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Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program

About | Solutions | Get Involved | Stories

Safeguarding the future habitats for the benefit of wildlife

When you support Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP), you help secure viable and ecologically functioning Ethiopian wolf populations and habitats.
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EWCP recognizes the importance of Ethiopian wolves as a flagship species.

To protect this species, they promote the conservation and sustainable use of the Afroalpine ecosystem, which present and future generations of Ethiopians also depend.

The Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore and the world’s rarest canid.

With fascinating social lives, distinctive red coats, and fragile status, Ethiopian wolves motivate conservationists, scientists, and supporters from around the world to save them from extinction.

Find out more

EWCP believes in coexistence of wolves, people, and their livestock.

Safeguarding the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and people in the highlands of Ethiopia is the vision of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP).

Find out more

SPECIES IMPACT

Ethiopia currently has the fastest growing human population in Africa. These rapid changes create complex challenges for wolves and other species in the Ethiopian highlands—the only place where the rare Ethiopian wolf lives and raises its young. As subsistence agriculture encroaches higher and deeper into the highlands, wildlife become increasingly trapped in mountain tops. These Afroalpine islands in a sea of people are precious land for local communities which, together with their sheep and goats, bring domestic dogs that carry fatal diseases for the wolves. As specialized rodent hunters, Ethiopian wolves do not pose direct threats to people, yet ensuring their coexistence with people is not a simple task.

TEAM VALUES

Safeguarding the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and people in the highlands of Ethiopia is the vision of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP). Thanks to EWCP’s long-term commitment there are today more than 60 Ethiopians working to tackle these problems from many angles, working alongside local communities, government institutions, and international partners.

The Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore and the world’s rarest canid.

With fascinating social lives, distinctive red coats, and fragile status, Ethiopian wolves motivate conservationists, scientists, and supporters from around the world to save them from extinction.

Find out more

EWCP believes in coexistence of wolves, people, and their livestock.

Safeguarding the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and people in the highlands of Ethiopia is the vision of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP).

Find out more

SPECIES IMPACT

Ethiopia currently has the fastest growing human population in Africa. These rapid changes create complex challenges for wolves and other species in the Ethiopian highlands—the only place where the rare Ethiopian wolf lives and raises its young. As subsistence agriculture encroaches higher and deeper into the highlands, wildlife become increasingly trapped in mountain tops. These Afroalpine islands in a sea of people are precious land for local communities which, together with their sheep and goats, bring domestic dogs that carry fatal diseases for the wolves. As specialized rodent hunters, Ethiopian wolves do not pose direct threats to people, yet ensuring their coexistence with people is not a simple task.

TEAM VALUES

Safeguarding the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and people in the highlands of Ethiopia is the vision of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP). Thanks to EWCP’s long-term commitment there are today more than 60 Ethiopians working to tackle these problems from many angles, working alongside local communities, government institutions, and international partners.

Conservation Solutions

Icon Restoring Habitat
Icon Scientific Research
Icon Boosting Local Economies
Icon Guiding Policy
Icon Promoting Health

Guassa Gardens

EWCP’s Guassa gardens program spreads a native species of grass to reduce erosion and preserve soil humidity, and provide food and shelter for small rodents, boosting prey availability for wolves. Guassa is valued as a versatile material for thatching, weaving, rope and livestock fodder, so it provides income and resources to local families.

Wolf Ambassadors

EWCP works with Monitors and Wolf Ambassadors across the Ethiopian highlands and involves students to conduct research on priority topics to detect status changes and threats in all wolf populations. They also disseminate this information and develop evidence-based solutions at an early stage.

Biodiversity Friendly Futures

EWCP’s Biodiversity Friendly Futures program creates opportunities for local communities to create sustainable livelihoods in Ethiopia via innovative approaches, such as Highland honey. Highland honey is a traditional product from the Ethiopian highlands, with a unique taste and aroma. Families and working cooperatives install bee hives and sell it in local markets, keeping some for their own use.

National Action Plan for Ethiopian Wolf

EWCP promotes disease management strategy for rabies and canine distemper with numerous partners, including the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, protected area managers, local governments, and communities. The National Action Plan for Ethiopian Wolf Conservation addresses diseases in domestic dogs, reduces dog-wolf contact, better detects outbreaks, and proactively vaccinates wolves.

One Health

One Health recognizes the connection between the health of people, domestic animals, wildlife, and ecosystems. Embracing a One Health vision, EWCP focuses on diseases impacting Ethiopian wolves, including rabies and canine distemper. EWCP routinely vaccinates over 3,000 domestic dogs a year against these diseases to reduce the risk of transmission between Ethiopian wolves, livestock, and people.

Icon Restoring Habitat

Guassa Gardens

EWCP’s Guassa gardens program spreads a native species of grass to reduce erosion and preserve soil humidity, and provide food and shelter for small rodents, boosting prey availability for wolves. Guassa is valued as a versatile material for thatching, weaving, rope and livestock fodder, so it provides income and resources to local families.

Icon Scientific Research

Wolf Ambassadors

EWCP works with Monitors and Wolf Ambassadors across the Ethiopian highlands and involves students to conduct research on priority topics to detect status changes and threats in all wolf populations. They also disseminate this information and develop evidence-based solutions at an early stage.

Icon Boosting Local Economies

Biodiversity Friendly Futures

EWCP’s Biodiversity Friendly Futures program creates opportunities for local communities to create sustainable livelihoods in Ethiopia via innovative approaches, such as Highland honey. Highland honey is a traditional product from the Ethiopian highlands, with a unique taste and aroma. Families and working cooperatives install bee hives and sell it in local markets, keeping some for their own use.

