Animal
Science
In a fascinating discovery, researchers have captured the world's rarest wild canid, the Ethiopian wolf, indulging in a sweet treat that sets it apart from other large carnivores: drinking nectar from flowers. This behavior, observed in the endangered Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis), marks the first time a large predator has been documented enjoying flower nectar.
The Rare Sight
Ethiopian wolves, with fewer than 500 individuals remaining, are not only the world's rarest wild canid but also Africa's most endangered carnivore. Typically known for their diet of rodents, these alpine wolf relatives have been observed with a surprising fondness for the nectar of red hot poker flowers (Kniphofia foliosa). While occasional sightings of this behavior had been reported, it wasn't until May and June 2023 that biologists managed to capture it on video.
A Team of Biologists on the Trail
Researchers followed wolves from three different packs as they foraged in flower patches. The observations revealed six wolves licking nectar-filled flowers from as many as 30 plants, coating their muzzles in pollen in the process. This unique interaction suggests that the wolves might act as pollinators for these flowers, although the study couldn't confirm this role definitively.
The Mystery of Nectar's Role
It remains unclear whether the nectar provides a critical dietary resource for the wolves. For smaller mammals like masked palm civets or elephant shrews, nectar serves as a high-calorie supplement. However, it's also possible that the wolves simply enjoy the taste of the nectar. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the dietary habits and ecological roles of these endangered animals.
Source:
Christie Wilcox, Science https://www.science.org/content/article/watch-ethiopian-wolves-drink-flower-nectar-first-large-carnivore
Image Credit: Adrien Lesaffre