Animals of Africa - Features, trivia and photos

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 5 August 2021
Update Date: 1 November 2024
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African Animals - The Kids’ Picture Show (Fun & Educational Learning Video)
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Do you know what animals are in Africa? African animals stand out for their incredible qualities, as this vast continent offers the ideal conditions for the development of the most amazing species. The Sahara Desert, the rainforest of Salonga National Park (Congo) or the savannah of Amboseli National Park (Kenya) are just a few of the many examples of the variety of ecosystems that are home to a large portion of the animals of the African savannah.

When we talk about Africa, we actually mean the 54 countries that are part of this continent, which is divided into five regions: East Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa and Northern Africa.


And in this PeritoAnimal article, we'll talk in detail about the animals from africa - features, trivia and photos, showing the richness of the fauna of the third largest continent in the world. Good reading.

Africa's Big 5

The Big Five of Africa, better known in English as "The Big Five", refer to five species of african animals: the lion, the leopard, the brown buffalo, the black rhino and the elephant. Today the term appears regularly in safari tour guides, however, the term was born among hunting enthusiasts, who called them that because of the danger they supposedly represented.

The Big 5 of Africa are:

  • Elephant
  • african buffalo
  • Leopard
  • black rhinoceros
  • Lion

Where in Africa are the Big 5? We can find them in the following countries:


  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Ethiopia
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Namibia
  • RD of Congo
  • Rwanda
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

For more details on these five African animals, don't miss our article on Africa's Big Five. And then we start the list of animals from Africa:

1. Elephant

The African Elephant (African Loxodonta) is considered the largest terrestrial mammal in the world. It can reach up to 5 meters in height, 7 meters in length and about 6,000 kilos. The females are a little smaller, however, these animals have a matriarchal social system and it is an "Alpha" female that holds the herd together.


In addition to its size, it is the trunk that differentiates it from other herbivorous species. The adult male elephant is distinguished by highly developed ears, a long torso and large ivory tusks. Female fangs are much smaller. The trunk is used by elephants to remove grass and leaves and place them in their mouths. It is also used for drinking. The huge ears are used to cool the body of this parchiderm through its fan-like movement.

Although we are well aware of its intelligence and emotional capabilities that make it a very sensitive animal, the truth is that a wild elephant is a very dangerous animal, because if it feels threatened, it can react with very sudden movements and impulses that can be fatal for a human. Currently, the elephant is considered a vulnerable species according to the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

2. African buffalo

The african buffalo or also called the buffalo-cafre (syncerus caffer) is probably one of the most feared animals, both by animals and people. It is a gregarious animal who spends his whole life moving in the company of a large herd. He is also very brave, so he will not hesitate to defend his fellow men without fear, and he could provoke a stampede in the face of any threat.

For this reason, the buffalo has always been an animal highly respected by native populations. The inhabitants and guides of the African routes generally wear collars that emit a characteristic sound, well recognized by buffaloes, thus, by association, they try to minimize the feeling of risk for these animals. Finally, we emphasize that it is a almost endangered species, according to the IUCN list.

3. African leopard

The African leopard (panthera pardus pardus pardus) is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, preferring savanna and grassland environments. It is the largest subspecies of leopard, weighing between 24 and 53 kilos, although some larger individuals have been registered. It is most active at dawn and dusk as it is a twilight animal.

Thanks to its versatility, which allows it to climb trees, run and swim, the African leopard is able to hunt wildebeest, jackals, wild boar, antelopes and even baby giraffes. As a curiosity, we can point out that when it is completely black, as a result of melanism, the leopard is called "black PantherFinally, we would like to emphasize that, according to the IUCN, this leopard species is one of the most vulnerable African animals in its habitat and its population is currently declining.

4. Black rhinoceros

The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicorni), which actually has a coloration ranging from brown to gray, is one of the largest animals in Africa, reaching even two meters tall and 1,500 kilos. It inhabits Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and has been successfully reintroduced in countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi and Zambia.

This extremely versatile animal can adapt to desert areas as well as more forested areas, and can live between 15 and 20 years. However, despite this, this species is critically endangered, according to the IUCN, in Cameroon and Chad, and is suspected to be extinct in Ethiopia as well.

5. Lion

The lion (panthera leo) is the animal with which we close the list of the big five in Africa. This super predator is the only one with sexual dimorphism, which allows us to differentiate males, with their dense mane, from females, which lack it. It is considered the biggest feline in Africa and the second largest in the world, just behind the tiger. Males can reach 260 kg in weight, while females weigh a maximum of 180 kg. The height to the withers is between 100 and 125 cm.

