Mammal
Ethiopian Wolf
Canis simensisAlso known as Red Jackal, Simien Jackal, Simien Fox, Horse Jackal
Ethiopian wolves are elegant, slender-snouted canids that patrol the high-altitude Afroalpine grasslands of Ethiopia. Unlike pack-hunting wolves, these solitary hunters specialize in catching rodents, using their long muzzles and keen hearing to detect underground movements. They maintain strong social bonds by gathering at dawn and dusk to patrol territory boundaries and sleep together in the open.
AfroalpineCarnivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGiant Mole-rat, Blick's Grass Rat, East African Mole-rat
Predators
- Golden Eagle
- Domestic Dog
- Human
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture, disease transmission from domestic dogs, and hybridization
HabitatsHigh-altitude Afroalpine grasslands and heathlands above 3,000 meters
Life span8 to 10 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyCanidae
- SpeciesCanis simensis
Native
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry rabies and may bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a slender, fox-like build with striking tawny-red fur, white underparts, and a black-tipped tail.
- Support conservation
- Never approach, feed, or attempt to photograph them closely; report any sick-looking wolves to park rangers.
Responsible observation
- Keep Distance: Stay at least 100 meters away to avoid disrupting their hunting behavior.
- Stick to Trails: Walk only on designated paths in national parks to protect fragile alpine soils.
- Manage Waste: Pack out all food scraps to prevent attracting domestic dogs that carry diseases.
Primary Prey (c) Stuart Orford, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Disease Vector M. Rehemtulla / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Mourad Harzallah, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mourad Harzallah · cc-by
Close Relative Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Ecosystem chain
The Forest Floor
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