A recent discovery in Ethiopia has revealed that large carnivores, specifically the endangered Ethiopian wolf, are enjoying nectar from flowers. This unusual behavior suggests they may be acting as pollinators for certain plant species.
Ethiopian Wolves: Unconventional Pollinators
The highlands of Ethiopia are home to the endangered Ethiopian wolf, a species that has recently been observed exhibiting an unusual behavior – feeding on nectar from flowers.
A Sweet Tooth for Nectar
Researchers have documented six Ethiopian wolves visiting red hot poker flowers in the Bale Mountains, where they would lick the nectar-dripping bodies and accumulate pollen on their muzzles. This behavior is significant because it suggests that these large carnivores may be acting as pollinators for the flower species.
Social Learning and Pollination
The observation of adults bringing juveniles to the flower fields and showing them their licking technique implies an example of social learning. This behavior has several fascinating implications, including the potential for wolves to play a fundamental role in the broader ecosystem.
Conservation Implications
The Ethiopian wolf is one of the rarest wild canid species in the world, with fewer than 500 individuals alive today. These latest observations underscore its potential to play a crucial role in pollination and highlight the complexity of interactions between different species living on the Roof of Africa.
References
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S. Lai et al. (2024). Canids as pollinators? Nectar foraging by Ethiopian wolves may contribute to the pollination of Kniphofia foliosa. Ecology, 10.1002/ecy.4470.
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University of Oxford’s Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme
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Science News: www.sciencenews.org
Background
Research Findings
In May and June 2023, researchers from the University of Oxford’s Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme followed six wolves from three different packs as they foraged on red hot poker flowers. Four wolves visited just a handful of flowers, while two animals feasted from more than 20 flowers during a single visit.
Implications
This behavior has several fascinating implications:
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It’s possible that the wolves might be acting as pollinators of the plants, transferring pollen as they go.
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Social learning may also play a role, as adults were observed bringing juveniles to the flower fields and showing them their licking technique.
Pollination Role
The unique observation of the pollen-crossing canids has several fascinating implications. Still, few species live in the high mountains compared with other areas, making each interaction potentially important for pollination.
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- sciencenews.org | Ethiopian wolves are the first large carnivores found to slurp nectar
- iflscience.com | Do Wolves Pollinate? Large Carnivores Seen Slurping On Nectar ...
