Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth. Over 1,100 mammal species thrive here. Evolutionary pressures shaped these animals into some of the most diverse on the planet. Scientific studies link Africa’s unique biodiversity to constant shifts in temperature, rainfall, and terrain.

1. African Lion

Lions are Africa’s biggest of cats, sitting at the top of the food chain. They live in family groups called prides, typically led by one or two males. Females coordinate hunts, primarily at night. Their roar carries over long distances.

Lion Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Panthera leo
• Common Name: African Lion
• Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 m) at the shoulder, body length 4.5-6.5 feet (1.4-2 m)
• Weight: 265-420 pounds (120-190 kg) for males; slightly less for females
• Lifespan: 10-14 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, often preying on buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest
• Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and some woodland areas across sub-Saharan Africa
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

2. African Elephant

The world’s largest land mammal is also one of the strongest animals. An adult elephant consumes about 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of food in one day. They move in matriarchal herds and communicate using low-frequency rumbles.

Elephant Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana
• Common Name: African Elephant
• Size: Up to 13 feet (4 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 4,000-7,000 kg (8,800-15,400 lb)
• Lifespan: 60-70 years
• Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses and browsing on leaves and bark
• Habitat: Savannas, forests, and wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

3. Giraffe

Giraffes are the tallest mammals on earth, thanks to their impressively long necks. They have excellent eyesight and can spot predators from a distance. Giraffes walk in a graceful, slow gait but can sprint when needed.

Giraffe Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Giraffa camelopardalis
• Common Name: Giraffe
• Size: Up to 18 feet (5.5 m) tall
• Weight: 1,800-2,600 pounds (820-1,180 kg)
• Lifespan: 20-25 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, browsing on leaves, shoots, and buds high off the ground
• Habitat: Savannas and open woodlands
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

4. African Leopard

Stealthy and solitary, leopards are powerful big cats. They drag their kills into trees to guard them from scavengers. They usually hunt at night but can be spotted dozing on high branches by day.

Leopard Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Panthera pardus pardus
• Common Name: African Leopard
• Size: Up to 2 feet (0.6 m) at the shoulder, body length 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
• Weight: 65-200 pounds (30-90 kg)
• Lifespan: 12-17 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, feeding on antelopes, rodents, birds, and even fish
• Habitat: Savannas, forests, and mountains across sub-Saharan Africa
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

5. Rhinoceros

Rhinos have thick, armor-like skin and an intimidating horn or horns. They often graze or browse near water sources. Poaching pressure threatens both black and white rhino populations.

Rhinoceros Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Various (Black Rhino: Diceros bicornis, White Rhino: Ceratotherium simum)
• Common Name: Rhinoceros
• Size: Shoulder height 4.5-6 feet (1.4-1.8 m)
• Weight: 1,800-3,000+ pounds (800-1,400+ kg)
• Lifespan: 35-50 years
• Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses or browsing shrubs
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, and shrublands
• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (black rhino); Near Threatened (white rhino)

6. Cheetah

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, accelerating in short bursts to take down prey. They prefer open areas where their speed is an advantage. They often rest on termite mounds to scan for threats.

Cheetah Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus
• Common Name: Cheetah
• Size: Approximately 2.5-3 feet (0.76-0.91 m) tall at the shoulder
• Weight: 75-150 pounds (34-68 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-12 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, focusing on small to medium antelopes
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, scrub forests
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

7. Hippopotamus

Hippos spend most daylight hours in water to stay cool. At night, they graze on land. Despite their round frame, they can run quickly. Hippos are extremely territorial in the water and quite dangerous to humans.

Hippopotamus Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius
• Common Name: Hippopotamus
• Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall at the shoulder
• Weight: 2,800-4,400 pounds (1,270-2,000 kg)
• Lifespan: 40-50 years
• Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses at night
• Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and wetlands
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

8. Zebra

Zebras have black-and-white stripes unique to each animal. They roam savannas in herds and often mix with wildebeests and antelopes. Their powerful kicks help fight off predators.

