unique habitat. It is a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), and Dinkenesh Ethiopia. EWCP is the longest-running conservation program in Ethiopia, aiming to safeguard the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and people in the highlands of Ethiopia.
More information: Sandra Lai et al, Canids as pollinators? Nectar foraging by Ethiopian wolves may contribute to the pollination of Kniphofia foliosa, Ecology (2024). DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4470
Journal information: Ecology
Provided by University of Oxford