11 Ethiopian Endemic Animals: Discover The Unique Wildlife Of Ethiopia

Get ready to discover the incredible biodiversity of Ethiopia! This East African nation is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including an astounding number of endemic species. 

In fact, Ethiopia has been identified as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with a high concentration of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. In this article, we'll focus on 11 of Ethiopia's most unique and fascinating endemic animals, from the Ethiopian wolf to the Gelada baboon. 

But the wonders of Ethiopia's wildlife don't stop there. If you're also interested in the diverse and colorful birdlife of Ethiopia, be sure to check out our article on endemic Ethiopian birds. There, you'll discover the beauty and complexity of birds like the Prince Ruspoli's Turaco and the yellow-fronted parrot. 

Whether you're a seasoned nature lover or simply curious about the wonders of the natural world, Ethiopia offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and discovery. So come along, as we delve into the unique and captivating wildlife of this amazing country! And don't forget to check out our article on endemic Ethiopian birds for even more fascinating creatures to discover.

1. Ethiopian Wolf

• Scientific name: Canis simensis 

The Ethiopian Wolf is the rarest canid in the world and is only found in the Ethiopian Highlands. These beautiful creatures are known for their unique appearance and fascinating behavior. The Ethiopian Wolf is a medium-sized canid that stands about two and a half feet tall at the shoulder and Adult males weigh 14.2–19.3 kg (31–43 lb.), while females weigh 11.2–14.15 kg (24.7–31.2 lb.). 

They have a long, slender body and long legs, which are adapted for running at high altitudes. Their fur is typically reddish-brown, with white markings on the throat, chest, and tail. These wolves are highly social animals and live in packs of up to 20 individuals. 

They are also monogamous, meaning they mate for life. How cute is that? The Ethiopian Wolf is an apex predator and feeds mainly on small mammals like rodents and hares. They are also known to prey on birds and even monkeys on occasion. Unfortunately, the Ethiopian Wolf is currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as disease transmission from domestic dogs. 

Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and reduce the impact of these threats on their population.

2. Big-Headed Mole-Rat

• Scientific name: Tachyoryctes macrocephalus 

Have you ever heard of the Big-Headed African Mole-Rat? It's a fascinating rodent that's endemic to the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. This unique species is known for its large head, which sets it apart from other mole rats, and its soft, mottled golden-brown fur. 

Unlike other mole rats that spend most of their time underground, the Big-Headed African Mole-Rat mostly forages above ground by digging a new tunnel to a patch of herbage. After about 20 minutes of feeding, it blocks the tunnel from the inside to protect itself from predators. Speaking of predators, the Big-Headed African Mole-Rat has evolved some pretty impressive defenses against its main predator - the Ethiopian wolf. 

These wolves are specialized predators of mole rats and catch them by ambushing them after they have constructed a new foraging tunnel. However, the Big-Headed African Mole-Rat is cautious and has large incisors that can severely injure potential predators. Sadly, like many other endemic animals in Ethiopia, the Big-Headed African Mole-Rat is under threat from habitat loss. 

As agricultural and urban development continue to encroach on their natural habitat, the survival of this unique species is becoming increasingly uncertain. Conservation efforts are needed to protect their habitat and ensure the future of this fascinating creature. So next time you're in Ethiopia, keep an eye out for the Big-Headed African Mole-Rat and marvel at its unique adaptations and impressive defenses.

3. Walia Ibex

• Scientific name: Capra walie

I bet you have heard of Walia Ibex before . . . It is the nickname of the Ethiopian national football team and also it is on the logo. Walia ibex is a really unique species of ibex that's native to the Semien Mountains in Ethiopia. 

Unfortunately, they're facing a lot of threats, like habitat loss, poaching, and restricted range. Currently, only about 500 individuals survive in the mountains, which is really concerning. These animals are pretty interesting though! They have a chocolate-brown to chestnut-brown coat coloration, with large curved horns that can reach up to 110 cm (43 in) in length. The males are particularly impressive, weighing between 80 and 125 kg (180-280 lb). 

