by Dragonfire
INQUIRY
The topic of interest I identified for investigation is “The Ethiopian Wolf”. I wonder how and why it evolved and crossed to Northern Africa? I also am concerned because I believe the Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore and the world’s rarest canid.
| Ethiopian wolf | Dhole wolf | Grey wolf |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| red fur | red fur | black, grey, white and brown fur |
| white markings | white markings | |
| grass rats, hares and giant mole rats | deer, goats and various types of berries | deer, moose, elk and hares |
| moorland habitat | forest habitat | forest habitat |
| pointed ears | large round ears | pointed ears |
| live in packs hunt alone | live and hunt in packs | live and hunt in packs |
| highly social | highly social | highly social |
| long legs | short legs | long legs |
| males weigh 33-42 pounds females weigh 24-31 pounds | dholes weigh 33-44 pounds | grey wolves weigh 75-125 pounds |
| lifespan 8-10 years | lifespan 10 years | lifespan 6-8 years |
MY CONCLUSION
I have found out that the Ethiopian wolf is more related to the grey wolf than any other African canid. But the skull looks very similar to the coyote. The best adaption the Ethiopian wolf has is the way they hunt. No other canid in the world hunts like the Ethiopian wolf. The wolves skull even changed so it could thrive with its new hunting tactic. most canids muzzles are long but the Ethiopian wolves muzzle is super long and their teeth are spaced out more. Their long muzzles help them reach into rodent holes and grab them while their spaced out teeth help them hold onto the little rodents.
SOURCES
Ethiopian wolf – Video Learning – WizScience.com – YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV0oruZK0Fs
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izweTK-hFoc>
Wild Dogs or Dhole hunt in packs, and can bring down a deer!
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20SWz2Gf_BY>