The largest terrestrial animal on the planet and a vegetarian to boot, elephants are known for their intelligence. An ostrich can easily support the weight of a man, and their enormous eggs are capable of withstanding great pressure. 2. Elephants are vulnerable to endangerment. The animal kingdom is as weird as it is wonderful. The meerkat (Suricata suricatta) is a small mammal belonging to the mongoose family. The African Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. Usually only about 20 inches long, the longest horn on record was almost 5 feet! Both males and females have powerful jaws with enlarged canines and incisors, sometimes called tusks. Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. To see one whilst on safari is a real privilege, as these graceful carnivores are amongst the most beautiful and elusive of all African animals. Chubby and balding, yes. Interesting Africa Animal Facts. Male hippos fiercely protect their section of the river, and will often attack those that unwittingly encroach upon their territory. This may include zebra, impala, Thompson’s gazelles and wildebeest. They are the only cats with marked differences between males and females, and unlike house cats, they cannot purr. They are also the only cats to live in large family groups, or prides. They are all animals you would find on the continent of Africa. Despite their cat-like appearance and behaviours, the African Civets are not felines at all but are in fact, more closely related to other small carnivores including Weasels and Mongooses. An ostrich can easily kick a grown man to death - an ability often used on predators in the wild.Â, Despite having a mostly herbivorous diet, hippos are often cited as the most dangerous of all African animals. Females are also quick to attack anyone that comes in between them and their calves. Ultimately, death is caused by asphyxiation, respiratory failure, or complete cardiovascular collapse. Black mambas have a reputation for aggression, but the truth is that like most snakes, they prefer to avoid confrontation where possible. When the giraffe lowers its head to drink, the same system prevents the blood from rushing downwards and causing a sudden loss of consciousness. The term ‘Big Five’ is used to describe the power and strength of the animals. African animals that belong to the big cat family, especially lions and tigers, are known to get affected by Catnip as other domestic cats. In this article, we take a look at some of the continent's most iconic safari animals - and the physiological quirks that make them so amazing.Â. They are also the world's strongest bird. There is a large variety of colour and patterns on leopards. The African Civet is the only remaining member in its genetic group and is considered to be the largest Civet-like animal on the African continent. Females are also quick to attack anyone that comes in … The horn of the African rhinoceros is made of keratin- not matted hair as once believed. So much so, we decided that African animal facts … This animal can eat for up to 23 hours a day. It can pull down trees, or be used to pick up something as delicate as a tiny twig. In some areas of Africa, ostriches are used for racing. Male hippos fiercely protect their section of the river, and will often attack those that unwittingly encroach upon their territory. Facts About Animals of Africa African Animals. 2. tell you that hippos are not just huge and fearless, but also often so Ask any game warden, big game hunter or native African and they will Cheetahs are best known for their incredible speed, which has earned them their reputation as the fastest animal on Earth. When crossing deep rivers, an elephant can even use its trunk as a built-in snorkel.Â, Undoubtedly the most feared of all Africa's dangerous snake species, the black mamba's venom comprises a lethal mix of neurotoxins and cardiotoxins. The beetles roll their balls in a straight line, despite any obstacles that may stand in their way. Be careful though - ostriches have famously volatile temperaments and are capable of inflicting serious damage. The African Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. Kruger elephants - Big Five - Vaughan Leiberum African Elephant Facts: Elephants can get sunburnt! More African animal records. Families with children over 11 years can enjoy a safari with us while staying at Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge and Settlers Drift. Blood is pumped up their famously long necks by a uniquely powerful system of valves and veins. Some prides like larger meals and will hunt giraffe, baby elephants and Cape buffalo. Their bodies are covered in hard scales, made from keratin - the same substance that human fingernails are made from. The African bush elephant is the largest land animal in the world. They inhabit the grasslands of eastern, central, and southwestern Africa, as well as a small portion of Iran. The horn of the African rhinoceros is made of keratin- not matted hair as once believed. Do you enjoy wild animal facts? For tax purposes, our EIN is 52-0781390. The loudest, deadliest, fastest, largest and most bizarre, are all here in our big animal fact list. Great apes facts, photos and videos..Human beings did not evolve from chimpanzees, modern chimps and gorillas do not appear in the fossil records until much more recently than homo sapiens.. e-mail us at info@animalfactsencyclopedia.com, Copyright 2011 - 2019 by Jenise Alongi   Animal Facts Encyclopedia.com. This includes some of the most asked, fun, surprising and crazy animal facts from across the animal kingdom. The largest primate on earth is gorilla. As well as being the largest bird on Earth, the ostrich is also the fastest two-legged runner in the Animal Kingdom. Female elephants can be up to 2.6 m tall. These scales are made from keratin (like rhino horns) and these scales contribute to 20% of the animal's overall weight. The last animal you might expect to see in Africa is a penguin, but they are there. Thought to be at least 200,000 years old, the hairs exceeded the previous record for the oldest known human hair by more than 190,000 years. and swift in the water. Despite their fearsome reputation, Nile crocodiles are surprisingly dedicated parents, guarding their eggs fiercely during incubation.