African Animals: List of African Animals with Fun Facts & Pictures
Africa boasts an array of fascinating animal species, captivating the hearts of people worldwide. These creatures serve as the main focus of numerous nature documentaries, popular exhibits in zoos, and a plethora of safari experiences, providing glimpses of their natural behavior in the wild.
With an impressive diversity of wildlife, the continent is home to over 1000 mammal species, approximately 2300 bird species, 1600 reptile species, and a myriad of amphibians. The image of majestic animals traversing the African plains beneath the scorching sun is often the first thing that comes to mind when envisioning the continent. Delving deeper into Africa’s rich wildlife reveals a world of enchanting discoveries and captivating knowledge.
Exploring African Wildlife
Defining African Animals
African animals encompass a diverse range of species unique to Africa or its various regions. While Tanzania boasts the largest wildlife scene among African countries, biologists and researchers continually traverse the continent in search of new discoveries.
Understanding the Wildlife
While some African animals are harmless, many others are formidable predators. Conducting close-up research on these animals can be a risky undertaking. The conservation of many species is a pressing concern, with numerous African animals facing the threat of extinction. Conservation centers and zoos actively work to protect and preserve vulnerable species, including rhinos and gorillas.
Varieties of African Animals
Some fundamental categories of African animals include lions and other wildcats, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, wild dogs, zebras, primates, a diverse array of birds, snakes, crocodiles, sea creatures, unique spiders and insects, and more. Each of these broad categories encompasses various species. Let’s delve into specific African animals deserving of recognition!
List of African Animals
- African Bush Elephants
- Katanga Lions
- Cheetahs
- Servals
- Angolan Giraffes
- Mountain Zebras
- Spotted Hyenas
- Black Rhinoceroses
- Chimpanzees
- Baboons
- Storks
- African Penguins
- Bush Vipers
- Egyptian Cobras
- Nile Crocodiles
- Six-Eyed Sand Spiders
- Scorpions
Fascinating Trivia About African Animals
Elephants
- African elephants can live up to 70 years in the wild, with a shorter life expectancy in captivity.
- Despite their appearance, elephants are mammals, and their sparse hair helps regulate their body temperature in hot climates.
- An adult elephant’s heart can weigh up to 46 pounds, beating at a steady 30 beats per minute, much slower than the human heart’s 60-100 beats per minute.
- With a brain weighing around 12 pounds, elephants display impressive cognitive abilities similar to those of intelligent animals such as chimpanzees or dolphins. They are highly emotional and social creatures, although their use for entertainment purposes has been a subject of controversy.
Lions
- Lions have a hunting success rate of approximately 30%, as they often pursue prey like antelopes that can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
- A lion’s social circle is referred to as a “pride,” which can comprise dozens of members. Females typically remain in their original prides, while males may establish their own. Prides work together to secure food and protect their young, fiercely defending their territory against intruders.
- Lions are known to hunt giraffes, but it usually requires multiple lions working in unison to take down such sizable prey.
Giraffes
- As the tallest animals on Earth, giraffes can grow up to 20 feet tall, with their necks accounting for a significant portion of their height.
- In addition to their long legs and necks, giraffes possess 20-inch-long tongues, perfect for grasping leaves from trees, and remarkably resilient against thorns.
- Giraffes tend to have longer lifespans in captivity, living up to 35-40 years, compared to their life expectancy in the wild.
Rhinoceroses
- The critically endangered Northern White Rhino subspecies is represented by only two remaining individuals, currently residing in a Kenyan conservation center.
- Despite the existence of various rhino species, all rhinos are predominantly grey. The “white” rhino’s name originated from the Afrikaans term “wyd,” meaning “wide,” later adapted to “white” in English.
- Rhinos can sprint at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, using their impressive agility to escape potential threats despite their substantial size.
