Scientists from Oxford University discovered that Ethiopian jackals feed on the nectar of kniphophyas, a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. At the same time, pollen remains on the coyotes’ faces, so perhaps they contribute to the pollination of the flower clusters. Research results It was published In the journal Ecology.
Ethiopian jackals (or Ethiopian wolves – Canis simensis) are one of the rarest representatives of the dog family. Found only in the highlands of Ethiopia, these predators were the first large mammals to participate in plant pollination.
Scientists from the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program watched jackals feasting on the nectar of the endemic Kniphofia foliosa plant. During the meal, their faces became covered with pollen, which the animals then transferred to other flowers. During one trip, animals can visit up to 30 inflorescences.
Similar behavior was observed in representatives of several herds. Moreover, the researchers noted signs of social learning: Young individuals adopted this skill from their elders and followed them on “flower” trips.
Until now, mammalian pollinators were thought to be primarily bats, marsupials, rodents, primates and small carnivores. The Ethiopian jackal specimen was the first scientific record of a large predator that could not only consume nectar but also stimulate plant reproduction.
Ethiopian jackals are critically endangered, with only about 550 adult individuals scattered across seven populations in the wild. The discovery of their role in the ecosystem highlights the importance of protecting this unique species.
Previous scientists I learnedthat coyotes can make “puppy dog ​​eyes” like dogs.
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
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