Â, African dung beetles are amazing creatures. In Africa we have the largest primate, the largest antelope, fastest fish, largest fish, fastest bird on land, fastest flying bird, bird that can dive the deepest. It has massive jaws, and its upper palate is wider than a pizza delivery box! Usually only about 20 inches long, the longest horn on record was almost 5 feet! Have you ever wondered how predators plan their menus and what unique hunting technique every specie specialize in? There are some most impressive South Africa animals! Baboon Facts - Animal Facts Encyclopedia. Although they resemble deer, and fill the same ecological niche, antelopes differ from deer in that they have permanent horns on their heads instead of antlers. Amazingly, when female giraffes give birth the baby drops some six feet to the ground - but is able to stand up, walk, and even run shortly afterward. With an estimated 7.77 million species of animals on the planet, the animal kingdom is an undeniably diverse place. They throw sand on their backs and heads to … The 4 to 5ft long African cheetah has a 20ft stride - Amazing! The term was coined last century as these five animals were the most difficult to be hunted on foot. Over 1,100 species of mammals are living in Africa. Living, hunting and raising cubs together is a survival tactic that allows for greater hunting success and a higher rate of infant survival.Â, Elephant calves are amongst the most adorable of all baby safari animals, with their tiny trunks and a light covering of fine orange fuzz. The African lion has the longest larynx - and therefore the loudest roar of all the "Big Cats". The African lion has the longest larynx - and therefore the loudest roar of all the \"Big Cats\" 3. Anouk is a travel writer, editor, and agent raised in Malawi and Kenya with more than 15 years of experience working in the African travel industry. More than 1100 mammal species live in Africa. Unfortunately, its body parts are highly sought after in Asia, both for consumption and for use in traditional medicine. Oct 11, 16 10:26 PM African Animals. Elephant babies are often seen sucking their trunks, in the same way that a human baby might suck its thumb. Here are a few fascinating factoids about some of everyone’s favourite wild African animals. Here’s our big list of 100 greatest animal facts. All eight pangolin species are targeted for wildlife trafficking, and four are either endangered or critically endangered.Â, Africa's Top 12 Safari Animals and Where to Find Them, 12 Nocturnal Animals to Look For on an African Safari, Fun Facts About Africa's Baby Safari Animals, An Introduction to Africa's Big Five Safari Animals, The Little Five: Africa's Smaller Safari Animals, A Top 10 List of Africa's Most Dangerous Snakes, Uganda's National Parks: The Complete List, Top 10 Unmissable African Safari Destinations, Fun Facts About African Animals: The Cheetah, 18 Top Things to Do in North West Province, South Africa, Meet the Dog That Communicates Through Sneezes: African Wild Dog Facts, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa: The Complete Guide, The Top 12 National Parks to Visit in Africa, 10 Weird and Wonderful Facts About African Animals. And don’t forget to leave a comment to share what African animal is your favourite. Four of the five fastest land animals live in Africa - fastest is the cheetah at 70 mph, wildebeest , lion and Thomson's gazelle all about 50 mph. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity. What's the Difference Between a Wild Animal and Domestic Animal? Within the limits of law, your gift is 100% tax-deductible. All the better to hear you with? Leave a comment in the box below. The great apes are some of the few animals, along with whales and elephants, that display an understanding of self similar to our own, and, of course, they are our closest living relatives. On average, ostriches can sprint at speeds of up to 45 mph/72 kph, while records show that the fastest ostriches can achieve short bursts of up to 60 mph/96.6 kph. It is one of the most exciting animals to see on safari. ruthlessly aggressive that they have been known to capsize small boats Accelerating from 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) in three seconds, the cheetah is the worlds fastest land mammal. For tax purposes, our EIN is 52-0781390. They radiate huge amounts of heat from the network of blood vessels in their ears to keep the giant mammals cool. About the largest African animal and the biggest living animal in the world, the Elephants have not maintained this feat by being idle but by eating as if all depends on feeding. They are all harshly impacted by farming and deforestation and are all endangered species. Hyenas are more closely related to cats than dogs. This is just one of the giraffe's many special adaptations. One African species can even navigate by moonlight alone - making these the only insects known to orientate themselves using the galaxy. Hyena cubs are usually born in pairs, and if they are the same sex, they may try to kill each other. You can experience this for yourself in Oudtshoorn, an ostrich-farming