Wild Animals
Born wild, these animals belong to the wild. However, increase in poaching and ruining of natural habitats has endangered many wild animals. Read on for some interesting facts about the wild side of these animals.
Interesting Facts about Warthogs
The jungles of Africa are filled with certain animal species that can't be found anywhere else in the world. One of these rare species is the warthog. Probably the most feared member of the pig family, warthogs can be found in the grasslands, woodlands, and savanna regions of the Sub-Saharan Africa. Let's uncover some more interesting facts about this wild pig.
The jungles of Africa are filled with certain animal species that can't be found anywhere else in the world. One of these rare species is the warthog. Probably the most feared member of the pig family, warthogs can be found in the grasslands, woodlands, and savanna regions of the Sub-Saharan Africa. Let's uncover some more interesting facts about this wild pig.
The warthog's scientific name is Phacochoerus africanus, and the
term warthog comes from the four large wart-like protuberances found on
the animal's face. Warthogs are also called Vlakvark, meaning 'Pig of
the Plains' by the locals. Normally they pose no threat, but if
provoked, warthogs can fight back valiantly with their tusks or teeth,
and even severely injure a predator twice its size.
Four species of warthogs can be found in the wilderness of Africa:
1. Central African Warthog - Found in Kenya and Tanzania.
2. Eritrean Warthog - Found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti.
3. Nolan Warthog - Found in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sudan.
4. Southern Warthog - Found in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Interesting Warthog Facts
Warthog 3
Warthog with piglets
» Warthogs are the only pigs that can survive in hot areas without water for several months, as their bodies conserve moisture inside that might otherwise be used for cooling.
» An average male will weigh anywhere between 132 to 330 pounds. Females are quite lighter in comparison, and weigh about 99 to 170 pounds.
» An adult female is called a 'sow', and an adult male is called a 'boar'. In both sexes, the tusks and the two warts are the most prominent features on the face. The large head is covered with a mane that travels down the spine and ends at the middle of the back.
Warthog and piglets running
Warthog running
» Females can be usually found in groups with their piglets. A group of warthogs is called a sounder. Males prefer roaming alone, although young males do socialize in bachelor groups.
» Despite their dreaded appearance, warthogs prefer staying away from danger. They can run at a speed of almost 33 miles per hour, and have a tendency to run backwards into burrows to escape predators. The backward running ensures that predators will face its deadly tusks if they follow it.
» A tail of a warthog stands up when it runs, and young ones always run in line behind the mother.
Warthogs
Warthog2
» They aren't territorial in nature, and have home ranges that are shared by many animals.
» The face is flat and carries a prolonged snout. Warthogs are not blessed with great vision, and hence their eyes are located high on their head, to keep a lookout for predators when they lower their heads to feed on short grass.
» Normally their tusks are used for self defense, but they also act as powerful shovels. Warthogs use them to dig burrows or to remove the bulbs and roots of plants.
Warthog feeding
Warthog1
» They prefer living in burrows or places where there is extra vegetation. In most instances, they breed and sleep in abandoned aardvark dens.
» The warthog is an omnivorous animal, and its diet consists of grasses, roots, bulbs, berries, various fruits, insects, eggs, and carrion. Grass constitutes a major portion of their diet, but wildlife experts have also observed them killing and eating snakes.
» Warthogs can survive 15 years in the wild, and almost 22 years in captivity.
Warthogs lying
Warthogs fighting
» The mating season always coincides with the rains. When the female is in heat, the male will follow her everywhere, make various grunting noises to attract her, and even scare off others who try to court her.
» The gestation period is for 5 to 6 months. When a sow is about to give birth, she will temporarily leave the sounder to give birth in a separate burrow. The litter has two to eight piglets, with two or four surviving till adulthood. It has been observed that sows who have lost their own litter often nurse foster piglets. This nature is defined as allosuckling.
» Females only have four teats, and each piglet has its own teat to suckle milk. If a young one dies, others do not suckle from its teat.
Warthog and predator
Warthog grazing
» The adults are threatened by humans, lions, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles, and hyenas. The main predators of the piglets are snakes, foxes, eagle, owls, and vultures.
» A female can get extremely aggressive if someone tries to approach or harm the young ones. They are capable of inflicting severe wounds to protect themselves and the litter. Despite their temperamental nature, warthogs have been observed to allow banded mongooses and tick birds to pick insects from their body.