The females are in charge of hunting, for this, they coordinate and chase the chosen prey, reaching up to 59 km/h in rapid acceleration. These African animals can feed on zebras, wildebeests, wild boars or any other animal. A detail that few people know is that the lion and the hyena are rivals that fight each other for hunting, and although it is generally thought that the hyena is a scavenger animal, the truth is that it is the lion that often acts like an opportunistic animal stealing food from hyenas.

The lion is considered to be in a vulnerable state according to the IUCN, as its population decreases annually, and there are currently a total of 23,000 to 39,000 adult specimens.

african animals

In addition to the five great African animals, there are many other animals from Africa that are worth knowing, both for their incredible physical characteristics and for their wild behavior. Next, we'll know some more of them:

6. Wildebeest

We found two species in Africa: the black-tailed wildebeest (Taurine Connochaetes) and the white-tailed wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou). We are talking about large animals, as the black-tailed wildebeest can weigh between 150 and 200 kg, while the white-tailed wildebeest has an average weight of 150 kg. They are gregarious animals, which means that they live in herds of a large number of individuals, which can reach thousands.

They are also herbivorous animals, feeding on endemic grass, foliage and succulent plants, and their main predators are lions, leopards, hyenas and African wild dogs. They are particularly agile, reaching 80 km/h, in addition to being especially aggressive, an essential behavioral characteristic for their survival.

7. Phacocerus

Warthog, also known as African wild boar, although not actually a wild boar, is the name that refers to animals of the genus Phacochoerus, which includes two African species, the Phacochoerus africanus it's the Phacochoerus aethiopicus. They inhabit savannas and semi-desert areas, where they feed on all kinds of fruits and vegetables, although their diet also includes eggs, birds and carrion. Therefore, they are omnivorous animals.

These african animals too are sociable, as they share areas for resting, feeding or bathing with other species. Furthermore, we are talking about a genus of intelligent animals, which take advantage of the nests of other animals, such as the ant-pig (Orycteropus afer) to take refuge from predators while they sleep. Like wildebeests, wild boars are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN as they are not at risk of extinction.

8. Cheetah

The cheetah or cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), stands out for being the fastest land animal in the race, thanks to its incredible speed of 115 km/h achieved over distances between 400 and 500 meters. Thus, it is part of our list of the 10 fastest animals in the world. The cheetah is slender, with a golden-yellow coat, covered with oval-shaped black spots.

It's very light because unlike other big cats it shares its habitat with, weighs between 40 and 65 kilos, which is why it chooses small prey such as impalas, gazelles, hares and young ungulates. After the stalk, the cheetah begins its chase, which lasts only 30 seconds. According to the IUCN, this animal is in a vulnerable situation and is at risk of extinction, as its population is decreasing every day, there are currently less than 7,000 adult individuals.

9. Mongoose

The striped mongoose (Mungo Mungo) lives in different countries on the African continent. This small carnivorous animal does not exceed one kilogram in weight, however, it is healthy. very violent animals, with several aggressions between different groups causing deaths and injuries among them. However, it is suspected that they maintain a symbiotic relationship with the hamadrya baboons (papio hamadryas).

They live in communities of between 10 and 40 individuals, who constantly communicate with each other, grunting to stay connected. They sleep together and have age-based hierarchies, with females managing group control. They feed on insects, reptiles and birds. According to the IUCN, it is a species that is not at risk of extinction.

10. Termite

The termite of the African savanna (Macrotermes natalensis) often goes unnoticed, but plays a key role in the balance and biodiversity of the African savannah. These animals are particularly advanced, as they cultivate Termitomyces fungi for consumption and have a structured caste system, with a king and queen at the top of the hierarchy. It is estimated that their nests, where millions of insects live, help to increase nutrients in the soil and promote the channeling of water, so it is not surprising that they are always surrounded by plants and other animals.

African savanna animals

The African savanna is a transition zone between the forest and the deserts, where we find a substrate rich in iron, with an intense red color, as well as little vegetation. It usually has an average temperature between 20ºC and 30ºC, in addition, for about 6 months there is an intense drought, while the remaining 6 months it rains. What are the animals of the African savannah? Keep reading to find out.

11. White Rhinoceros

The white rhinoceros (keratotherium simum) lives in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Zambia, among others. It has two subspecies, the southern white rhinoceros and the northern white rhinoceros, extinct in the wild since 2018. Even so, there are still two females in captivity. It is particularly large, as an adult male can exceed 180 cm in height and 2,500 kg in weight.

It is a herbivorous animal that lives in the savannah and in the countryside. When in a race, it can reach up to 50 km/h. It is also a gregarious animal, living in communities of 10 to 20 individuals, which reach sexual maturity late, around 7 years of age. According to the IUCN, it is considered a near-threatened species, as there is an international interest in the species for hunting and hunting. manufacture of crafts and jewelry.