Zebra Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Equus quagga (plains zebra), among others
• Common Name: Zebra
• Size: 3.5-5 feet (1.1-1.5 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 500-850 pounds (225-385 kg)
• Lifespan: 20-25 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, woodlands
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened (some subspecies)

9. Spotted Hyena

Spotted hyenas are skilled hunters and scavengers. They live in female-led clans with complex social structures. Their “laugh” is an eerie call used in fights or excitement.

Hyena Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Crocuta crocuta
• Common Name: Spotted Hyena
• Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 90-190 pounds (40-86 kg)
• Lifespan: 12-20 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, hunting wildebeest, antelope, and scavenging
• Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

10. Cape Buffalo

Cape buffaloes move in large herds and graze most of the day. Males have thick, fused bases on their horns called a “boss.” They can be unpredictable and dangerous when threatened.

Buffalo Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Syncerus caffer
• Common Name: Cape Buffalo
• Size: Up to 5.6 feet (1.7 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 1,100-2,000 pounds (500-900 kg)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, primarily grasses
• Habitat: Savannas, floodplains, woodlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

11. Wildebeest

Wildebeests gather in immense herds. They migrate seasonally seeking fresh pastures. Their mass movements define one of nature’s greatest spectacles in East Africa, called the Great Migration.

Wildebeest Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus
• Common Name: Blue Wildebeest
• Size: 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 330-550 pounds (150-250 kg)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, grazing on short grasses
• Habitat: Open grasslands and savannas
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

12. African Wild Dog

African wild dogs, also called painted wolves, live in close-knit packs. They communicate through a series of chirps and have strong social bonds. They are very effective hunters, often chasing and catching prey over long distances.

Wild Dog Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Lycaon pictus
• Common Name: African Wild Dog, Painted Wolf
• Size: 2.5-3.5 feet (0.76-1.07 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 40-80 pounds (18-36 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-12 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, hunting antelope and other medium prey
• Habitat: Savannas, open woodlands, and grasslands
• Conservation Status: Endangered

13. Mountain Gorilla

Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude forests. They live in troops led by a dominant silverback male. Their close genetic link to humans is around 98%.

Gorilla Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei
• Common Name: Mountain Gorilla
• Size: Up to 5.5 feet (1.7 m) standing height
• Weight: 300-430 pounds (135-195 kg) for males
• Lifespan: 35-40 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, eating leaves, shoots, and fruit
• Habitat: Dense mountain forests
• Conservation Status: Endangered

14. Ostrich

Ostriches are the largest living birds. They cannot fly but sprint at speeds up to 45 mph. They have the largest eggs of any bird species, comparable to about a dozen chicken eggs.

Ostrich Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Struthio camelus
• Common Name: Ostrich
• Size: Up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall
• Weight: 200-320 pounds (90-145 kg)
• Lifespan: 30-40 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, mainly seeds, leaves, and small critters
• Habitat: Savannas and arid zones
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

15. Flamingo

Flamingos gather in flocks that can include thousands of birds, painting the shoreline pink. Their signature hue comes from pigments in algae and crustaceans. They filter-feed in shallow lakes.

Flamingo Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Phoenicopterus (genus)
• Common Name: Flamingo
• Size: 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall
• Weight: 4.4-9 pounds (2-4 kg)
• Lifespan: 20-30 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, sifting small invertebrates and algae
• Habitat: Shallow lakes, lagoons, salt pans
• Conservation Status: Varies by species

Meerkats stand on hind legs, scanning for threats while the rest forage. They live in cooperative mobs, raising pups together. They feast on insects, grubs, and small reptiles.

Meerkat Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Suricata suricatta
• Common Name: Meerkat
• Size: 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) body length
• Weight: 1.5-2 pounds (0.7-0.9 kg)
• Lifespan: 6-8 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, mainly insects
• Habitat: Arid regions, savannas, and open scrub
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

17. Warthog

Warthogs have tusks and wart-like bumps on their faces. They kneel down when grazing on short grasses and roots. They often shelter in burrows abandoned by aardvarks.

