Rabies threatens rare Ethiopian wolf

The rare Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), also known as the Abyssinian wolf or Simien jackal, inhabits the Bale mountains of southern Ethiopia, about 10,000 feet above sea level. In 1990, a rabies epidemic reduced the largest population of these animals from 440 individuals to only 160 in under two weeks. Shepherds in the region have brought dogs to round up their sheep. During the breeding season, the more feral dogs come into contact with the wolves and the incidences of rabies go up. Scientists working in the region are now vaccinating the wolves as well as the dogs at a frenetic pace. Any further casualties could deal a death blow to the species. BBC has more