Ethiopia, often referred to as the "Roof of Africa" due to its mountainous landscapes, is a country brimming with unique wildlife found nowhere else in the world. From the vast plateaus of the Ethiopian Highlands to the lush valleys and rugged mountains, this country is a treasure trove of fascinating species. In this article on Ethiopia's wildlife wonders, let's highlight three extraordinary animals: the elusive Ethiopian wolf, the charismatic gelada baboon, and the graceful mountain nyala.
Closeup of a gelada baboon. /CFP
Ethiopian wolf: Africa's rarest predator
The Ethiopian wolf is Africa's most endangered carnivore and one of the rarest canid species in the world. It is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, on account of its small numbers and its fragmented range. Major threats include increasing pressure from expanding human populations, which results in habitat degradation through overgrazing, as well as disease transmission and interbreeding from free-ranging dogs. Known for its reddish fur and slender build, this wolf is found only in the Ethiopian Highlands, mainly inhabiting alpine grasslands at altitudes above 3,000 meters. The Ethiopian wolf's sharp ears and long legs make it perfectly adapted for life in the cool, high-altitude environment.
These wolves are specialized hunters, preying mainly on small rodents that thrive in the highlands. Unlike many other canids, Ethiopian wolves are diurnal, hunting during the day and using their keen sight and hearing to locate their prey. Their social structure is fascinating: they live in packs, but individuals often hunt alone, which is an unusual blend of solitary and social behavior. Conservation efforts are ongoing, as habitat loss and diseases spread by domestic dogs continue to threaten this iconic species.
An Ethiopian wolf with a cub. /CFP
Gelada baboon: the monkey with a "bleeding heart"
The gelada baboon, also known as the bleeding-heart monkey, is another of Ethiopia's fascinating endemic species. Named for the distinctive red patch on its chest, the gelada is unique among primates for its grass-based diet. Found in the Simien Mountains and other highland regions, geladas live in large troops, often numbering in the hundreds, making them one of the most social primates in Africa.
Geladas spend much of their time on the ground, using their dexterous hands to pick and eat grasses, roots, and herbs. The red chest patch is especially prominent during mating season, signaling health and fitness to potential partners. The sight of a large troop of geladas perched on a cliff edge, their thick manes blowing in the wind, is truly a breathtaking spectacle of Ethiopia's wildlife.
The gelada baboon features its distinctive red patch on its chest. /CFP
Mountain nyala: the elegant antelope of the highlands
The mountain nyala is one of Ethiopia's most iconic and elegant animals, found only in the country's highland regions. Distinguished by its beautiful spiral horns and sleek grey-brown coat, this large antelope inhabits the Bale Mountains, where it moves through dense forests and grassy clearings. The mountain nyala is shy and elusive, preferring to stay hidden in the thick vegetation, making sightings a rare but rewarding experience.
Mountain nyalas live in small groups, usually consisting of females and their young, with males often leading solitary lives or joining the groups during the mating season. They mainly feed on grasses, leaves, and shrubs, and are particularly dependent on the undisturbed habitats of the highlands. Like many of Ethiopia's unique animals, mountain nyalas face threats from habitat encroachment, hunting, and competition with livestock, making conservation efforts vital to their survival.
A male mountain nyala in Ethiopia. /CFP
BRICS' wildlife wonders
The BRICS nations span vast and diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Within these ecosystems lies a treasure trove of wildlife, much of which is unique to these regions. Join us on a journey to explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the BRICS countries.
For more:
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: China
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Russia
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Brazil
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: India
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Republic of South Africa
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Saudi Arabia
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: United Arab Emirates
BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Egypt
(Cover designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi and Zhu Shangfan)