They're also grazers and eat a variety of plants like bushes, herbs, and grasses. Walia Ibexes live in herds ranging from five to 20 animals, with the older males tending to be more solitary. During the breeding season, which is in late fall and early winter, the males compete for females by ramming their horns together. 

Unfortunately, the Walia Ibex is facing a lot of challenges due to human activity like habitat loss and poaching. However, efforts are being made to protect their populations, including the establishment of the Semien National Park in 1969. It's really important that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority continue to work towards conservation efforts for this species and others like it.

4. Mountain Nyala

• Scientific name: Tragelaphus buxtoni 

This is a large antelope that can only be found in a small part of central Ethiopia, and it is considered a monotypic species. That means they don't have any identified subspecies! One really interesting fact about the mountain Nyala is that only males possess horns, which can grow up to 188 cm (74 in) long! 

That's crazy impressive, right? 

And their coat is grey to brown, with white markings on their face, throat, and legs. Unfortunately, these animals are facing a lot of challenges due to habitat loss and human activity. 

Their natural habitat is composed of montane woodlands at an altitude of 3,000–3,400 m (9,800–11,200 ft), but human settlements and large livestock populations have forced them to occupy heath forests at an altitude of above 3,400 m (11,200 ft). 

It's really important that the concerned authorities, including the Ethiopian people, do everything they can to protect this animal’s population and habitat, so that it can continue to thrive in the wild. It's really sad to hear that the mountain Nyala has been classified under the endangered category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). But on the bright side, efforts are being made to protect their populations, like the establishment of the Bale Mountains National Park. 

And did you know that mountain Nyala are even featured on the obverse of the Ethiopian ten cents coin? 

They've had a big influence on Ethiopian culture and can be found on walls, commercial products, and tourist curios.

Overall, it's really important that we raise awareness about the mountain Nyala and their importance to the ecosystem, so that we can work towards protecting their populations and their habitat for generations to come.

5. Ethiopian hare

• Scientific name: Lepus fagani 

It's amazing how the animal kingdom is filled with so many unique and fascinating species, isn't it? The other day, I was just telling a friend about the Ethiopian hare and how it's rated as a least concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but there's still so much we don't know about its status and ecology. 

The Ethiopian hare has taken over the habitat previously occupied by the Abyssinian hare. It's interesting to think about what could have caused this shift in distribution. It's also cool to note that the Ethiopian hare actually prefers a relatively less open habitat compared to the Abyssinian hare, and has a similar preference to the African savanna hare in Kenya. 

The only downside is that we don't have any data on the behavior, ecology, or reproduction of the Ethiopian hare. It makes it difficult to know how to best protect and conserve this species. However, it's great to hear that the species can be found in national parks like Abijatta-Shalla National Park and Gambela National Park. 

I really think it's important to continue studying and learning about different species like the Ethiopian hare. Preserving biodiversity and ecology starts from understanding it. That way, we can better protect and conserve them for future generations. Who knows what other fascinating creatures are out there waiting to be discovered!

6. Ethiopian Striped Frog

• Scientific name: Paracassina obscura 

This is a type of frog that can be found only in the Ethiopian highlands west of the Rift Valley and belongs to the Hyperoliidae family. It prefers living in montane grasslands, but can also be found in forest margins, clearings in tropical deciduous forest, rural gardens, and even urban areas. 

Sadly, habitat loss is a potential threat to its survival. One fascinating thing about this frog is its unique call, which is similar to other Kassina species but more atonal. The males usually call from water, like ponds or temporarily flooded hollows or ditches. 

They like to pick spots with relatively deep water and cling to submerged vegetation to support themselves at the surface. Interestingly, they often call during the day, sometimes even in bright sunlight! The tadpole of the Paracassina obscura is similar to other Kassina species, with a high fin. However, it differs in having an additional row of 5-10 teeth carried on a small lobe at the tip of the lower labium, which gives it a tooth formula of 1/1+1,2. 