Animals with the Most Powerful Bite Force
Chomp, chomp, chomp, it's a jungle out there! The bite force of an animal not only helps in eating, but also in hunting and defense. In the following article, animals with the highest bite force, or most powerful bite force, have been listed...
If the 'King of the Jungle' - the lion - had no teeth, life in the
Savannah would be totally different. First off, he would be known as the
'Joke of the Jungle', and things would have not been so eventful. As is
the norm everywhere, the key to survival in the wild too is to always
be ahead of the competition. In the jungle, or the animal kingdom, it is
the chomping power, or the bite force of an animal - to put it more
formally - that matters. Everything, right from the animal's feeding
characteristics, to the evolution of its community, is linked to the
bite force that he/she possesses.
In short, the survival of the fittest greatly depends on how well a species can put its chomping power to good use. Here are some of nature's greatest chompers with a powerful bite force. The list follows a decreasing order of the bite force value, measured in PSI (pound per square inch).
Note that the values mentioned in this article may exhibit small variations from species to species, and from source to source. The values are largely based on a mix of evidence, estimates, and mathematical calculations.
Lion
Lion
Bite Force = 650 PSI
Let us begin with his highness - the lion, also known as the 'King of the Jungle', although he has never traveled to a jungle, or probably doesn't even know what a jungle is. Anyway, he is the king, he gets what he wants! So, a lion - a heavyweight predator, who stands 6.5 feet tall, packed with 550 lbs of pure muscle, oozing with strength and ferociousness, and wearing a huge, fuzzy mane (which only suggests a badly needed barber) - is known to deliver a bite force of 650 psi. While the number sounds big, that's the lowest among the cat family; an embarrassment rather.
Grizzly Bear
Bear
Bite Force = 975 PSI
The bite force of a bear is measured at 975 psi; somewhere between that of the lion and the tiger, as you will see as you read further. It is said that with a bite force as large as this, bears can easily crack a bowling bowl, not that they would willingly do that and risk chipping their teeth. Bears are huge mammals, with some species weighing up to 1,700 lbs and reaching a length of up to 10 feet. With such massive bodies, we are sure that they would be clear winners for something like the 'killing-your-prey-by-sitting-on-top-of-it' competition, if not the chomping competition.
Tiger
Tiger
Bite Force = 1,050 PSI
If nature was Pablo Picasso, then the tiger would have been her masterpiece! One of the most ferocious and finest predators in the wild, the tiger is the largest in the cat family. Standing 11 feet tall, and weighing as much as 670 lbs, this fearsome hunter silently brushes through the forest and camouflages its black-striped, reddish-orange fur with the tall grasses, so that its prey does not sense its impending doom. And when the carnivore finally strikes, it sinks its canines into the prey with a bite force of 1,050 psi - way more than that of the lion. This is probably the reason why the tiger lives a solitary life for most part; with strength like that, who needs a 'pride'.
Hyena
Hyena
Bite Force = 1,100 PSI
Every large carnivore seems to be giving the lion a run for its money. If you can outrun a lion or a tiger, then you may have some hope, because at some point, the animal would give up the chase. But, if you are ever chased by a hyena, then you may have to run for the rest of your life! Amazing stamina has made hyenas one of the most successful predators in the wild.
Hyenas can chase their prey for more than 5 km, maintaining a speed of 60 km/hr. Eventually, when the prey goes down with exhaustion, they begin feasting on the flesh, while the shocked and tired prey is still alive. They begin by chomping on the softer sections of the body, then the tougher ones and finally the bones, leaving almost nothing. Scientists say the bone-crushing ability of a hyena is superior than that of a brown bear. And all this mega-chomping feat is accomplished by this hunter with its powerful bite force of 1,100 psi.
Gorilla
Bear
Bite Force = 1,300 PSI
Gorillas - 6 feet tall giants, weighing up to 400 lbs, strong, peaceful, intelligent, and shy animals. After chimps and bonobos, gorillas are our closest relatives. Their diet mainly comprises leaves, stems, shoots, insects, and fruits, depending on the species. Given their diet, you may think that the bite force of a gorilla should be much lesser than other mammals. However, this is not the case. This gentle giant is capable of biting down with a good amount of force - almost 1,300 psi. It is, however, less likely for a gorilla to use such an amount of bite force in feeding. This awesome bite force is reserved for conflicts that the mammal may find itself in, for example with leopards, who are one of the predators of gorillas.
