Researchers observed Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis) feeding on the nectar of the Ethiopian red hot poker (Kniphofia foliosa) flowers, marking the first known documentation of large carnivores purposefully consuming nectar. According to a study published in the journal Ecology, the team tracked six Ethiopian wolves from three different packs over four days, observing this unprecedented behavior. Researchers say Ethiopian wolves may be the first large carnivores that act as pollinators, as they have been observed moving from flower to flower, potentially distributing pollen and contributing to plant reproduction. "For large carnivores, like wolves, nectar consumption is very unusual due to the absence of physical adaptations, and because most flowers are too fragile or produce too little nectar to interest large animals," Dr. Lai explained. The Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme, established in 1995, is a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, and Dinkenesh Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News November 24, 2024 14:03 UTC