12. Zebra

Among the animals of Africa there are three species of zebra: the common zebra (quagga equus), the grevy's zebra (equus grevyi) and the mountain zebra (zebra equus). According to IUCN, these African animals are listed as Least Concern, Endangered and Vulnerable, respectively. These animals, belonging to the equine family, were never domesticated and are only present on the African continent.

Zebras are herbivorous animals, feeding on grass, leaves and shoots, but also on tree bark or branches. With the exception of the Grevy's zebras, the other species are very sociable, creating groups known as "harems", where a male, several females and their foals live together.

13. Gazelle

We call gazelle the more than 40 species of animals of the genus Gazella, most of them extinct today. These animals live mainly in the African savannah, but also in certain areas of Southeast Asia. They are very slender animals, with long legs and elongated faces. Gazelles are also very agile, reaching 97 km/h. They sleep for short periods of time, never more than an hour, always accompanied by the other members of their group, which can reach thousands of individuals.

14. Ostrich

the ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest bird in the world, reaching a height of more than 250 cm and weighing 150 kg. It is perfectly adapted to arid and semi-arid areas, which is why it can be found in Africa and Arabia. It is considered an omnivorous African animal, as it feeds on plants, arthropods and carrion.

It presents sexual dimorphism, with black males and brown or gray females. As a curiosity, we emphasize that your eggs are incredibly big, weighing between 1 and 2 kilos. According to the IUCN, it is in a situation of least concern when we talk about extinction risk.

15. Giraffe

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) inhabits the African savannah, but also grasslands and open forests. It is considered the tallest land animal in the world, reaching 580 cm and weighing between 700 and 1,600 kg. This gigantic ruminant feeds on shrubs, grasses and fruits, in fact it is estimated that an adult specimen consumes around 34 kg of foliage per day.

These African animals are gregarious animals, living in groups of more than 30 individuals, raising very strong and lasting social relationships. They usually have only one offspring, although some giraffes have had twins, reaching sexual maturity around 3 or 4 years of age. According to the IUCN, the giraffe is a vulnerable species in relation to the risk of extinction, as its population is currently declining.

African Forest Animals

The African rainforest is a vast territory that stretches across Central and Southern Africa. It is a humid area, thanks to abundant rainfall, with a colder temperature than that of the savannah, with a temperature that varies between 10ºC and 27ºC, approximately. In it we find a wide variety of animals, like the ones shown below:

16. Hippopotamus

The common hippopotamus (amphibious hippopotamus) is the third largest land animal in the world. It can weigh between 1,300 and 1,500 kg and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h. It lives in rivers, mangroves and lakes, where it cools off during the hottest hours of the day. The common hippopotamus can be found from Egypt to Mozambique, although there are four other species that together populate a large number of African countries.

They are particularly aggressive animals, in relation to other animals and others of the same species. Precisely for this reason, many people wonder why hippos attack. They are vulnerable in terms of extinction risk, according to the IUCN, mainly due to the international sale of their ivory tusks and the consumption of your meat by the local population.

17. Crocodile

There are three species of crocodiles that inhabit the forested areas of Africa: the West African crocodile (crocodylus talus), the slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) and the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). We are talking about large reptiles that inhabit various types of rivers, lakes and swamps. Can exceed 6 meters in length and 1500 kilos.

Depending on the species, these animals from Africa can also live in salt water. The diet of crocodiles is based on consumption of vertebrates and invertebrates, although it may vary according to species. They have tough, scaly skin, and their life expectancy can exceed 80 years. It is important to know the differences between crocodiles and alligators so as not to confuse them. Some species, such as the slender-snouted crocodile, are critically endangered.

18. Gorilla

There are two species of gorillas, with their respective subspecies, that inhabit the African forests: the western-lowland gorilla (gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the eastern gorilla (gorilla eggplant). Gorillas' diet is mainly herbivorous and is based on foliage consumption. They have a well-defined social structure, in which the silver male, his females and offspring stand out. Its main predator is the leopard.

These African animals are believed to use tools to feed and make their own nests to sleep. The strength of gorillas is one of the subjects that generates the most curiosity among people. Despite all this, both species are critically endangered, according to the IUCN.

19. Gray Parrot

The Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is found in various parts of Africa and is considered to be a particularly ancient species. Measures about 30 cm in length and weighs between 350 and 400 grams. Its life expectancy is prodigious as it can exceed 60 years. They are very sociable animals, which stand out for their intelligence and sensitivity, which allows them to have the ability to speak. According to the IUCN, unfortunately it is an endangered animal.

