small and isolated populations, the Ethiopian wolf is the rarest canid in the world. Initially considered to be of Afrotropical origin as a specialized derivative of the common jackal (Yalden and Largen, 1992), it is now resolved to be of Palaeartic origins. Genetic work has shown that it is most closely related to the grey wolf (Canis lupus) from which it diverged an estimated 100,000 years ago (Gottelli et al., 1994). Although Ethiopian wolves are solitary hunters, specializing on diurnal rodents, they are social animals, living in packs of up to 13 adults that are dominated by an alpha, breeding pair. All pack members actively help to rear the young despite the uncertainty of paternity that may occur through extra-pack copulations solicited by the alpha female (Sillero-Zubiri and Gottelli 1995a, b; Silera-Zubiri et al., 1996) The walia ibex (Capra walie, CR) is another Palaearctic species, which, despite the presence of other, charismatic flagships in the region and its close relationship with the widespread Nubian ibex (Capra nuibana), has become a symbol for wildlife in Ethiopia – mainly because of the interest of trophy hunters and explorers who arrived first in the Simien Mountains that are their only remaining refuge. Three charismatic Highland mammal species have Afrotropical origins. The first, the mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), was once widespread two to three million years ago, but their numbers have declined because of agricultural expansion and killing and today less than 3,000 individuals remain, the majority of which are found in the Bale Mountains. The giant molerat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus) is found only in the Bale Mountains and forms the main prey of the Ethiopian wolf. These molerats are solitary, but their wide-ranging burrow systems overlap with those of other individuals. Each burrow system has over 90m of tunnels, covering an area of up to 400m². In some areas, they reach staggering densities, with about 6,000 molerats/km² (Sillero-Zubiri et al, 1995)! Unlike the mountain nyala and giant molerats, the majority of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) are found in the northern highlands. Gelada is the Amharic name for this species which occupies a unique environmental niche as the only graminivorous primate species. Like other graminivores, they require a relatively large intake of leaves, stems and rhizomes to fulfil their nutritional requirements and consequently spend long periods of the day grazing. The basic unit of gelada social structure consists of one reproductive male and up to ten reproductive females and their young. These units share a common home range and typically forage together as a ‘band’. In turn, bands often aggregate to form foraging herds that can number as many as 600 individuals, although the composition of these large foraging groups is remarkably flexible. Prince Ruspoli's Turaco stands out as the prominent avian flagship of the Highlands: it is attractive, threatened and associated with a declining habitat. The species is an arboreal frugivore, feeding largely on figs, Podocarpus and Juniperus fruits, and they are usually observed alone or in groups up to 11 individuals. The melodious song of the Abyssinian catbird (Parophasma galinieri) is characteristic of the woodlands throughout much of the Ethiopian
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