Jaguar
Jaguar
Bite Force = 1,350 PSI
If you thought that the tiger had the strongest bite force in the cat family, then you'd be wrong. This distinction goes to the jaguar. Believe it or not, jaguars can deliver a bite force of a whopping 1,350 psi - a bite that is twice as powerful as that of the lion. You see, big cats such as the lion and the tiger kill their prey by biting down their throat and strangulating them to death. The jaguar, on the other hand, goes directly for the skull, crushing it and piercing the brains with its long and thick canines. With a strong, stout body, weighing up to 211 lbs, and such a strong bite, this hunter can also crack open the shells of armored prey, such as turtles.
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Bite Force = 1,825 PSI
Whenever we imagine a hippopotamus, the first thing that flashes in our mind is its enormous head and those long, thick, giant, canine ivory teeth. Each lower canine can reach up to a length of 20 inches, while the lower incisors can reach a length of up to 16 inches. On an average, adult males can weigh up to 4,000 lbs, and can be 17 feet long. Hippos are herbivores, and live on grass and water plants. So, what are those large ivory teeth good for? They are good for territorial fights and conflicts with other animals, and can be used to deliver a bite force of 1,825 psi.
Hippos may look docile, slow, and calm and composed when they are enjoying a dip in the water with fellow hippos. However, when in the mood, their aggressiveness knows no limits. These mammals are known to be ill-tempered by nature, especially males, who are extremely territorial as well. Many cases have been documented where hippos have attacked humans without any apparent provocation, and thus they are labeled as one of the most dangerous large animals in Africa. In fact, in Africa, more human fatalities are linked to these mammals than any other animals.
Alligator
Alligator
Bite Force = 2,125 PSI
First things first, alligators are apex predators; in other words, they are on top of the food chain, and eat other animals, no one eats them -- well, except humans, who eat anything that moves. These reptiles are known to grow to 14 feet in length and weigh more than 990 lbs. If the alligator were a WWE wrestler, then it would have been famous for its ultimate move - the 'death roll'. An adult alligator is believed to possess 74 - 80 teeth. And what does it do with so many teeth? It bites its prey, and starts spinning or moving in the water so violently, that chunks of meat just come tearing out of the body. This move is called the 'death roll'. Any guesses how much bite force is exerted during this ghastly maneuver? A monstrous 2,125 psi!
Saltwater Crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile
Bite Force = 3,700 PSI
And the gold medal in the chomping competition goes to ... Mr. Salty Croc! With a body that can weigh up to 4,400 lbs, the saltwater crocodile is a 23-feet long monster, capable of destroying everything in its path, except for poachers with nets and guns - cowards! With a large jaw structure, jaw muscles as stiff as bone, and sharp teeth, a crocodile's head is nature's ultimate machine, built for clamping down anything that gets inside its mouth.
Certain bite tests in laboratory settings conducted by experts have confirmed the saltwater crocodile as the ultimate chomper of the wild; the reptile can shut its jaw with an unbelievable force of 3,700 pounds per square inch!
Special Mention
Great White Shark
Great White Shark
Bite Force [estimated] = 4,000 PSI
How can we forget this animal who has managed to scare the s**t out of every single creature in water - including fishermen, surfers, and naval soldiers. The great white shark - a 5,000-lb killing machine, armed with about 300 serrated, triangular teeth, and an acute sense of smell to detect its food, is the largest predatory fish on earth. And if all these were not enough to make this monster a nemesis of aquatic life, it can also detect electromagnetic fields generated by animals.
Its bite force? With the help of an experiment, scientists have estimated that a 21-foot long great white shark may be capable of producing a bite force of a whopping 4,000 psi; real data from a live great white shark, mind you, may cost a dozen limbs and a few torsos, etc., so experts thought it best to stick with an estimated value.
Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil
BFQ = 181
Any research or read on animals with a powerful bite force is incomplete without the mention of the devil who roams in the woods of Tasmania - the Tasmanian Devil. This small, stout, strong carnivore marsupial is capable of chomping down its prey with a bite force quotient (BFQ) of 181.
The bite force of all the animals mentioned above were calculated in PSI. PSI denotes a pressure that results when an area of 1 square inch is subjected to a pressure of 1 pound force. Bite force quotient, however, is derived by dividing the bite force of the animal by its body mass. Through a series of tests and studies, scientists have concluded that the Tasmanian Devil is the mammal with the strongest bite force quotient on earth. In layman language, the creature generates the highest bite force for its size - it weighs no more than 26 lbs.