20. African python

We close this part of African forest animals with the African python (Python sebae), considered one of the largest snakes in the world. It is found in different areas of sub-Saharan Africa and is also considered to be present in Florida, in the United States, due to the illegal trade in animals. This species of constrictor is one of the African animals that can surpass 5 meters long and 100 pounds in weight.

other african animals

As you've seen so far, the African continent is home to a huge number of animals and some of the most beautiful on the planet. Below we will present some of the exotic animals from Africa:

21. Hyena

Popularly known for a laugh-like sound, animals in the Hyaenidea family are meat-eating mammals whose appearance is somewhat similar to dogs, but also felines. It is a scavenger animal (eats carrion) that lives mainly in Africa and Europe, and is also an eternal rival of larger cats, such as the lion and the leopard.

22. Eurasian saver

This is a small bird when compared to the other African animals on this list. THE Upupa epops have migratory habits, therefore it is not only found in Africa. Measuring less than 50 centimeters, it is distinguished by a feather on its head, adorned with the colors of the rest of its plumage, ranging from old pink to brown, with areas of black and white.

23. Royal snake

There are several species of snake in Africa, but the most famous of them is the king snake (Ophiophaqus hannah). It is an extremely dangerous reptile that reaches 6 feet and is able to lift its body to appear even more intimidating to potential prey and threats. Your poison is lethal, as it directly attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis.

24. Ring-tailed Lemur

The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a species of small primate native to the island of Madagascar, which is currently in endangered. Not only is the lemur's outward appearance peculiar, but also the sounds it makes and the phosphorescence of its pupils are hallmarks of its morphology. They are herbivores and their thumbs are opposable, allowing them to grip objects.

25. Goliath frog

the goliath frog (Goliath Conraua) it is the largest anuran in the world, weighing up to 3 kilos. Its reproductive capacity is also surprising, with a single individual capable of laying up to 10,000 eggs. However, the destruction of the ecosystems it inhabits, in Guinea and Cameroon, has put this African animal in danger of extinction.

26. Desert locust

The desert locust (greek schistocerca) must have been the species that invaded Egypt as one of the seven plagues we know from the Bible. It is still considered a potential danger both in Africa and Asia because of their reproductive capacity, as locust swarms are able to "attack" and exterminate entire fields of crops.

African animals in danger of extinction

As you have already seen, there are many animals in Africa in danger of extinction. Below, we have organized some of those that unfortunately may disappear in the future if effective protective measures are not taken:

  • Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicorni).
  • White-tailed Vulture (african gyps)
  • Slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus)
  • White rhino (keratotherium simum)
  • African wild ass (African equus)
  • African penguin (Spheniscus demersus)
  • Wildcat (Lycaon pictus)
  • African bat (african kerivola)
  • frog heleophryne hewitti
  • Rodent Dendromus kahuziensis
  • Congo Owl (Phodilus prigoginei)
  • Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii)
  • frog Petropedetes perreti
  • Turtle Cycloderma frenatum
  • Sugarcane frog (Hyperolius pickersgilli)
  • Toad-São-Tomé (Hyperolius thomensis)
  • Kenya Toad (Hyperolius rubrovermiculatus)
  • African Purple Paw (Holohalaelurus punctatus)
  • Juliana's Golden Mole (Neamblysomus Julianae)
  • Afrixalus clarkei
  • giant rat (Antimene Hypogeomys)
  • Geometric turtle (Psammobates geometricus)
  • Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni)
  • Grevy's Zebra (equus grevyi)
  • Western Gorilla (gorilla gorilla)
  • Eastern Gorilla (gorilla eggplant)
  • Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

more animals from africa

There are many other animals from Africa, however, so as not to stretch them any further, we will list them for you so that you can discover more on your own. Check the relationship of these animals with their scientific names:

  • jackal (adustus kennels)
  • Arrange (Ammotragus levia)
  • Chimpanzee (Pan)
  • Flamingo (Phoenicopterus)
  • Impala (Aepyceros melampus)
  • Cranes (Gruidae)
  • Pelican (Pelecanus)
  • African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata)
  • Camel (Camelus)
  • Red deer (cervus elaphus)
  • African Crested Rat (Lophiomys imhausi)
  • Orangutan (Pong)
  • Marabou (Leptoptiles crumenifer)
  • Hare (lepus)
  • Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)
  • Suricate (meerkat meerkat)
  • African Spurred Turtle (Centrochelys sulcata)
  • Sheep (ovis aries)
  • Otocion (Otocyon megalotis)
  • Gerbil (Gerbillinae)
  • Nile lizard (Varanus niloticus)

To learn even more about African animals, be sure to watch the following video about 10 animals from Africa that is on PeritoAnimal's YouTube channel:

If you want to read more articles similar to Animals of Africa - Features, trivia and photos, we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.