Wolves on the Horn of Africa (22/35)

Wolves on the Horn of Africa (22/35)

The Ethiopian highlands are the home of many unique birds and plants, and of a very special animal species - the Ethiopian wolf. Claudio Sillero from Oxford University has developed an international action plan to counteract their dramatic decline in numbers. In the Bale mountains, in the south-east of the country, the last of the wolves survive in remote valleys and hunt their standard prey: the large mole-rat. Here the wolves live in peaceful co-existence with the shepherds and farmers. These elegant animals are more endangered by the increasing expansion of grazing land and by "genetic extinction", i.e. by mixed breeding with domestic dogs. And the last of the purebred packs is also threatened by distemper and rabies which they catch from the dogs. Swift action is called for. Breeding in captivity is under consideration as a possible last resort to save these endangered animals. The increasing numbers of domestic dogs have to be controlled, many of them must be vaccinated against disease; and, at the same time, the inhabitants must be inspired to take an interest in their environment. In this the Ethiopian wolf is to fufil a special function.