Feeding ecology of the Ethiopian wolf in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Ethiopian wolves in Simien National Park primarily rely on rodents, particularly Arvicanthis abyssinicus, as their main prey source. This was determined through a study analyzing 214 fecal samples collected between 2011 and 2012. A. abyssinicus accounted for 72% of rodent consumption, with a Chesson index value of 0.3 indicating it as the most preferred prey item. The study also found no significant seasonal difference in prey frequency, suggesting consistent feeding patterns regardless of weather conditions. Protecting rodents is deemed crucial for the conservation of Ethiopian wolves in this region.

Yihune, M., & Bekele, A. (2014). Feeding ecology of the Ethiopian wolf in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. African Journal of Ecology, 52(4), 484–490. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12150