Warthog Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Phacochoerus africanus
• Common Name: Warthog
• Size: 25-33 inches (64-85 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 120-250 pounds (54-113 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, mostly grasses, roots, and fruits
• Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

18. Nile Crocodile

Crocodiles lurk near riverbanks, ambushing prey with lightning-fast snaps of their jaws. They sunbathe on sandy banks, warming their bodies. Their ancestors have existed for millions of years.

Crocodile Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Crocodylus niloticus
• Common Name: Nile Crocodile
• Size: 10-16 feet (3-5 m) in length
• Weight: Up to 1,650 pounds (750 kg) or more
• Lifespan: 50+ years
• Diet: Carnivore, feeding on fish, antelopes, and more
• Habitat: Rivers, lakes, marshes
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

19. Impala

Impalas are slender, reddish-brown antelopes. Males have lyre-shaped horns. They leap up to 10 feet high when startled, often to confuse predators.

Impala Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus
• Common Name: Impala
• Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 88-170 pounds (40-77 kg)
• Lifespan: Around 12 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses and browsing shrubs
• Habitat: Wooded savannas and grasslands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

20. Kudu

Kudus have striped coats and long spiral horns (in males). They browse on leaves and fruit in thickets. They produce loud barks when alarmed.

Kudu Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Tragelaphus strepsiceros (Greater Kudu)
• Common Name: Greater Kudu
• Size: Shoulder height up to 5 feet (1.5 m)
• Weight: 400-600 pounds (180-270 kg) for males
• Lifespan: 7-8 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, browsing on shrubs and leaves
• Habitat: Woodland, savanna, and rocky hills
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

21. Gazelle

Gazelles are swift and elegant. Thomson’s gazelle and Grant’s gazelle are well-known in East Africa. They rely on speed and agility to evade predators, often pronking (jumping) when startled.

Gazelle Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Eudorcas thomsonii (Thomson’s), Nanger granti (Grant’s)
• Common Name: Gazelle
• Size: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 25-75 pounds (11-34 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Diet: Herbivore, feeding on grasses, shoots, and leaves
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, and semi-arid regions
• Conservation Status: Varies by species

22. Eland

Elands are among the largest African antelopes. Both males and females have twisted horns. They form herds and can jump fences despite their size.

Eland Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Taurotragus oryx (Common Eland)
• Common Name: Eland
• Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 1,000-2,000 pounds (450-900 kg)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Diet: Herbivore, browsing leaves, fruits, and grasses
• Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and woodlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

23. Gemsbok (Oryx)

Gemsboks have long, straight horns and distinctive facial markings. They survive in arid zones, gaining moisture from food plants. They can handle extreme heat.

Gemsbok Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Oryx gazella
• Common Name: Gemsbok or Oryx
• Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 450-530 pounds (200-240 kg)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses and digging for roots
• Habitat: Deserts, scrublands, and dry savannas
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

24. Vervet Monkey

Vervets have gray fur, black faces, and long tails. They live in troops with strict hierarchies. Their alarm calls often warn other species of predators.

Vervet Monkey Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Chlorocebus pygerythrus
• Common Name: Vervet Monkey
• Size: Around 15-24 inches (38-60 cm) body length
• Weight: 7-17 pounds (3-7.5 kg)
• Lifespan: 12-24 years
• Diet: Omnivore, eating fruits, leaves, and insects
• Habitat: Savannas, woodlands, forest edges
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

25. Civet

African civets have distinctive black-and-white markings. They are mainly nocturnal, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Their musk glands produce a strong scent used in perfumery.

Civet Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Civettictis civetta
• Common Name: African Civet
• Size: 17-33 inches (43-84 cm) in body length
• Weight: 15-44 pounds (7-20 kg)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years in captivity, fewer in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, including fruit, insects, small animals
• Habitat: Forests, savannas, and wetlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

26. African Fish Eagle

The African fish eagle’s call is often called “the voice of Africa.” It perches near water and dives to snatch fish. Its distinctive white head makes it easy to spot.

