The Last Hunter of the Highlands: A Journey into the Life of the Ethiopian Wolf High above the clouds, in the rugged heart of the Ethiopian Highlands, roams one of Africa’s most elusive and endangered predators — the Ethiopian wolf ( Canis simensis ). With a gaze sharp as the wind that whips across the alpine moors and a coat that glows a fiery red in the mountain sun, this rare canid is both a marvel of evolution and a poignant symbol of fragility. I had heard stories of this lone hunter, Africa’s only true wolf, but nothing prepared me for the sheer magic of seeing it in the wild — a fleeting moment that stitched itself into memory like a heartbeat. A Species Carved by Altitude The Ethiopian wolf is a creature of altitude. Found only in the highlands of Ethiopia, typically at elevations above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), it has evolved to thrive in an environment where few large predators dare venture. Here, above the tree line, the air is thin, the nights are cold, and the landscap...
Golden Jackal: The Silent Predator You Never Knew Existed 🐾 Golden Jackal: Comprehensive Overview 🔍 Taxonomy & Classification Scientific Name: Canis aureus Common Name: Golden Jackal Family: Canidae Order: Carnivora IUCN Status: Least Concern 🌍 Distribution & Habitat Golden Jackals are native to: Africa: North and East Africa Asia: South Asia to Burma Europe: Southeastern Europe They thrive in diverse habitats, including: Dry, open country Short grasslands Bush country (excluding dense forests) 📏 Physical Characteristics Body Length: 70–105 cm Shoulder Height: 38–50 cm Weight: Males: 11–16 kg Females: 8–13 kg Lifespan: Wild: Up to 8 years Captivity: Up to 16 years 🐾 Behavior & Social Structure Social System: Monogamous pairs Group Dynamics: Pairs often accompanied by offspring from previous litters, acting as "helpers" in rearing new pups Territoriality: Pairs defend territories against intruders 🍽️ Diet Golden Jackals are opportunis...