Watch Africa's Lost Wolves

Africa's Lost Wolves is a documentary film released in 2016 that explores the mysterious disappearance of the Ethiopian wolf, the rarest canid in the world. The film takes a closer look at the threats posed to these wolves and the efforts being made to rescue them from extinction. The film starts by introducing us to the Ethiopian wolf, a small, elegant, and agile predator that lives only in the high altitude regions of Ethiopia. The film takes us on a journey through the Highlands of Bale Mountains National Park, where the wolves live and hunt their prey. The filmmakers capture stunning footage of these wolves in their natural habitat, and it quickly becomes apparent just how unique and endangered they are.

The Ethiopian wolf is one of the world's rarest carnivores, with a population of fewer than 500 individuals. The film highlights the many threats posed to these wolves, including habitat loss, disease, and hunting. Climate change, in particular, is having an impact on the wolves, as rising temperatures are pushing their prey higher into the mountains, where the wolves have difficulty hunting them.

One of the film's main focuses is the threat posed by domestic dogs, which have been introduced to the Ethiopian highlands by humans. The wolves are particularly susceptible to diseases carried by dogs, and many have been killed by domestic dogs that are allowed to roam free in wolf habitats. The film features interviews with local farmers who have lost their livestock to the wolves and are thus hostile towards them, which exacerbates the problem.

The filmmakers also investigate the international trade in bushmeat, which is the practice of hunting wild animals for food. Bushmeat is a significant threat to the wolves, as it involves the killing of their prey, such as grass rats and giant molerats. Hunting has effectively reduced the population of these prey species, making it more difficult for the wolves to survive.

Despite the many challenges faced by the Ethiopian wolf, the film also highlights the efforts being made to protect and conserve them. The Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP) is a conservation initiative established in 1995, and it has made significant strides in saving these wolves. The film features interviews with members of the EWCP team, who explain the challenges they face in their work and the measures they are taking to protect the wolves.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the use of camera traps, which are specialized cameras that are triggered by motion or heat. The filmmakers use camera traps to capture footage of the wolves interacting with their environment, and this footage is a highlight of the film. The camera traps also offer insights into the lives of the wolves and help conservationists to monitor their populations.

Overall, Africa's Lost Wolves is a documentary that is both informative and visually stunning. The film provides a unique perspective on the conservation of an endangered species and the challenges faced by those working to protect them. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, and it is a testament to the resilience of these incredible animals.