Context:
The Ethiopian Wolf was recently documented consuming nectar, marking the first instance of a large carnivorous predator contributing to pollination.
About Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis):
- Endangered Status: Africa’s most endangered carnivore with fewer than 500 individuals.
- Habitation: Endemic to Ethiopian highlands, living in high-altitude sky islands above tropical forests.
- Unique Pollination Behavior:
- Feeds on nectar from Ethiopian red hot poker flowers (Kniphofia species).
- Transfers pollen as its muzzle gets dusted while moving between flowers.
- Significance of Nectar Feeding:
- Typically, a rodent hunter, seeks nectar as an energy supplement.
- Ecological Impact:
- Challenges conventional views of plant-pollinator interactions.
- Highlights potential for apex predators to contribute to pollination.
- Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered under IUCN Red List.
- Conservation Implications:
- Protecting the Ethiopian wolf helps sustain the fragile Afroalpine ecosystem.
- Emphasizes the need to preserve unique species interactions critical for biodiversity.
Source: DTE
Previous Year Question
Which of the following organisms perform a waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Butterflies
(b) Dragonflies
(c) Honey Bees
(d) Wasps
Answer: (c)