The tadpole can grow up to a maximum length of 83 mm, with 29 mm being the body length and 54 mm being the length of the tail. It's amazing to learn about the unique characteristics and behaviors of different species like the Paracassina obscura. Let's hope that efforts to protect its habitat are successful so we can continue to appreciate and learn from these incredible creatures.

7. Gelada Baboon

• Scientific name: Theropithecus gelada 

Have you ever heard of the Gelada, also known as the "bleeding-heart monkey" or "Gelada baboon"? This unique and fascinating primate is found only in the Ethiopian Highlands, living at elevations of 1,800–4,400 meters above sea level. The Gelada is a member of the Old World monkey family and is the only living member of the genus Theropithecus, which means "beast-ape" in Greek. 

It has buff to dark brown hair with a dark face and pale eyelids. Adult males have longer hair on their backs and a conspicuous bright red patch of skin shaped like an hourglass on their chests, while females have a less pronounced patch that brightens during estrus and exhibits a "necklace" of fluid-filled blisters. One of the most striking features of the Gelada is its complex social structure. 

It has reproductive units and male units as the two basic groupings, with a band comprising a mix of multiple reproductive units and male units, and a community made up of one to four bands. Within the reproductive units, females are commonly closely related, and males will move from their natal group to try to control a unit of their own. When more than one male is in the unit, only one can mate with the females, and females within the unit can choose to support or oppose the new male. 

The Gelada is primarily a graminivore and grazer, with a diet consisting of grasses, herbs, and roots. They have a specialized digestive system that allows them to extract more nutrients from their fibrous diet. They also have a unique way of feeding, by sitting on their rump and using their hands to pull the grass towards their mouth. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and hunting, the Gelada population has been declining and is currently considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

However, conservation efforts are being made to protect their natural habitat and ensure their survival. In conclusion, the Gelada is a remarkable primate with a fascinating social structure and unique feeding behavior. It is a vital part of the Ethiopian Highlands ecosystem and deserves our attention and protection.

8. Swayne's Hartebeest

• Scientific name: Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei 

This is an endangered subspecies of Hartbeest native to Ethiopia, and unfortunately, it has been extirpated from Somalia. The subspecies is named after a British officer named H. G. C. Swayne. Swayne's hartebeest used to be very common throughout Ethiopia and Somalia before the early 1890s. 

However, a mid-1890s epidemic caused a significant decline in their population, resulting in an extremely high mortality rate for wildlife and livestock, which led to the subspecies being labeled as "in danger of extermination." One interesting thing about Swayne's hartebeest is that it exhibits ecological differences from other subspecies of hartebeests. 

For example, it prefers grassland habitats during both the wet and dry seasons. It likes to select short grass areas of no more than 30 centimeters for feeding and has a preference for burned grassland patches. This preference for burned grassland patches has become relevant in the development of effective conservation strategies for the subspecies (and potentially the whole species). 

Two of the largest remaining populations of Swayne's hartebeest are located in Senkelle Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary, Nechisar National Park, and Maze National Park. It's important to continue working towards conservation efforts for this endangered species to ensure that we can continue to appreciate and learn from these beautiful creatures for generations to come.

9. Bale Mountain Vervet

• Scientific name: Chlorocebus djamdjamensis 

This elusive and rare species of monkey is found only in the bamboo forests of the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. They have a unique diet, with bamboo making up a significant portion of their food. Sadly, the encroachment of human populations and deforestation have put the Bale Monkey at risk. The monkey's dependence on bamboo makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss. 

As human populations expand, forests are cut down to make room for agriculture and other land uses, and this has led to a decline in the Bale Monkey population. Additionally, locals often view the Bale Monkey as a crop raider and have been known to hunt them. 

 But, there is hope! 