In short, the survival of the fittest greatly depends on how well a species can put its chomping power to good use. Here are some of nature's greatest chompers with a powerful bite force. The list follows a decreasing order of the bite force value, measured in PSI (pound per square inch).
Note that the values mentioned in this article may exhibit small variations from species to species, and from source to source. The values are largely based on a mix of evidence, estimates, and mathematical calculations.
Lion
Lion
Bite Force = 650 PSI
Let us begin with his highness - the lion, also known as the 'King of the Jungle', although he has never traveled to a jungle, or probably doesn't even know what a jungle is. Anyway, he is the king, he gets what he wants! So, a lion - a heavyweight predator, who stands 6.5 feet tall, packed with 550 lbs of pure muscle, oozing with strength and ferociousness, and wearing a huge, fuzzy mane (which only suggests a badly needed barber) - is known to deliver a bite force of 650 psi. While the number sounds big, that's the lowest among the cat family; an embarrassment rather.
Grizzly Bear
Bear
Bite Force = 975 PSI
The bite force of a bear is measured at 975 psi; somewhere between that of the lion and the tiger, as you will see as you read further. It is said that with a bite force as large as this, bears can easily crack a bowling bowl, not that they would willingly do that and risk chipping their teeth. Bears are huge mammals, with some species weighing up to 1,700 lbs and reaching a length of up to 10 feet. With such massive bodies, we are sure that they would be clear winners for something like the 'killing-your-prey-by-sitting-on-top-of-it' competition, if not the chomping competition.
Tiger
Tiger
Bite Force = 1,050 PSI
If nature was Pablo Picasso, then the tiger would have been her masterpiece! One of the most ferocious and finest predators in the wild, the tiger is the largest in the cat family. Standing 11 feet tall, and weighing as much as 670 lbs, this fearsome hunter silently brushes through the forest and camouflages its black-striped, reddish-orange fur with the tall grasses, so that its prey does not sense its impending doom. And when the carnivore finally strikes, it sinks its canines into the prey with a bite force of 1,050 psi - way more than that of the lion. This is probably the reason why the tiger lives a solitary life for most part; with strength like that, who needs a 'pride'.
Hyena
Hyena
Bite Force = 1,100 PSI
Every large carnivore seems to be giving the lion a run for its money. If you can outrun a lion or a tiger, then you may have some hope, because at some point, the animal would give up the chase. But, if you are ever chased by a hyena, then you may have to run for the rest of your life! Amazing stamina has made hyenas one of the most successful predators in the wild.
Hyenas can chase their prey for more than 5 km, maintaining a speed of 60 km/hr. Eventually, when the prey goes down with exhaustion, they begin feasting on the flesh, while the shocked and tired prey is still alive. They begin by chomping on the softer sections of the body, then the tougher ones and finally the bones, leaving almost nothing. Scientists say the bone-crushing ability of a hyena is superior than that of a brown bear. And all this mega-chomping feat is accomplished by this hunter with its powerful bite force of 1,100 psi.
Gorilla
Bear
Bite Force = 1,300 PSI
Gorillas - 6 feet tall giants, weighing up to 400 lbs, strong, peaceful, intelligent, and shy animals. After chimps and bonobos, gorillas are our closest relatives. Their diet mainly comprises leaves, stems, shoots, insects, and fruits, depending on the species. Given their diet, you may think that the bite force of a gorilla should be much lesser than other mammals. However, this is not the case. This gentle giant is capable of biting down with a good amount of force - almost 1,300 psi. It is, however, less likely for a gorilla to use such an amount of bite force in feeding. This awesome bite force is reserved for conflicts that the mammal may find itself in, for example with leopards, who are one of the predators of gorillas.
Jaguar
Jaguar
Bite Force = 1,350 PSI
If you thought that the tiger had the strongest bite force in the cat family, then you'd be wrong. This distinction goes to the jaguar. Believe it or not, jaguars can deliver a bite force of a whopping 1,350 psi - a bite that is twice as powerful as that of the lion. You see, big cats such as the lion and the tiger kill their prey by biting down their throat and strangulating them to death. The jaguar, on the other hand, goes directly for the skull, crushing it and piercing the brains with its long and thick canines. With a strong, stout body, weighing up to 211 lbs, and such a strong bite, this hunter can also crack open the shells of armored prey, such as turtles.
