Ethiopian wolves, one of the threatened mammals in the world, are standing on the verge of extinction. The national park of the state relocates the settlers to save the animals.
A few years ago visitors could experience the existence of the Ethiopian wolves, but it is a distant dream now. The mountain region of Ethiopia is considered the best habitat of these animals. But, constant encroaching by the farmers reduces their existence, according to the Phys.org. Domestic dogs that have rabies also aggravated the grim situation.
Not a long time ago when more than thousands of Ethiopian wolves roamed the mountainous areas. Now the country's national park counts 120 only. These animals are very elusive and appear only after the sunrise and before the dusk.
Getachew Assefa, the coordinator of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program, reveals that his current focus is to save the creatures from the verge of extinction. He is trying every step to increase the number of these Ethiopian wolves. These amazing mammals need extra care for survivability.
Farmers of Ethiopia always search for fertile land in the country's highlands and this creates difficulty for the national park. According to the Britain-based Born free Foundation, the country has a limited number of Ethiopian wolves in a small number of mountain enclaves. The foundation so far counted less than 500 creatures of the said species.
BBC reported that Ethiopian wolves are the only wolf species alive in Africa. These animals maintain a strong social bond and live together. Senior members among them locate the territory of their habitat.
Initiatives are on to relocate the major portion of the settlers from the national park to protect the Ethiopian wolves. The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority reported that almost two-thirds area of the national park is in the possession of the local community. The community uses the area for agriculture and settlement.
According to the wildlife authority, total thirty-eight villages with 3,000 people are currently the inhabitants of the national park. The authority introduced the resettlement program three years ago. Gichi village that consisted of 418 households was first relocated by the authority. It is very necessary to save the Ethiopian wolves before they became the object of oblivion.
The state government is now focusing on the other settlers. Maru Biadgelegn, the chief warden of the park, says the relocated settlers are experiencing a better condition, though some settlers opine negatively. A proper balance between the habitat of the settlers and the Ethiopian wolves is the need of the hour.
A whole hearted effort around the world can bring the best outcome to maintain the survivability of the Ethiopian wolves. Animals are also the integral part of the society and their existence balances the ecosystem. An utmost effort only can maintain that balance.
