Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
around the park headquarters and the nearby Gaysay Grassland are two of the best places
to see many of the larger mammals.
The Bale Mountains are a hot spot for endemic wildlife and there are more endemic
mammals (including giant molerats and the bamboo-eating Bale monkey) in this spot than
in any other area of equal size in the world. There are also many endemic amphibians.
In the Harenna Forest reside giant forest hogs, black-and-white colobus, leopards, lions
and African hunting dogs. The latter three are rarely seen.
The Bale Mountains' bird list is 280 species strong, but, again, it's the nine Ethiopian-
Eritrean endemics (including the locally endemic Bale parisoma) that set Bale apart. On
the plateau, sightings of the blue-winged goose, wattled ibis, thick-billed raven, black-
headed siskin, spot-breasted plover and Rouget's rail are almost guaranteed. The birdlife
in the juniper forests around the park headquarters is outstanding, too, where Abyssinian
catbirds and Abyssinian longclaw are two top ticks. See
Click here
f
or more on Ethiopia's
endemic birdlife.
THE ETHIOPIAN WOLF
The Ethiopian wolf
(Canis simensis)
is the rarest canid (dog-family member) in the world. Found only in the
Ethiopian highlands, it's teetering on the verge of extinction with only about 500 believed remaining. The Bale
Mountains are home to the largest population, with approximately 350.
In Amharic, the wolf is known as a
key kebero
(red jackal), and indeed it does outwardly resemble one. Living
in family groups of around 13 adults, the wolves are highly territorial and family oriented. When the dominant fe-
male in the pack gives birth to her annual litter of between two and six pups, all members chip in to rear the
young. When it comes to hunting, however, the wolves forage alone, favouring giant molerats and other rodents.
The main threat to the wolves is rabies, caught from the domestic dog population. These days wolves and dogs
are vaccinated. Lack of genetic diversity is also a problem.
Visit the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (
www.ethiopianwolf.org
) to learn more.
Sights & Activities
Dola-Mena Road
There's no need to trek at Bale. Awesome scenery and abundant
wildlife
can be seen
along the highest all-weather road in Africa. It takes you right through the park, up over
SCENIC DRIVE
