The Gaboon Viper, known scientifically as Bitis gabonica, is a captivating inhabitant of the African rainforests and savannah. It belongs to the genus Bitis, which is home to a diverse range of 18 different viper species across most of Sub Saharan Africa and the southern coastal … [Read more...]
African Animals
Did you know that Africa is home to some of the most interesting and diverse wildlife in the world?
From lions and elephants to giraffes and zebras, there are plenty of animals to see on a safari in Africa.
But what about the "Big Five?"
The Big Five refers to the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa:
While these are some of the most impressive creatures you'll see on an African safari, there is so much more waiting for you beyond the Big Five.
Other top wild animal sightings in Africa include:
There are also many different types of birds, reptiles, and amphibians to see in Africa.
Endangered Animals In Africa
The African continent is home to some of the most iconic and beautiful animals in the world. Unfortunately, many of these animals are now endangered due to a variety of factors including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade. Some of the most endangered animals in Africa include:
- The African elephant is one of the most iconic animals on the continent and is also one of the most endangered. African elephants are threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the illegal ivory trade.
- The African lion is another big cat that is facing several threats including habitat loss, trophy hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.
- The black rhinoceros is a critically endangered species with an estimated population of just over 5000 animals. Black rhinos are threatened by habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict.
- The mountain gorilla is one of the most endangered primates in the world with an estimated population of fewer than 1000 animals. Mountain gorillas are threatened by habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict.
Many other animals are endangered in Africa including the cheetah, the African wild dog, and the vulturine guineafowl.
It is important to raise awareness about these animals and the threats they face so that we can work together to protect them.
African Birds
The birds of Africa are amongst the most varied, numerous, and colourful of anywhere in the world. The continent is home to over 2,300 documented bird species, of which 67% are endemic to Africa.
Learn more about the Birds of Africa.
Aardwolf: The Shy Night-Time Forager of Africa
The aardwolf is a fascinating creature, often mistaken for a hyena due to its similar appearance. However, this nocturnal mammal has its own unique identity and quirks that set it apart from its larger and more famous cousin. In this article, we delve deep into the world of the … [Read more...]
Red Knot
The Red Knot (Calidris canutus) is a medium-sized shorebird that is found in both the western and eastern parts of North America. It is also known as the robin sandpiper and is a common migrant bird along many coastal areas of the world.There are 6 subspecies, 3 of which are … [Read more...]
Dik Dik
Dik diks are tiny antelopes of dainty appearance that are slightly larger than a hare. Even so, they are not the smallest antelopes in Africa, a distinction that goes to the dwarf royal antelope of West Africa. The other very small antelope in Africa is the suni, somewhat smaller … [Read more...]
Waterbuck
The waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is an antelope of the genus Kobus and the family Bovidae, first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833. It is a large species, between 177 and 235 cm (70 and 93 in) long and a height between 120 and 136 cm (47 and 54 in). There … [Read more...]
Tundra Swan
The tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) is a small swan with two taxa found in the northern hemisphere. These taxa are often considered to be the same species, but are sometimes split into two species: Bewick's swan (Cygnus bewickii) and the whistling swan (C. … [Read more...]
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites belong to the family Kalotermitidae, which includes 21 genera and 419 species of termites. Drywood termites can be found worldwide throughout the tropics. Drywood termites infest dry wood and often establish nests in roof materials and wooden wall supports and … [Read more...]
Slug
Slug, also known as land slug, is a common name used for any terrestrial gastropod mollusk that doesn’t have a shell, has just a small internal shell, or a very reduced shell. Slugs have soft bodies, which is actually just one big muscle in the stomach area that can be used for … [Read more...]
Seagull
Gulls, known colloquially as seagulls, belong to the seabird family Laridae. There are 10 genera of gulls, and they are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae) and only distantly related to auks, skimmers and even more distantly to waders.Gull have a worldwide … [Read more...]
Long Eared Owl
The long eared owl (Asio otus), also known as the northern long-eared owl, the lesser horned owl or cat owl, is a medium-sized species of owl that breeds in many areas through Europe and the Palearctic, as well as in North America. It belongs to the family Strigidae, known as the … [Read more...]