Endangered

Ethiopian Wolf

Canis simensis

Endangered

IUCN Red List status · Population stable as of 2023 · Est. 500 individuals

About the Ethiopian Wolf

The Ethiopian wolf is the world's rarest canid and Africa's most endangered carnivore. Found only in the Ethiopian highlands, they are specialized hunters of Afroalpine rodents. Disease and habitat loss are their greatest threats.

Region

East Africa

Population

500

Trend

Stable

Data Year

2023

Key Facts

Population~500 adults

RangeEthiopian highlands only

Diet95% Afroalpine rodents

Lifespan8–10 years

Habitat Types

Afroalpine MoorlandHighland Grassland

Found In

Ethiopia

Why Africa's Wildlife Matters

Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.

20%

of Earth's bird species in Africa

25%

of mammals found in Africa

3,000+

endemic plant species at risk

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