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Bite Force = 1,825 PSI
Whenever we imagine a hippopotamus, the first thing that flashes in our mind is its enormous head and those long, thick, giant, canine ivory teeth. Each lower canine can reach up to a length of 20 inches, while the lower incisors can reach a length of up to 16 inches. On an average, adult males can weigh up to 4,000 lbs, and can be 17 feet long. Hippos are herbivores, and live on grass and water plants. So, what are those large ivory teeth good for? They are good for territorial fights and conflicts with other animals, and can be used to deliver a bite force of 1,825 psi.
Hippos may look docile, slow, and calm and composed when they are enjoying a dip in the water with fellow hippos. However, when in the mood, their aggressiveness knows no limits. These mammals are known to be ill-tempered by nature, especially males, who are extremely territorial as well. Many cases have been documented where hippos have attacked humans without any apparent provocation, and thus they are labeled as one of the most dangerous large animals in Africa. In fact, in Africa, more human fatalities are linked to these mammals than any other animals.
Alligator
Alligator
Bite Force = 2,125 PSI
First things first, alligators are apex predators; in other words, they are on top of the food chain, and eat other animals, no one eats them -- well, except humans, who eat anything that moves. These reptiles are known to grow to 14 feet in length and weigh more than 990 lbs. If the alligator were a WWE wrestler, then it would have been famous for its ultimate move - the 'death roll'. An adult alligator is believed to possess 74 - 80 teeth. And what does it do with so many teeth? It bites its prey, and starts spinning or moving in the water so violently, that chunks of meat just come tearing out of the body. This move is called the 'death roll'. Any guesses how much bite force is exerted during this ghastly maneuver? A monstrous 2,125 psi!
Saltwater Crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile
Bite Force = 3,700 PSI
And the gold medal in the chomping competition goes to ... Mr. Salty Croc! With a body that can weigh up to 4,400 lbs, the saltwater crocodile is a 23-feet long monster, capable of destroying everything in its path, except for poachers with nets and guns - cowards! With a large jaw structure, jaw muscles as stiff as bone, and sharp teeth, a crocodile's head is nature's ultimate machine, built for clamping down anything that gets inside its mouth.
Certain bite tests in laboratory settings conducted by experts have confirmed the saltwater crocodile as the ultimate chomper of the wild; the reptile can shut its jaw with an unbelievable force of 3,700 pounds per square inch!
Special Mention
Great White Shark
Great White Shark
Bite Force [estimated] = 4,000 PSI
How can we forget this animal who has managed to scare the s**t out of every single creature in water - including fishermen, surfers, and naval soldiers. The great white shark - a 5,000-lb killing machine, armed with about 300 serrated, triangular teeth, and an acute sense of smell to detect its food, is the largest predatory fish on earth. And if all these were not enough to make this monster a nemesis of aquatic life, it can also detect electromagnetic fields generated by animals.
Its bite force? With the help of an experiment, scientists have estimated that a 21-foot long great white shark may be capable of producing a bite force of a whopping 4,000 psi; real data from a live great white shark, mind you, may cost a dozen limbs and a few torsos, etc., so experts thought it best to stick with an estimated value.
Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil
BFQ = 181
Any research or read on animals with a powerful bite force is incomplete without the mention of the devil who roams in the woods of Tasmania - the Tasmanian Devil. This small, stout, strong carnivore marsupial is capable of chomping down its prey with a bite force quotient (BFQ) of 181.
The bite force of all the animals mentioned above were calculated in PSI. PSI denotes a pressure that results when an area of 1 square inch is subjected to a pressure of 1 pound force. Bite force quotient, however, is derived by dividing the bite force of the animal by its body mass. Through a series of tests and studies, scientists have concluded that the Tasmanian Devil is the mammal with the strongest bite force quotient on earth. In layman language, the creature generates the highest bite force for its size - it weighs no more than 26 lbs.
List of Jungle Animals
Jungles have always been a subject of fascination for mankind. If you sit to compile a list of animals found in various jungles of the world - i.e. the species and its subspecies - it will simply go on and on.
A jungle, by definition, is an area with dense vegetation, marked by intense competition and struggle for survival.
More than half of the total animal species on the planet are found in jungles, and that makes it nearly impossible to compile a list of jungle animals. It would take a lot of time to come up with some list like that, and that too will be 'near perfect' - and not perfect - because several species out there are yet to be discovered or classified. Contrary to the popular belief that animals mean only mammals, in reality, the animal kingdom (or the 'kingdom Animalia') also includes birds, insects and reptiles.