Fish Eagle Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Haliaeetus vocifer
• Common Name: African Fish Eagle
• Size: Wingspan up to 8 feet (2.4 m)
• Weight: 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg)
• Lifespan: 12-24 years
• Diet: Carnivore, primarily fish
• Habitat: Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

27. Honey Badger

Honey badgers are fearless mustelids with a reputation for toughness. They raid beehives and eat venomous snakes. Their loose skin and strong claws help them escape predators or fight back fiercely.

Honey Badger Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Mellivora capensis
• Common Name: Honey Badger or Ratel
• Size: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 13-30 pounds (6-14 kg)
• Lifespan: About 7-8 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, focusing on honey, rodents, reptiles
• Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and forests
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

28. Serval

Servals have tall ears and can leap high to grab birds. Their spotted coat camouflages them in tall grass. The serval has the longest legs of any cat relative to its body size

Serval Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Leptailurus serval
• Common Name: Serval
• Size: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-12 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, mainly rodents, birds, and small reptiles
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, marshlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

29. Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are considered the most intelligent animal behind humans. They use tools and live in social groups with complex hierarchies. They display a wide array of emotions and vocal calls.

Chimpanzee Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Pan troglodytes
• Common Name: Chimpanzee
• Size: 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall when upright
• Weight: 70-130 pounds (32-60 kg)
• Lifespan: 40-50 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, including fruit, insects, and small mammals
• Habitat: Tropical forests and woodlands
• Conservation Status: Endangered

30. Jackal

Jackals are opportunistic canines with pointed snouts. They scavenge from carcasses and also hunt small prey. Their howling calls can echo through the night.

Jackal Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Canis mesomelas (black-backed), among others
• Common Name: Jackal
• Size: 15-20 inches (38-50 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
• Lifespan: 8-10 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, hunting rodents, birds, and scavenging
• Habitat: Savannas, deserts, and bushland
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

31. Porcupine

Porcupines boast quills that deter predators. They stomp their feet and rattle quills when threatened. They eat roots, bark, and tubers, often at night.

Porcupine Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Hystrix africaeaustralis (Cape Porcupine), among others
• Common Name: Porcupine
• Size: Body length 2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
• Weight: 20-60 pounds (9-27 kg)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Diet: Herbivore, feeding on roots, bark, bulbs
• Habitat: Rocky outcrops, forests, and savannas
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

32. Pangolin

Pangolins are covered in keratin scales. They roll into a ball when threatened. They feed on ants and termites using a long, sticky tongue. They are heavily trafficked for illegal trade.

Pangolin Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Various (e.g., Manis temminckii for ground pangolin)
• Common Name: Pangolin
• Size: 12-39 inches (30-100 cm) body length depending on species
• Weight: 3.5-73 pounds (1.6-33 kg), species-dependent
• Lifespan: Up to 20 years in captivity, less in the wild
• Diet: Insectivore, eating ants and termites
• Habitat: Woodlands, savannas, and bush habitats
• Conservation Status: Ranges from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered

33. Shoebill

Shoebills have a prehistoric look with a massive, shoe-shaped bill. They stand motionless for long periods waiting for fish or reptiles. They inhabit marshes and swamps in parts of East Africa.

Shoebill Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Balaeniceps rex
• Common Name: Shoebill
• Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall
• Weight: 11-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
• Lifespan: 35 years or more in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, eating fish, amphibians, and baby crocodiles
• Habitat: Freshwater swamps and wetlands
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

34. Baboon

Baboons live in large troops often led by dominant males. They are opportunistic feeders, eating seeds, fruit, insects, and sometimes small vertebrates. They have strong social bonding, especially among females.

