Ethiopian Wolves Have a Sweet Tooth: A Surprising Love for Nectar
The Ethiopian wolf, one of the world’s most endangered carnivores, has surprised scientists with an unexpected behavior: licking the nectar of Ethiopian red poker flowers (Kniphofia foliosa). This fascinating discovery marks them as the first large carnivores known to consume nectar, possibly even acting as pollinators, though further research is required to confirm their role.
A wolf licking a bright red poker flower in Ethiopia. (Photo: Adrien Lesaffre).
A Carnivore’s Unlikely Sweet Treat
Newly captured photos reveal Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis) indulging in the sugary nectar of red and yellow Ethiopian poker flowers. This behavior is a rare sight among carnivores, who typically don’t consume nectar. Researchers suspect this feeding habit could offer a valuable energy boost, though nectar likely remains a minor component of their diet.
“These findings show that we still have a lot to learn about one of the world’s most threatened carnivores,” explains Sandra Lai, an ecologist at the University of Oxford and co-author of the study.
A Close Look at Wolves’ Pollination Potential
In the journal Ecology, scientists documented their observations of six Ethiopian wolves from three separate packs over four days. Some wolves only visited a few flowers, but others were notably more active nectar-feeders. One wolf visited 20 flowers in a single session, while another visited as many as 30.
When feeding, the wolves tended to lick the mature flowers near the bottom of the plant, where the nectar is most abundant. During this process, pollen adhered to their snouts, suggesting they could inadvertently transport it to other flowers. However, researchers have yet to determine whether these wolves transfer enough pollen to effectively pollinate the flowers.
A Discovery Rooted in Local Knowledge
The study’s co-author, Claudio Sillero, a conservation biologist at the University of Oxford, shared an anecdote about how he first learned of this phenomenon. While visiting the Bale Mountains, I noticed shepherd children licking the red poker flowers, so I decided to try it myself. The nectar had a delightfully sweet taste. Not long after, I noticed wolves doing the same thing. It was remarkable to see these carnivores tapping into such an unusual source of energy.”
A wolf licks a red poker flower in Ethiopia. (Photo: Adrien Lesaffre).
The Ethiopian poker flowers’ vibrant colors and sweet nectar are known to attract a variety of pollinators, including insects and birds. While the wolves’ role as pollinators remains uncertain, this unexpected discovery opens new doors for studying their behavior and interactions within their ecosystem.
A Remarkable Insight into a Threatened Species
This newfound behavior sheds light on the adaptability of Ethiopian wolves and underscores the importance of preserving their natural habitat. As one of the world’s rarest carnivores, these wolves continue to surprise and fascinate researchers, offering a glimpse into the complex relationships between species and their environment.
Further research will be essential to fully understand the role these wolves play in their ecosystem and how their nectar-feeding behavior might contribute to the survival of both the wolves and the vibrant flora they seem to enjoy so much.