town in South Africa's Karoo desert. Their armor-like skin protects them from injury, and their immune system is so well-developed that they can feed on decaying flesh without getting sick. What is the largest African animal? The chimpanzee, the bonobo, and the Eastern lowland, Eastern mountain, and Western gorillas all live in the jungles of central Africa. African Animals facts photos and videos..Africa is a wonderland for animal lovers, and a schoolroom for anyone who wants to learn about nature, beauty and the rhythm of life. The 4 to 5ft long African cheetah has a 20ft stride - Amazing! They bury the dung and use it as a larder, or as a nutritional nest for their eggs. It stands up to 4 m (13.1 ft.) in height, and weighs up to 6,048 kg (13,334 lb.). Africa is a wonderland for animal lovers, and a schoolroom for anyone who wants to learn about nature, beauty and the rythym of life. Pangolin - Adam Tusk. African elephant is called as the biggest living land mammal in the world. 1. Although hyenas are known as scavengers, they also regularly hunt live prey. Find out more about each of these African safari animals below. Giraffes use their tongues to strip leaves from the tallest trees, and the high melanin content helps to prevent them from getting sunburned. Spotted hyenas are born with eyes wide open and teeth intact. However, you're more likely to see one sleeping than hunting because lions rest for an average of 20 hours every day. A team of researchers excavating a cave near Johannesburg, South Africa, discovered five human hairs preserved in fossilized hyena dung. Our closest relatives, the chimpanzee and the bonobo, continue to change and evolve here, endangered by human encroachment. All of the great apes are native to Africa except the orangutan, which is native to Borneo. African wild dogs have huge home ranges and are constant wanderers. African Animal Facts for Kids. Catnip is the common name for a herb from the mint family. They spend their lives gathering the feces of other safari animals and rolling them into great balls that can exceed their own body weight by up to 10 times. Firstly, there are the ‘ Big Five ’: elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and the rhino. Even though it has big body, it has shy nature. African ground squirrels (genus Xerus) form a taxon of squirrels under the subfamily Xerinae.They are only found in Africa.There is another African ground squirrel of the genus Atlantoxerus, the Atlantoxerus getulus present in southwestern Morocco and northern Western Sahara. Interesting Facts about other African Animals Pangolin or scaly anteater: The only animal in the world that is completely covered in scales. Animal Pictures and Facts. The African lion has been admired by man for its beauty and strength for thousands of years. Male elephants can be up to 3.4 m tall. There is a colony living near the cape in South Africa. When fully extended, the pangolin's tongue is longer than its head and body combined. With more than 40,000 different muscles, it is incredibly dextrous. looking hippopotamus is actually remarkably fast on land and graceful Already a bizarre-looking creature, the giraffe's strange appearance is compounded by the color of its tongue. Hyena dung is white when dry because of a large amount of calcium found in the bones that they eat. Facts about African Animals 9: African elephant. Africa has three endemic orders of mammals, the Tubulidentata (aardvarks), Afrosoricida (tenrecs and golden moles), and … Interesting Facts About the African Leopard The African leopard is a carnivorous mammal that can weigh between 23-90 kg. 1. In the wild they feed on the most common large ungulates in their area. The average lifespan of a leopard ranges from 12-17 years. African Animals - Animal Facts Encyclopedia, Great Apes Facts - Animal Facts Encyclopedia. Baboon facts, photos, videos and information - Baboons are very distinctive looking monkeys with long, dog-like snouts and close set eyes. No two wild dogs have the same markings, which makes them easily identifiable as individuals. Because they hunt primarily at night, they do most of their sleeping during daylight hours. Here are 300 of the best fun & random facts about animals! After surviving the catastrophe that caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs, they continued to evolve into the awe-inspiring predators we know today. Nile crocodiles can hold their breath underwater for over 10 minutes and can go for months at a time without food. If your kids love the zebra, the giraffe, the lion, the elephant, the rhino, the hippo and other African animals, explore the links below to enjoy a collection of activities themed around them. Not quite. Striped hyenas are born with adult markings, closed eyes, and small ears. While lions, leopards and elephants have all caused human fatalities, and the beautiful cape buffalo is actually extremely dangerous, by far the deadliest African animal is the relatively sweet looking hippopotamus. The weight can reach 7 tons. African Animals facts photos and videos..Africa is a wonderland for animal lovers, and a schoolroom for anyone who wants to learn about nature, beauty and the rhythm of life . They live in matriarchal clans, with some groups numbering over 70 members. The most abundant animals in Africa are the antelopes which cover the entire continent in small clusters or awesome herds of some 80 species. Care for and protect the other dogs in their way at our Lodge. Antivenom, death occurs within 15 hours and the high melanin content helps prevent. Valves and veins last animal you might expect to see one sleeping than hunting because lions rest an. 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