Jungle Animals A to Z List
The jungles on the planet are home to millions of animal species, which vary in terms of shape, size, appearance, habitat, food habits, etc. Knowing what kind of animals live in the jungle is important, as it helps us understand the jungle ecosystem - and the importance of preserving it. Given below is an alphabetical list of animals that live in a jungle, in which we have tried to include some of the most popular species from around the world.
Antelopes
Antelope
Antelopes are ruminant mammals belonging to the Bovidae family, and are typically characterized by their unbranched horns which never shed. They are categorized into different species, based on their native habitat and appearance. Around 90 percent of these species are native to Africa alone. Some of the most popular species include the Arabian oryx and Dorcas gazelle native to Arabian peninsula, the Chinkara and Blackbuck species native to the lush green forests of India, the Tibetan antelope and Saiga native to Russia and Southeast Asia, etc.
Armadillos
Armadillo
Armadillos are placental mammals primarily found in South and Central America, which are typically characterized by their leathery armor shell. ('Armadillo' is a Spanish word, literally meaning the 'little armored one'.) There exist several sub-species of this mammal with their length varying between 5-59 in., and weight ranging between 4-120 lbs. Armadillos are lazy animals, and spend about 16 hours a day sleeping in their burrows. Rest of the time is spent hunting and feeding on beetles, ants, termites and other insects.
Bats
Bats
Bats boast of being the only mammalian species with the ability to fly - i.e. sustained flight, and not glide like the flying squirrels. There exist somewhere around 1,240 species of bats on the planet, 70 percent of which are insectivorous. Bats make up nearly half of all the mammalian species in the rainforests, where they play the crucial role of pollinator. Some of the most popular bat species include the giant golden-crowned flying fox, vampire bats (due to which bats are often associated with vampires), Kitti's hog-nosed bat, Mexican free-tailed bat, etc.
Bears
Bear
Bears are mammalian species belonging to the Ursidae family of animals, and are found all over the Northern Hemisphere and some parts of the Southern Hemisphere. There are 8 living species of bears on the planet; the American black bear, brown bear, Asian black bear, polar bear, sloth bear, sun bear, spectacled bear and the giant panda. Except for the polar bear, which is completely carnivorous, and the Giant Panda, with 90 percent of its diet comprising bamboo shoots, all other species of bears are omnivorous in nature.
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent species which share 98 percent of the genetic blueprint of humans. Their native habitat spans West and Central Africa. They are known to adapt to various habitats, ranging from dense forests to open grasslands. They can grow up to a height of 4-5.5 ft. and weigh between 70-130 lbs at full growth. Chimps usually feed on plants, but at times have also been seen feeding on insects and carrion. Though they walk on all fours most of the time, they do have the ability to stand upright and walk in that position.
Cougars
Cougar
The cougar, also referred to as the puma, mountain lion or panther, is one of the most powerful predators in the Americas. Cougars are found in many parts of the continent, ranging from dense forests of Canada to swamps of Florida. They can grow to a length of about 3.25-5.25 ft. and weigh about 136 lbs. These ambush predators feed on large preys such as elk, wild horses, white-tailed deer, armadillos, etc. Being a non-scavenging animal, it doesn't feed on carrion, but instead only feeds on the prey it has killed.
Deer
Deer
A deer is a ruminant mammal belonging to the Cervidae family of animals. Almost all males grow and shed horns ever year, and that distinguishes them from animals with permanent horns, like the antelopes. The moose (also referred to as Eurasian elk) native to North America and Europe, is the largest species of deer, while the Pudu, native to South America, is the smallest. Other prominent species include the reindeer, sambar, barasingha (swamp deer), spotted deer, fallow deer, red deer, black-tailed deer and the white-tailed deer.
Elephants
Elephants
While elephants are usually considered the largest land mammals on planet Earth, it is the African bush elephant, with a height of 8.2-13 ft. and weight of 5,000-14,000 lbs, which is specifically the largest land animal on the planet. It is 1 of the 3 extant elephant species; other 2 being the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant. As their name suggests, the African forest elephants are known to inhabit the dense forests of Africa. The Asian elephants, on the other hand, are usually found in the forested areas of Asia.
Foxes
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized canids, sporting a long narrow snout and a bushy tail. There are 37 identified species of this animal spread all over the world. Some of the most popular species are the red fox, kit fox, Arctic fox, fennec fox, Darwin's fox, crab-eating fox, etc. Found almost on all the continents, the red fox is the most common species of fox. The fennec fox is the smallest of the species, growing to a length of about 9.5-16 in. and weighing between 2.2 to 3.3 lbs. Being omnivorous in nature, foxes feed on berries, fruits, fish, birds, rodents, rabbits, reptiles etc.
