The Ethiopian wolf, also known as the Abyssinian wolf (Canis simensis) – a species of wolf (Canis) found in Ethiopian Highlands, up to an altitude of 3,000-4,500 m above sea level, in several isolated populations. They live in packs usually about 6 individuals, but there are packs of up to 20 wolves. There are two subspecies of Ethiopian wolf – Northern Ethiopian wolf (C. s. simensis) and Southern Ethiopian wolf (C. s. citernii).
Ethiopian wolf
Apperance[]
The Ethiopian wolf is a medium sized wolf. Males reach 92.8-101.2 cm in length and weigh 14.2-19.3 kg, while females reach 84.1-96 cm in length and weigh 11.2-14.2 kg. The Ethiopian wolf's head is elongated like jackal's, the ears are large and pointed. The limbs are long. It has a short guard hair and a dense underfur. The coat is vibrant red, the muzzle, neck and stomach are white. The tail is dark. Unlike other wolves, it doesn't have a black spot above the violet gland.
Diet[]
Ethiopian wolf hunts rodents (e.g. Big-headed African mole-rat, Abyssinian grass rat), hares and sometimes antelope calves. If necessary, it'll eat carrion.
Endangered?[]
The Ethiopian wolf is listed as endangered. It is one of the least numerous canid species, second to the red wolf. In 2003, it was decimated by a rabies epidemic. Rabies and canine distemper are transmitted to them by domestic dogs, which also interbreed with wolves, contaminating their genetic pool. The current (2025) population of the Ethiopian wolf is 454 adults belonging to 99 packs.
