They also have a very good sense of smell and can also detect the scent of blood from about 5km/3 miles away. The springbok is the national animal of South Africa. Their horns can grow over a length of 1 meter with 2 and 1/2 twists. The rugged coastlines of the Cape provide plenty of vantage points for shark spotting and whale watching. Later, tapirs, deer, bears, rabbits, and many others arrived, as did the camel family, which gave rise to vicuñas, guanacos, alpacas, and llamas some 6,000 years ago. There are some most impressive South Africa animals! The Cape Floral Region . Learn about all the amazing animals in South Africa. There are seventeen species of golden mole, a family limited to southern Africa, five species of elephant shrew, many species of shrews, the southern African hedgehog, the aardvark, various hares and the critically endangered riverine rabbit. Christmas Food Around the World | Food Traditions | Christmas Dishes, Alaska Facts | Facts about Alaska | Kids World Travel Guide | USA, My Magic Country | Fantasy Country | Dream World | Competition 2020, ©Kids-World-Travel-Guide.com 2010-2020 | Created by Regina Gräff Zebras are common zebrid animals with black and white strips to confuse the predators. Therefore, these animals and their protection are of paramount importance in South Africa. Penguins at Boulders Beach penguin colony, Get our Expat Guide book with lots of info on South Africa. Watch wild animals in the beautiful African bush LIVE & Unscripted. As everyone’s requirements are different, we’ll tailor-make any safari to … Firstly, there are the ‘ Big Five ’: elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and the rhino. The ethnic groups in South Africa have a variety of origins.Statistics South Africa asks people to describe themselves in the census in terms of five racial population groups. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer. These include meerkat, gemsbok, springbok and bat-eared fox. One of South Africa's most well known people is Nelson Mandela. Not only the animals on land need help from volunteers. Anti-poaching campaigns are conducted regularly to try to raise awareness and minimise the threat to the local rhinos. South America - South America - Animal life: South American animal life is particularly rich and well diversified as a result of the wide range of habitats. Greater kudus are one of the longest-horned antelopes in the world. It has approximately 300 species of mammals and 850 species of birds. Discover African animals you've never heard of, and learn amazing facts about the ones you have! A horn-like structure known as ossicones. Among the typical African bird species that can be seen in South Africa are the ostrich, kingfishers, sunbirds and the crane. Southern Right Whales can be seen along the entire western and southern coastline, where they can be seen from May to December. And if you’re not explicitly looking to see the African animals in their natural environment, a great alternative to a reserve is a sanctuary. A single buffalo can only be brought down by several lions. The water and land animals like wild boar, crocodiles, sloths, and the sea animals like whales, dolphins, and sharks can all be seen in South Africa. This list comprises locally used common names, scientific names with author citation and recorded ranges. South Africa is one of the world's natural gems; a treasure nestled at the southern tip of the abundant African continent. South Africa offers exceptional opportunities to view these animals all across the Western Cape Province from the Garden Route to Cape Town itself. It is one the rarest and Africa’s endangered carnivore. The color ranges from yellow to orange, to light brown, to reddish brown. The Cape Cobra is one of the most deadly snakes in the world! It is a large bovine with a shoulder height ranging from 3.3-5.6 feet. These are the most popular sea animals of Southern Africa and ticking all five off your list is a must-do for any holiday to this beautiful country. The country is also home to some of the lesser known animals like the tsessebe and suni. The giraffe is the world's tallest terrestrial animal. He was its president from 1994 until 1999. South Africa animals: There are eight species of whales in South African waters. Toggle Navigation Main Menu. There are several shark species swimming in South African waters. SOUTH AFRICAN TOURS; GARDEN ROUTE TOURS; CAPE TOWN TOUR PACKAGES; CAPE TOWN DAY TOURS; JOHANNESBURG DAY TOURS; DURBAN DAY TOURS; PORT ELIZABETH DAY TOURS; PAYMENTS / T&Cs ; TOP SAFARIS. Some females have a reddish coat. Share Share Tweet Email Comment. There are game reserves scattered all over the country. Smaller mammals such as monkeys and rodents were among the first to migrate to South America. Cheetahs can be as long as 28-35 inches at the shoulder and can weigh 46-156 pounds. One egg can be feed up to 19 people at a time! There are so many wonderful to see, but where to start? Lions are only encountered in enclosures or private game reserves as well as some national parks. Don’t forget, that even if a South African safari is advertised as a Big 5, the chances of seeing all five species (lions, elephants, leopards, water buffalos, and black rhinos) are pretty slim. They are listed as vulnerable, and according to African Wildlife Foundation, each year 8 percent of the population is poached for their ivory tusks, and now only approximately 415,000 elephants remain.. The big lumbering giants are grazers and spend most of their time munching away on grass. They have a flat skull. In the last 25 years, 25, 000 hectares of land has been rehabilitated and remaining wild animal species increased in numbers while species extinct … In the depths of the waters there is plenty of marine life. When you visit South Africa, you don’t necessarily need to go on a safari in Kruger Park to encounter the South African wildlife.. They cannot see well, but smell their prey. The famous Big Five refers to five of Africa's greatest wild animals - the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo. Click on the pictures to discover more about each species. Despite its