Gorillas
Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest living primates on the planet in terms of size. Basically, there exist 2 species of gorillas - the Western gorillas and the Eastern gorillas; their geographical range is separated by the Congo River and its tributaries. The exact number of gorilla sub-species however, is a subject of contention - with some sources stating 4 sub-species and some stating 5. These ground dwelling primates are herbivorous in nature, and therefore the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests make an ideal habitat for them.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehog
A hedgehog is a carnivorous mammal sporting a coat of stiff, sharp spines, native to Asia, Europe and Africa. Hedgehogs are also found in the New Zealand, where they were introduced. They most often feed on worms, insects, snails, centipedes, mice, frogs and snakes. Though their eyesight is weak, they have a strong sense of smell and hearing. If attacked hedgehogs roll into a ball, and deceive their predators. Some of the most prominent species are the European hedgehog, Amur hedgehog, Indian long-eared hedgehog, etc.
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus is a herbivorous mammal native to the African continent. It is characterized by its large size, enormous mouth with large teeth and stubby legs. Hippos are ranked third in terms of weight, after elephants and rhinoceros. It is the pygmy hippopotamus which is usually known to inhabit the forested areas. These aggressive creatures are regarded as the most ferocious of the African wildlife. Found in abundance at one time, today they are battling for their basic survival owing to excessive poaching and loss of habitat.
Hyenas
Hyena
Hyenas are carnivorous mammals found in Asia and Africa. Some of the most prominent species of hyena include the spotted hyena (also known as laughing hyena), striped hyena, brown hyena, and the aardwolf. Hyena species are known to inhabit a range of habitats, right from grasslands and semi-deserts to dense forests. They are not just efficient hunters, but are also known widely for their scavenging habits. Their strong jaw and equally strong digestive system helps them eat and digest even the teeth and the bones of their prey.
Jaguars
Jaguar
The jaguar is the only species of the Panthera genus found in the Americas. It is the third largest feline in the world, and one of the most prominent predators of the tropical rainforest biome. The animal largely resembles a leopard, but a close look differentiates it from leopards on the basis of its bulky built. It has one of the most powerful bites among the felines, and can pierce its sharp teeth right through the skull of its prey. The range of this solitary hunting stalk-and-ambush predator is very vast, often spanning the dense forests and open terrains of the Americas.
Koalas
Koala Bear
Even though it is referred to as the koala bear, this pouched mammal is not a bear - nor is it related to the bear family. Koalas are actually marsupials native to eastern Australia, which are known to carry their young ones in their pouch for six months after the birth. At full growth, they can weigh around 20 lbs. They feed on eucalyptus leaves and spend most of the time on these trees, and are known to spend eighteen hours of the day sleeping. Koalas can stay without water for several days, deriving the necessary amount of moisture from the eucalyptus leaves they eat.
Lemurs
Ring-tailed lemur
Lemurs are the members of a group of primates called the Strepsirrhines, endemic to the island of Madagascar. They are often characterized by their large, reflective eyes and wailing cries. The 4 families of lemurs comprise 99 species, and their sub-species. One of these is the Aye-aye, sporting rodent-like teeth and a distinct, long middle finger. Growing to a length of 12-15 in. and weighing around 5.5 lbs, Aye-aye is the world largest nocturnal primate. Other prominent species of lemur include the brown lemurs, dwarf lemurs, woolly lemurs, etc.
Leopards
Leopard
The leopard, the smallest among the big cats, is native to southern Asia and Africa. It is most often characterized by its speed and ability to climb; traits which come handy when it comes to hunting in grasslands, mountainous regions and rainforests. According to the IUCN, there exist 9 species of leopards - most prominent ones being the Indian leopard, Javan leopard, Amur leopard, Sri Lankan leopard, etc. While some sources include snow leopard and clouded leopard as leopard subspecies, their inclusion is subject to debate.
Lions
Asiatic lion
Lions are usually associated with grasslands; the African Savannas in particular. However, a small population of lions does thrive in the Gir forests of Gujarat, India. On the basis of their range, lions are grouped into African lions, those native to the continent of Africa, and Asiatic lions, those native to Asia. In terms of size, the African lion - measuring about 4.5-6.5 ft. and weighing 265-420 lbs - is larger than the Asian lion. Usually lions hunt in groups referred to as a 'pride'; a single pride consists of around four-six individuals.