Baboon Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Papio (genus)
• Common Name: Baboon
• Size: 20-45 inches (50-115 cm) body length depending on species
• Weight: 30-90 pounds (14-40 kg)
• Lifespan: 20-30 years
• Diet: Omnivore, diverse range of plants and animals
• Habitat: Savannas, woodlands, and rocky regions
• Conservation Status: Varies by species

35. Caracal

Caracals arethe largest of Africa’s small cats. These agile cats hunt at night, favoring smaller mammals and birds. They can thrive in dry habitats.

Caracal Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Caracal caracal
• Common Name: Caracal
• Size: 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-12 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, preying on rodents, hares, birds
• Habitat: Dry savannas, woodlands, scrublands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

36. Buffalo Weaver

Buffalo weavers build large communal nests of thorny twigs. Colonies can contain dozens of individuals. They forage on seeds, insects, and nectar.

Buffalo Weaver Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Bubalornis and Dinemellia (genera)
• Common Name: Buffalo Weaver
• Size: 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length
• Weight: 1.5-2.5 ounces (40-70 g)
• Lifespan: Typically 5-8 years
• Diet: Omnivore, eating insects, seeds, and fruit
• Habitat: Savannas, acacia woodlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

37. Aardvark

Aardvarks are nocturnal mammals with pig-like snouts. They dig into termite mounds, lapping up insects with a sticky tongue. Their burrows provide shelter for other animals.

Aardvark Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Orycteropus afer
• Common Name: Aardvark
• Size: Around 2 feet (0.6 m) at the shoulder, body length up to 4 feet (1.2 m)
• Weight: 100-180 pounds (45-82 kg)
• Lifespan: About 10 years in the wild
• Diet: Insectivore, mainly ants and termites
• Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and bushland
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

38. Monitor Lizard

Monitor lizards are large reptiles with forked tongues. They eat everything from fish to small mammals. They bask in the sun to regulate body temperature, often near water.

Monitor Lizard Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Varanus niloticus (Nile monitor), among others
• Common Name: Monitor Lizard
• Size: 3-7 feet (0.9-2.1 m) in length depending on species
• Weight: Up to 20 pounds (9 kg) or more
• Lifespan: 8-15 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, eating fish, small animals, eggs
• Habitat: Rivers, wetlands, savannas
• Conservation Status: Not globally threatened (varies by species)

39. Bushbaby (Galago)

Bushbabies have large, round eyes and strong back legs for leaping. They are mostly nocturnal, feeding on insects, fruits, and tree sap. Their calls can sound like crying babies.

Bushbaby Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Galago and Otolemur (genera)
• Common Name: Bushbaby or Galago
• Size: 5-12 inches (13-30 cm) body length
• Weight: 3-10 ounces (85-300 g) depending on species
• Lifespan: 5-15 years
• Diet: Omnivore, including fruit, insects, gum
• Habitat: Woodlands, savannas, and forest edges
• Conservation Status: Varies by species

40. Dik-Dik

Dik-diks are tiny antelopes weighing under 15 pounds. They live in monogamous pairs. They use a specialized snout to help regulate heat in hot environments.

Dik-Dik Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Madoqua (genus)
• Common Name: Dik-Dik
• Size: 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 6-15 pounds (3-7 kg)
• Lifespan: 5-10 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, browsing on leaves, shoots, fruit
• Habitat: Thickets and scrublands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

41. Gerenuk (Giraffe Gazelle)

Gerenuks stand on hind legs to browse leaves beyond the reach of other antelopes. They have a long neck and slender body. They can go long periods without direct water intake.

Gerenuk Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Litocranius walleri
• Common Name: Gerenuk or Giraffe Gazelle
• Size: 31-41 inches (80-105 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 65-115 pounds (30-52 kg)
• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Diet: Herbivore, browsing on shrubs and trees
• Habitat: Dry bushlands and scrub
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened

42. Genet

Genets are spotted, cat-like carnivores with long tails. They hunt small prey at night and climb well. They often dwell near woodlands or rocky habitats.

