Until now, the entry of the Ethiopian wolf into Ethiopia from Eurasia has not been known from the Pleistocene fossil record, but a new discovery represents the only fossil of an Ethiopian wolf, and sheds light on their likely arrival into this area. In 2017 a right jawbone was found in the Melka Wakena site-complex around 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) above sea level. Advertisement AdvertisementThis is the only known Ethiopian wolf fossil. By comparing the jawbone with three living species of jackal and the Ethiopian wolf, analysis revealed that the Melka Wakena fossil is that of an Ethiopian wolf. Advertisement AdvertisementThe team stresses the importance of finding conservation solutions that can work towards protecting this iconic African species.

Source: Ethiopian News May 24, 2023 16:04 UTC