Zebras are equids - members of the horse family (Equidae) and are medium sized, odd-toed ungulates. Zebras are native to southern and central Africa. Although zebras are very adaptable animals as far as their habitats are concerned, most zebras live in grasslands and … [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.
Impala
The Impala (Aepyceros melampus) is one of a number of antelopes that live on the African savanna and are found in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Southern Angola to northern South Africa. Impalas are one of the more dominant species of antelope on many african … [Read more...]
Lion
The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera and belongs to the family Felidae, along with tigers, leopards and jaguars. It is native to Africa and India and is the second largest cat in the world, following the tiger.While once found throughout much of … [Read more...]
African Lions
African Lion CharacteristicsThe African Lion has a light tawny coat with white on the abdomen and inside of their legs. The backs of an African lions ears are black in color. The male lions mane ranges in color from tawny to reddish brown to black. The mane gets darker as the … [Read more...]
Meerkat
The Meerkat (suricate Suricata suricatta) is also called a 'Suricate'. The Meerkat is a small member of the mongoose family whose range extends from South West Angola to South Africa. A group of meerkats is called a 'mob', but also referred to as a 'gang' or a 'clan'. Meerkats … [Read more...]
Allen’s Swamp Monkeys
Genus: Allenopithecus - Allen's Swamp MonkeyThe Allen's Swamp Monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis) is a primate species that is categorized in its own genus Allenopithecus in the Old World monkey family. Allen's Swamp Monkey can be found in the Congo basin, in the Republic … [Read more...]
Elephants
The word Elephant in latin (as 'ele' and 'phant') means the 'Huge Arch'. Most elephants live in the grasslands of Africa and in the forests of Asia although elephants can live in nearly any habitat that has adequate quantities of food and water. Elephants live in groups called … [Read more...]
Greater Spot-Nosed Monkeys
Genus: Cercopithecus - Dryas MonkeyThe Dryas Monkey (Cercopithecus dryas), also known as Salonga Monkey or Ntolu, is a little-known species of guenon found only in the Congo Basin, restricted to the left bank of the Congo River.The Dryas Monkey has now been established … [Read more...]
African Elephant
African Elephants The African elephant, (Loxodonta Africana), is also known as the 'African Bush Elephant'. Both the African Bush Elephant and the African Forest Elephant have usually been classified as a single species, known simply as the African Elephant. However, the African … [Read more...]
Fennec Fox
The Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) is a small fox native to the Sahara Desert, the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, and the Arava and Negev deserts in Israel. They are most notable for their very large ears, which are used to both aid their hearing and to help them to control their body … [Read more...]