When we think of pollinators, we often picture flying creatures, such as bees, butterflies, birds or even bats. We certainly don’t think of large carnivores performing these ecological roles. In a paper published in Ecology this month, we discuss a fascinating Ethiopian wolf behaviour – and one of the first recorded instances of plant-pollinator interaction involving a large carnivore.
Ethiopian wolf feeding amongst the blooms of the Ethiopian red hot poker (Kniphofia foliosa) bloom. © Adrien Lesaffre
In the Ethiopian highlands, the sunset-coloured inflorescences of the Ethiopian red hot poker, Kniphofia foliosa, bloom profusely from the end of May to October. Coming back to life after the dry season, vast fields of parched Kniphofia foliosa change quickly from dusty yellow withered stems to green clusters of arched leaves boasting striking, torch-like flower spikes. These flowers emerge as clusters of tubular blooms, starting as fiery red buds that gradually transition to a bright, sunny yellow as they mature.
These little flowers produce copious amounts of nectar attracting a wide variety of different pollinators. The sweet nectar coupled with the vibrant colours and unique flower structures create an irresistible combination for insects, birds, and mammals. The nectar is even eaten by local Oromo communities as a form of honey, sometimes added to sweeten coffee.
Ethiopian wolf feeds on the nectar of the red hot poker (Kniphofia foliosa) bloom. © Carine Lavril
Every year, during the peak of the blooming season, a remarkable sight unfolds as Ethiopian wolves, typically known for their carnivorous rodent diet, are also drawn to the nectar of the Kniphofia foliosa. Last year, we followed several wolves feeding on the Ethiopian red hot poker flowers and discovered that some individuals could go to as many as 20 to 30 stalks during one single visit. Multiple wolves from different packs exploited this same resource, and there was even some evidence of social learning, with juveniles being brought to the flower fields along with adults.
Claudio describes seeing this behavior for the first time:
“I first became aware of the nectar of the Ethiopian red hot poker when I saw children of shepherds in the Bale Mountains licking the flowers. In no time, I had a taste of it myself - the nectar was pleasantly sweet. When I later saw the wolves doing the same, I knew they were enjoying themselves, tapping into this unusual source of energy. I am chuffed that we have now reported this behaviour as being commonplace among Ethiopian wolves and explored its ecological significance.”
As they forage among the flowers, their muzzles become completely covered with pollen. This nectar-feeding behaviour – the first time this has been reported for a large carnivore – not only provides the wolves with a supplementary source of nutrition, but also potentially positions them as inadvertent pollinators.
This example highlights just how much we still have to learn about the world’s rarest canid. It also demonstrates the complexity of interactions between different Afroalpine species on the beautiful Roof of Africa - everything we stand to lose with the disappearance of this extremely unique and biodiverse ecosystem.
Ethiopian wolf feeding on nectar (L) and with its muzzle covered in the pollen of the Kniphofia foliosa (R). © Adrien Lesaffre