Icon Guiding Policy

National Action Plan for Ethiopian Wolf

EWCP promotes disease management strategy for rabies and canine distemper with numerous partners, including the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, protected area managers, local governments, and communities. The National Action Plan for Ethiopian Wolf Conservation addresses diseases in domestic dogs, reduces dog-wolf contact, better detects outbreaks, and proactively vaccinates wolves.

Icon Promoting Health

One Health

One Health recognizes the connection between the health of people, domestic animals, wildlife, and ecosystems. Embracing a One Health vision, EWCP focuses on diseases impacting Ethiopian wolves, including rabies and canine distemper. EWCP routinely vaccinates over 3,000 domestic dogs a year against these diseases to reduce the risk of transmission between Ethiopian wolves, livestock, and people.

When you get involved, donate, or spread the word on social media, you are truly making a better world for Ethiopian wolves and the communities that live near them. Here are a few ways you can help:

Connect with Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program on social media to learn more about their work and be a voice for these wolves.

 

Visit EWCP’s website and sign up for their newsletter to deepen your connection with conservation.

Visit Website

Donate to support EWCP’s work protecting Ethiopian wolves. Through our donation model, 100% of your donation goes to field with zero taken for overhead or administration.

Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (Dr. Claudio Sillero)
Peering into the Ethiopian wolf’s intimate social life allows you to recognize very subtle behaviors, until you can anticipate their next move. It is the same level of knowledge and understanding as in human relationships when you know someone well enough to guess what they will do next.
Dr. Claudio Sillero

All five extant Ethiopian wolf populations remain in danger of extinction simply due to their small size. These facts are scary: the largest population has some 300 wolves and the smallest fewer than 25; two small wolf populations went extinct in the past 10 years; there are no wolves in captivity anywhere in the world. The long-term survival of these wolves may ultimately depend on assisted movement of animals; for example to rescue populations decimated by disease and to recreate new ones in areas occupied by wolves in the past. EWCP is prepared to respond to urgent needs with drastic action, and is taking the first steps of a vision for the active management of Ethiopian wolves to secure their survival.

News & Stories

One Wolf’s Lasting Legacy

One Wolf’s Lasting Legacy

Among the rugged landscape of Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains, the old wolf emerged from the den, six fuzzy pups weaving between... Learn More
Guardians of the Simien Wolves

Guardians of the Simien Wolves

Anxiously waiting for his colleague to return, Getachew Assefa sat in his tent under a blanket of stars above. The... Learn More
Protecting Wolves and Helping Communities in Delanta

Protecting Wolves and Helping Communities in Delanta

Ethiopian wolves are holding on in Delanta, but still need our helping hand. At the peak of the rainy season,... Learn More
Returning to the Field with EWCP's Dr. Jorgelina Marino

Returning to the Field with EWCP's Dr. Jorgelina Marino

In spring, Dr. Jorgelina Marino, Science Director of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP), returned to the field in the... Learn More
An Update on Terefe, the Lucky Survivor

An Update on Terefe, the Lucky Survivor

Last year, we shared the amazing story of Terefe, an injured Ethiopian wolf who was rescued by the Ethiopian Wolf... Learn More
A Wolf's Resilience

A Wolf's Resilience

In the thin alpine air, Getachew scanned the landscape, but saw no sign of an Ethiopian wolf. Despite the aid... Learn More
Recovering Grasslands, Recovering Wolves

Recovering Grasslands, Recovering Wolves

Located in the Ethiopian highlands, Delanta boasts a landscape of rolling, bright green hills mingled with rocky mountaintops. For years,... Learn More
A Snapshot of the Fall 2018 Wildlife Conservation Expo

A Snapshot of the Fall 2018 Wildlife Conservation Expo

October in San Francisco signals the return of our flagship Wildlife Conservation Expo, providing wildlife enthusiasts with the opportunity to... Learn More
A New Dawn for Africa’s Rarest Wolf

A New Dawn for Africa’s Rarest Wolf

The November evening chill cuts through Edris Ebu’s clothing, making him shiver. Around him, the wind rushes through the vast open... Learn More
An Unlikely Alliance: Ethiopian Wolves and Gelada Monkeys

An Unlikely Alliance: Ethiopian Wolves and Gelada Monkeys

It’s not often that you see wolves getting friendly with monkeys, but that’s exactly what seems to be happening in... Learn More
Ethiopian Wolves Thrive a Year After Rabies Outbreak

Ethiopian Wolves Thrive a Year After Rabies Outbreak

When a rabies outbreak hit Ethiopian wolves in their Bale Mountains stronghold, the future of the species hung in the... Learn More
EWCP Fights Deadly Rabies Outbreak Among Ethiopian Wolves

EWCP Fights Deadly Rabies Outbreak Among Ethiopian Wolves

By Claudio Sillero, Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program Founder Learn More
Fuel-Saving Stoves Help Save Ethiopian Wolves and Our Planet

Fuel-Saving Stoves Help Save Ethiopian Wolves and Our Planet

Sometimes conservation solutions are far simpler than they initially appear. Learn More
Hope at the Edge of Extinction: New Book about the Ethiopian Wolf

Hope at the Edge of Extinction: New Book about the Ethiopian Wolf

The Ethiopian wolf hangs precariously close to extinction, but also offers one of the greatest stories of hope for successful... Learn More
Photography Credits: Joshua Asel, Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program, A.L. Harrington, Rebecca Jackrel, Rory Matthews, Burrard-Lucas Photography
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