13 Fascinating Facts About African Wildlife

For many visitors to Africa, the primary attraction is the wildlife. No other continent offers such diverse and close-up viewing opportunities. Learning about the animals you may encounter can greatly enhance your experience.

Most safari-goers in Africa aim to see the "Big 5": Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino. However, Africa is home to far more than these five species, with over 1,100 different mammals and more than 2,600 species of birds.

13 Fascinating Facts About African Wildlife

1. Speedsters: Four of the five fastest land animals live in Africa. The cheetah, the fastest, can reach speeds of 70 mph, while the wildebeest, lion, and Thomson's gazelle can run at about 50 mph.
2. Nile Crocodiles: The Nile crocodile is Africa's largest living reptile, averaging 5 meters in length.
3. Chameleons: Madagascar hosts the world's largest and smallest chameleons. Nearly half of all chameleon species are found on this island.
4. Elephants: The African elephant is the largest land mammal, weighing 6-7 tons, and can drink up to 160 liters of water daily. Their trunk dexterity allows them to turn the pages of a book.
5. Freshwater Sardines: Lake Tanganyika is the only place where shoals of freshwater sardines are found.
6. Lions: Lions are the only cats that live in groups called prides. They are the largest members of the cat family in Africa, and their roar can be heard from over 8 kilometers away.
7. Dwarf Blue Butterfly: The smallest butterfly in Africa, with a wingspan of only 10mm, is found in Kruger National Park.
8. Giraffes: Giraffes have tongues up to 45 cm long and the same number of neck vertebrae as humans, though much larger. Newborn giraffes are 6 feet tall. Their long necks are thought to have evolved for mating battles, where males whip each other with their necks.
9. Goliath Beetle: The world's largest and heaviest beetle, the Goliath Beetle, lives in tropical Africa, reaching lengths of 5 inches and weights of up to ¼ lb.
10. Gorillas: The gorilla is the largest living primate. Male gorillas can weigh up to 200 kg and are shy, retiring vegetarians.
11. Penguins: South Africa has a thriving penguin colony near the Cape, thanks to the cold Antarctic currents.
12. Seals: The largest seal colony in the southern hemisphere is located at Cape Cross in Namibia.
13. Goliath Frog: The world's largest frog, the goliath frog, can be found in Cameroon, with body lengths up to one foot.

Facts courtesy of www.africaguide.com. For more information on Africa, please visit their website.