wide range, leopards are amongst the most difficult of all safari animals to see, as they are both nocturnal and exceptionally wary of humans. … Unlike other species of wild buffalo, the African buffalo has never been successfully tamed, thanks to … The bushveld and savanna regions of South Africa are homes to large numbers of wildlife. All the big cats are found and lion, in particular, are frequently seen in the south of the park. Struik, 1997. Its distinguishing feature is the extremely long neck and legs and the distinctive coat patterns. Predators Many animals, especially predators like the small spotted genet and even antelope such as bushbuck and grey duiker, are active mainly at night...more. The Dung beetle. Therefore, these animals and their protection are of paramount importance in South Africa. And don’t forget to leave a comment to share what African animal is your favourite. Boulders Beach in Cape Town is home to a protected colony of African penguins. South Africa is the custodian of more than 80% of the entire world’s population of rhinos. The list includes, but is not limited to: the Cape vulture, African wild dog, three sets of crane, riverine rabbit , the Cape parrot , Knysna seahorse, De Winton’s golden mole, the rare tsessebe , the oribi , and suni (Livingstone’s antelope). Lions hunt in groups with its prey consisting mainly of mammals. These animals, and more, you can spot at the Kruger National Park. Elands are tremendous animals as they’re able to handle a wide range of habitats that covers most of Southern and East Africa. A group consists of 15-30 members with the females hunting for food and the males protecting the pride. South Africa animals: The pygmy shrew is the worldâs smallest mammal. Although the black and white rhino can hardly be distinguished by their skin colour, it's quite easy to recognise the rhinoceros species. Africa is the world’s second largest continent (Asia is the largest). It has been listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to the substantial decline in its range. Despite the wide range, the antelopes are sparsely populated in some of the areas due to habitat loss and poaching. African elephants can be found scattered across sub-Saharan Africa. There are several animal species that are among the worldâs tallest, fastest or even tiniest animals such as the majestic giraffe, the speedy cheetah or the tiny pygmy shrew. Here are 12 awesome animals you have to see on your South African vacation. The things animals in South Africa eat will depend on the animal and on what is available to it. South Africa’s coastline stretches for more than 1,500 miles and includes trendy hotspots and vast unspoilt beaches. The African elephant is the world’s largest land animal, weighing 6 tons and ranging from 19 to 24 feet, World Wildlife Fund reports. Images of a Great African Park. He died in 2013 at the age of 95. Ostriches have big eyes, but a very small brain! Cape buffalo’s main predator is the lion. Over 850 species of birds live in South Africa, some can only be found here. Here is a very brief list of characteristics and introduction of grassland animals. They hunt at night but during the day, they usually hide on or under trees. 2. In South Africa, elephants can be found in several of the protected areas including Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, and Knysna Elephant Park where visitors are allowed to take pictures with them. They can jump up to 2 metres or 6.5 feet high. There are two types of African rhinos, the white rhino and black rhino. The elusive African leopard is a subspecies of leopard found only in sub-Saharan Africa. Crocodiles are found in South Africa as well, mostly in the eastern and northern provinces. The macaque has a black, hairless face and a silver-white mane that drops down from the cheeks to the chin. The term ‘Big Five’ is used to describe the power and strength of the animals. Two of the species listed for South Africa are considered to be extinct. African animals list with pictures and facts. These big cats live in prides that are led by a male lion. The Blue Crane is the South African national bird. A mature buffalo weighs 1,100-2,200 pounds. Cheetahs are mainly active during the day with hunting as the main activity. List of African Animals: Introduction. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com. The Ads Free Africam Premium subscription is $6.99 per month (which includes $2.00 going directly to feeding our communities during COVID) amongst a host of additional features. They are also found in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kruger National Park hosts some of the known mammals like elephants, buffalos, rhinos, and cats. From big cats to charismatic penguins, majestic elephants and speedy cheetahs, South Africa is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Their eggs are huge and weigh up to 1.9kg/4 pounds! African animals list with pictures and facts. The puff adder averages 39.3 inches in length and weighs over 13.2 pounds. Baboons are cheeky monkeys that can often be seen along the roadside in South Africa. South Africa’s bushveld and savannah regions are still home to large numbers of the mammals universally associated with Africa. The term âBig Fiveâ is used to describe the power and strength of the animals. Images of a Great African Park. The tail of the macaque has a black tuft at the end which resembles the tail of the lion, hence the name lion-tailed macaque. The head is small and rounded and the legs are also small. Although they are terrestrial, they can swim as well. This is a list of fishes recorded from the oceans bordering South Africa. Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch! Map of the Southern African coastline showing some of the landmarks referred to in species range statements. Larger African bush elephant species cannot spread into these areas, as their large size makes it difficult to travel through dense forest. The following is a list of the smallest animals of South Africa – “Little Five”: 1. The bush elephants are found throughout central, eastern, and southern Africa. The bushveld and savanna regions of South Africa are homes to large numbers of wildlife. From the Big Five to the charismatic penguins, South Africa is home to a variety of wildlife. The tsessebe is a subspecies of Africa antelope and closely related to topi. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of the jewels of South Africa's coastline, with a unique mosaic of ecosystems - swamps, lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands - supporting an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life. Those living underwater also need your help. These huge animals can be spotted near waterholes in many South African national parks. The Southern African lions are the largest of the lion species. The males have prominent manes that grow around the neck, shoulder, and covers part of the head. Apart from South Africa, tsessebe is also found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Swaziland. Penguins, you know, those animals that live in the ice and snow, those animals that live in the cold. For example, some birds that live in the wetlands of New South Wales include grebes, pelicans, cormorants, crakes, rails, ibis, egrets, herons, shorebirds, ducks, geese and swans. The snake is responsible for most of the snake-bite deaths in Africa owing to its wide distribution and the aggressiveness. Christmas food traditions around the world. The term was coined last century as these five animals were the most difficult to be hunted on foot. Did you know that the South African rugby team is called "The Springboks"? Several animal species are endangered such as the African wild dogs, the oribi or the rhino which is hunted for its horn. Read some excellent examples here. The puff adder is a venomous viper species common throughout Africa except in the Sahara Desert and rainforest region. There are some most impressive South Africa animals! The capybara is the largest rodent in the world. The malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve is the Southern-most, big game, private reserve in Africa and stretches along the Bushman’s river (halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown) and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. But there are also plenty of other animals living in Africa ranging from small mammals to large mammals as well as reptiles, vertebrates and various kinds of birds and insects. Read more about the South African national symbols here. It has a black or brown coat. In St Lucia, a small town in the iSimangeliso wetlands, you can encounter hippos at night when they roam the streets in search for water or food. Rhinos are large, stocky animals commonly known for their short legs and two horns on their muzzle with the longer horn sitting at the front of the nose. Though most of them are harmless, look at the pinchers and tail to determine if a scorpion is venomous. The tsessebe can live up to a maximum of 15 years and mainly graze on grassland and open plains. I would have liked to have spent longer there and intend to return before too long. African Elephant Facts: Animals of Africa, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions, Southwest African Lion Facts: Animals of Africa. What will I do as a Marine Life Volunteer in South Africa? It has a slender body and a deep chest with the body covered by a spotted coat. The white rhinos have a broad lip and are called friendly, as they are not as aggressive as the black rhinos, which have a small lip and look more threatening. The cute green and orange striped Cape Dwarf Chameleons are home in many gardens around Cape Town. The male weighs 137 kg while the female weighs 120 kg. Many of these beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status, meaning they adhere to international safety, cleanliness and environmental standards. Among the animals in South Africa, this is one of the species that’s native to the Western Cape, the region around Cape Town. The easiest place to these animals would be in either Kruger National Park or in Mkhaya Game Reserve in Swaziland. 16 Jul 2017. Conservation efforts in South Africa have been successful in growing populations of the mountain zebra and bontebok, an antelope species that only exists in South Africa. If you’re interested in becoming an animal volunteer in South Africa, you’ve come to the right place! South Africa is a land abundant in the weird and wonderful, beautiful and a little strange at times. Watch wild animals in the beautiful African bush LIVE & Unscripted. Great white sharks are not the largest shark species in the world but certainly impressive! It has approximately 300 species of mammals and 850 species of birds. Read more about the South African national symbols here. The largest of the bird species are flightless, but grow up to 2.7 m/8.8 ft tall. The town of Oudtshoorn in south-western South Africa is known as the 'ostrich capital of the world'! Africa is home to some of the most well known, loved and feared animals in the world!There are so many wonderful to see, but where to start? Watch them jump here. Hippopotamuses (also known as hippos) are the most dangerous mammals. The big five animals are present in a number of national parks in South Africa, and if you’re an old safari hand Africa’s little five can also be found here. Wild animals in South Africa are under threat, as they are everywhere in the world, of losing habitat, or being hunted to the verge of extinction. South Africa’s wildlife and sea life is exotic in every way. 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Protection Act no things animals in South African waters bull is an amazing that... Lions hunt in groups of 10 to 12 animals are conducted regularly to to. Of sugar 'Big Five ' are shown on the coat of arm of Namibia where its population! A tip you can ’ t find in any guidebook our selection of top safari which... Plenty of vantage points for shark spotting and whale watching the rump to topi areas. Their prey colour, it ’ s main predator is the world the length... When searching for prey mouse is only 8 cm/3 inches long and weighs over 13.2 pounds and 12 eggs clutch.
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