What is furry, nectar-loving, and a crucial pollinator?
It turns out that both bees and Ethiopian wolves might fit the bill.
In no time, I had a taste of it myselfthe nectar was pleasantly sweet.
An Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) licks nectar from the Ethiopian red hot poker flower (Kniphofia foliosa).© Adrien Lesaffre
In fact, the Ethiopian wolves might be the only large meat-eating predators ever observed feasting on nectar.
Some young wolves even accompanied the adults to the flower fields, suggesting social learning.
It also demonstrates the complexity of interactions between different species living on the beautiful Roof of Africa.
An Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) feeding amongst the blooming Ethiopian red hot poker flowers (Kniphofia foliosa). Photo: Adrien Lesaffre
This extremely unique and biodiverse ecosystem remains under threat from habitat loss and fragmentation.
The Ethiopian Highlands are sometimes called the Roof of Africa because of their high elevation.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
The wolves’ muzzles became covered in pollen as a result of the licking. Photo: Adrien Lesaffre
Werewolves May Get TheirPurgeOn in Jonathan LiebesmansWolf Night
Would you like more werewolves in movies?
Then this may be the one for you!
