With their distinctive red coat, long legs and bushy tail, the Ethiopian wolf is the world's rarest canid, the family of wolves, coyotes, foxes and domestic dogs. Ethiopian wolves are only found in the highlands of Ethiopia and are Africa's most threatened carnivore. With fewer than 500 Ethiopian wolves left in the world, every single one counts! Born Free supports the vital work of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP), the only conservation initiative focusing on protecting them.
Ethiopian wolves are threatened by the degradation and loss of mountain habitats from agricultural farming and overgrazing by domestic livestock. They are also threatened by outbreaks of lethal diseases carried by domestic dogs such as rabies and canine distemper. Outbreaks must be contained quickly to avoid them spreading and potentially wiping out entire wolf packs. Urgent efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
The Ethiopian wolves' last remaining stronghold is in the Bale Mountains National Park, where over half their population is found, and where EWCP focuses their work. EWCP monitors wolf populations, protects their habitat, provides disease control, educates communities and trains Ethiopian nationals in fieldwork and research. One of the most important aspects of their work is carrying out regular vaccinations to prevent the spread of rabies, benefitting both local dog-owners and wolves alike.
EWCP works closely with communities living alongside wolves to promote co-existence, encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of wolves, and establish a working balance between the needs of the wolves and the needs of the people. A good relationship is vital to secure a future for the Ethiopian wolves. It is hoped that Bale Mountains and the wolves will become less reliant on external funding and management in the future, and eventually become self-sufficient.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