The Bale Mountains National Park provides some protection for these monkeys, and the proposed Harena-Kokosa National Forest Reserve would also help to protect populations of Bale Monkeys. However, more needs to be done to ensure the survival of this species. Conservation efforts must focus on preserving the bamboo forests that the Bale Monkey relies on for its survival, while also addressing the conflicts that arise between humans and monkeys. 

The Bale Monkey is not just an endangered species, but also a vital part of the ecosystem. As a dietary specialist, the Bale Monkey plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and its loss could have a significant impact on the other species that depend on it. By working together to protect the Bale Monkey and its habitat, we can help ensure that this remarkable primate continues to thrive for generations to come.

10. Somali Wild Donkey

• Scientific name: Equus africanus somaliensis 

This subspecies of the African Wild Ass is found in Somalia, the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea, and the Afar region of Ethiopia. They're known for their striped legs, which resemble those of their relative, the zebra. Sadly, there are likely fewer than 1,000 Somali Wild Asses left in the wild, making them critically endangered. Some of these animals live in Somalia, Somaliland, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. 

The Somali Wild Ass typically gives birth in the spring after a year-long gestation, and within hours, the foal is up on its legs and keeping up with its mother. By the time they're two weeks old, the foals are grazing regularly, but still depend on their mother's milk for fluids. They're weaned by 12 to 14 months but stay close to their mother, only leaving to play or feed with the other foals in the herd. 

Somali Wild Asses live in a fission-fusion society, meaning most adults live alone, but sometimes form small herds consisting of females and their young. Stallions can maintain territories as large as nine square miles and frequently leave dung piles as markers to remind them of their territory's boundaries. While females are welcome in their territories, stallions will often fight other males who try to mate with females in their territories. 

However, stallions have been observed allowing males into their territories for grazing, as long as they show no interest in his harem. The Somali Wild Ass is also kept in captivity around the globe, with around 200 individuals living in 34 zoos. The leading zoo for breeding this rare ass is Zoo Basel in Switzerland, which manages the European studbook for the Somali Wild Ass and coordinates the European Endangered Species Program. In France, the Réserve Africaine de Sigean has had a number of Somali Wild Asses since 1987, with births occurring regularly. 

In the United States, only five institutions breed Somali Wild Asses, including the Dallas Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Zoo Miami, and White Oak Conservation in Yulee, Florida. Somali Wild Asses face many threats, including habitat loss and hunting. However, a conservation project in Eritrea counted 47 Somali Wild Asses living in the mountains between the Buri Peninsula and the Dallol Depression. 

Additionally, a protected population of the Somali Wild Ass exists in the Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve in Israel, which was established in 1968 with the view of bolstering populations of endangered desert species. It's important to protect the Somali Wild Ass, not only as an endangered species but also because of its role in the ecosystem. By working together to protect their habitat and raise awareness about their plight, we can help ensure the survival of this magnificent animal for generations to come.

11. Clarke's banana frog

• Scientific name: Afrixalus clarkeorum 

This is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae that's found only in southwestern Ethiopia, near Chira, Jimma, Bonga, and Bodare. The specific name "clarkei" honors Mr. and Mrs. R.O.S Clarke, who are acknowledged for their help and hospitality. 

The common name Clarke's Banana Frog was coined for this species. Adult males of this frog species typically measure 20-23 mm in length, while adult females measure 23-24 mm in snout-vent length. They have a broad head with a short snout, and their dorsal skin ranges from yellow-green to bright green, sometimes rarely olive to dark brown, with some scattered small white flecks and larger dark brown spots.

Males have a yellow gular flap, and they make an advertisement call consisting of an initial creak, followed by a small number of metallic clicks. Clarke's Banana Frog is found in tropical deciduous forests and forest edges, as well as in some moderately modified secondary habitats such as coffee plantations, at elevations of 820-2,030 m above sea level. 

They breed in marshy pools with emergent vegetation. Sadly, this species is threatened by habitat loss caused by selective logging and encroachment of agriculture and human settlements. However, they are present in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve, which provides some protection. It's important to protect Clarke's Banana Frog and other endangered species like it.