Genet Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Genetta (genus)
• Common Name: Genet
• Size: Body length 17-24 inches (43-61 cm)
• Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-2.7 kg)
• Lifespan: 8-10 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, focusing on rodents, birds, insects
• Habitat: Woodlands, savannas, rocky areas
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

43. Secretary Bird

Secretary birds are tall raptors that stomp on snakes. Their crest of feathers resembles old-fashioned quills. They nest in trees but spend most time walking savannas.

Secretary Bird Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Sagittarius serpentarius
• Common Name: Secretary Bird
• Size: 4 feet (1.2 m) tall with a wingspan of around 7 feet (2.1 m)
• Weight: 5-9 pounds (2.3-4 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, eating snakes, rodents, insects
• Habitat: Open grasslands and savannas
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

44. Aardwolf

Aardwolves are one of four hyena species. They feed almost entirely on termites, using a sticky tongue to lap them up. They are strictly nocturnal foragers.

Aardwolf Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Proteles cristatus
• Common Name: Aardwolf
• Size: 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg)
• Lifespan: 8-10 years in the wild
• Diet: Insectivore, focusing on termites
• Habitat: Dry savannas, grasslands, and open scrub
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

45. Bat-Eared Fox

Bat-eared foxes have huge ears that pick up insect activity underground. They forage in family groups. They often eat termites and beetles, but also some fruits.

Bat-Eared Fox Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Otocyon megalotis
• Common Name: Bat-Eared Fox
• Size: 18-26 inches (46-66 cm) in body length
• Weight: 7-12 pounds (3-5.4 kg)
• Lifespan: Up to 13 years in the wild
• Diet: Omnivore, primarily insects
• Habitat: Open grasslands and savannas
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

46. Hyrax

Rock hyraxes often cluster on boulders sunning themselves. Though rodent-like, they share distant ancestry with elephants. Tree hyraxes live in forests and are more elusive.

Hyrax Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Procavia capensis (Rock Hyrax), among others
• Common Name: Hyrax or Dassie
• Size: 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) in body length
• Weight: 4-12 pounds (2-5.4 kg)
• Lifespan: 8-12 years in the wild
• Diet: Herbivore, browsing on grasses and leaves
• Habitat: Rocky outcrops, cliffs, or trees (for tree hyrax)
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

47. Termites

Termites live in towering structures made from soil, saliva, and dung. Colonies number in the millions. They shape soil composition and offer homes to other creatures.

Termite Mound Quick Facts
• Builder: Termites (various species)
• Common Name: Termite Mound
• Height: Often 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m), can reach 30 feet (9 m)
• Function: Regulate internal temperature, shelter colony
• Role: Aerate soil, recycle nutrients
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, woodlands
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

48. Dung Beetle

Dung beetles roll and bury dung for food and breeding. Their work recycles nutrients into the soil. Many navigate using the moon and stars.

Dung Beetle Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Scarabaeinae (subfamily)
• Common Name: Dung Beetle
• Size: Ranges from 0.2-2 inches (5-50 mm)
• Diet: Dung (some species also scavenge)
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, farmlands
• Role: Decomposers
• Conservation Status: Varies by species

49. Okapi

Okapis are rainforest dwellers with zebra-like stripes but closer relation to giraffes. They have long, dark tongues for stripping leaves. They live a quiet, solitary life in dense vegetation.

Okapi Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Okapia johnstoni
• Common Name: Okapi
• Size: Around 5 feet (1.5 m) at the shoulder
• Weight: 440-770 pounds (200-350 kg)
• Lifespan: 20-30 years in captivity
• Diet: Herbivore, browsing leaves and fruits
• Habitat: Rainforests in the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Conservation Status: Endangered

50. African Penguin

African penguins live on coastal shores and islands in southern Africa. They bray like donkeys, thus “jackass penguin.” They nest under rocks or dig burrows to keep cool.

African Penguin Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus
• Common Name: African Penguin
• Size: 24-28 inches (60-70 cm) tall
• Weight: 5-7 pounds (2.3-3.2 kg)
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild
• Diet: Carnivore, eating fish like sardines and anchovies
• Habitat: Rocky coasts and offshore islands
• Conservation Status: Endangered