Ethiopian wolves, Africa’s most endangered carnivore, have developed a surprising taste for red hot poker plants, a native flower rich in nectar and pollen. As the wolves feed, pollen collects on their snouts, which they then transfer to other plants, making them the first known carnivorous pollinators. With fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild, these wolves are critically endangered and represent a unique ecological phenomenon. Local communities also value red hot poker plants, using their nectar as a natural sweetener in beverages and spreads. Researchers observing the wolves documented them visiting up to 30 plants in a single feeding session, showcasing their remarkable efficiency as pollinators. This discovery suggests that mammalian pollination may be more widespread than previously believed and opens new avenues for research into the roles carnivores play in ecosystems.
Image via New Scientist
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