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The Murulle Foundation
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Updated: December 11, 2007

TMF tracks Ethiopian wolves in Bale
(February 2004)

With the recent rabies epidemic decimating wolf populations in Bale Mountains National Park, The Murulle Foundation was granted permission by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Organization (EWCO) to test the Passive Tracking Index (PTI) on the Ethiopian wolf. The PTI is a simple and proven method to monitor changes in wildlife populations using track counts in strategically placed plots.

In February 2004, TMF researchers tested the placement of PTI plots on the Sanetti Plateau where wolf densities are high and unaffected by the recent rabies outbreak. After spending three days in the field observing wolves and their behavior (TMF researchers observed eight mature wolves, two pups, and one wolf/dog hybrid) and testing placement strategies, TMF researchers determined that the best locations for plots would be around the mounds of various rodent species, which comprise most of the wolf's diet. TMF is currently compiling a report for EWCO seeking final approval for extensive field-testing later this year. If our final testing proves that the PTI will accurately detect population changes, then TMF hopes to utilize the method for Ethiopian wolves in other remote regions where monitoring doesn't occur.

In addition to determining the best placement of plots, TMF researchers met with the manager, Tadesse Hailu, and the veterinarian, Fekadu Shiferaw, of EWCO regarding the current situation with the Ethiopian wolf and demonstrating how the PTI method will better enable monitoring of isolated wolf populations. While in the field, TMF researchers were also invited to participate help with a rodent study on the Sanetti Plateau that examined dietary needs and availability for wolves.

The Ethiopian wolf is the rarest canid (belonging to the family of dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals) in the world and one of the world's rarest mammals. It is also endemic to Ethiopia (found only in Ethiopia). It lives in Afroalpine ecosystems above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) and feeds mainly on giant mole rats.