Lynx
Eurasian lynx
Lynx are solitary wildcats found across the continents of North America, Europe and Asia. There are four species of lynx - the Eurasian lynx, found in dense forests of Europe and Siberia, Canadian lynx, found in tundra forests of Canada and Alaska, the Iberian lynx, native to the Iberian peninsula in southern Europe, and the Bobcat, found in Canada, Mexico and the continental United States. Of these, the bobcat is perhaps the most popular species, and is not just found in forested areas, but is also known to thrive in semi-arid regions of the United States and Mexico.
Mongooses
Indian Gray Mongoose
Mongooses are carnivorous mammals native to most parts of Africa, southern Asia and the Iberian peninsula. As many as 33 species have been identified; the most prominent ones being the common dwarf mongoose, white-tailed mongoose, marsh mongoose, the Indian gray mongoose, etc. Their size and weight varies according to the species, with their length ranging between 7-25 in. and weight between 12 oz-11 lbs. Though most of the mongoose species are terrestrial, some are aquatic in nature, and some prefer treetops.
Monkeys
Bonnet monkey
Monkeys form yet another group of jungle animals, with more than 260 species inhabiting different forests of the world. These include the New World monkeys, like capuchins and marmosets, as well as the Old World monkeys, like baboons and macaques. Monkeys are normally differentiated from the apes on the basis of their tails. The Pygmy Marmoset is approximately 5-6 in. tall and weighs between 4-5 oz, while the Mandrill is 3.3 ft. tall and weighs around 77 lbs. Most of these species are arboreal, which makes the jungle the best habitat for them.
Red Pandas
Red Panda
The red panda is a herbivorous mammal found in the Himalayas, in Nepal, Central China and Burma. (Even though the resemblance in name makes one feel it is related to the giant panda, the fact is that the two are not related to each other.) Red pandas are crepuscular in nature, i.e. they are mostly active at dusk and dawn. Often seen to be feeding on bamboos, red pandas also feast on fruit, acorns, roots and eggs. Sadly, the red panda is an endangered animal fighting for its basic survival, with only a few thousand individuals left in the wild.
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros, often referred to as rhinos, are large mammals native to Asia and Africa. While Asia is home to 3 rhino species - the Javan rhino, Sumatran rhino and Indian rhino, Africa is home to 2 - the Black rhino and the White rhino. Their habitat spans the Savannas of Africa and the dense tropical and subtropical forests of Asia. Of the 2 African species, the Black rhino - like its Asian counterparts - prefers areas with dense vegetation. The Black rhino, Javan rhino and the Sumatran rhino are considered 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN.
Skunks
Skunk
Skunks are omnivorous mammals typically characterized by their peculiar act-of-self-defense wherein they spray a foul-smelling liquid produced by glands under their tail to repel the predators. Nearly all skunks are found in the Americas; the only exception being the stink badgers which are found in Asia. These mammals measure somewhere around 8-19 in. in length and weigh between 7 oz to 14 lbs. Other than the stink badgers, the group also includes species like the hooded skunks, stripped skunk, hog-nosed skunks and spotted skunks.
Tigers
Siberian tiger
The largest of the cat species, the tiger is native to most parts of the Asian continent. There exist 6 extant sub-species of the tiger; namely the Bengal tiger (India and Bangladesh), the Indochinese tiger (China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam), the Malayan tiger (south of the Malay Peninsula), the Sumatran tiger (Sumatra Island), the Siberian tiger (eastern Siberia) and the South China tiger (southern China). The stripes of a tiger play a crucial role when it comes to camouflage in the dense forests of its natural habitat.
Wild Dogs
Wild Dogs
Wild dogs is a generic term for mammals belonging to the Canidae family, who resemble dogs, but at the same time are distinguished from jackals and wolves. While African wild dogs and Australian wild dogs are usually found on grasslands, the Asiatic wild dogs, also called Indian wild dogs or Dholes, seem to prefer the forests. They make up for their size by hunting in packs, which - along with their amazing stamina - helps them bring down animals much larger than themselves. In fact, a large pack of dholes can even take on a tiger and kill it.
Wolverines
Wolverine
A wolverine is a member of the weasel family, the largest member to be precise, found in most parts of the northern hemisphere. Being omnivorous in nature, it is known to feed on plants, berries, rodents, large mammals as well as carrion. Though it resembles a bear and its name has striking similarity to that of wolf, the wolverine is not related to either. Measuring around 26-34 in. in length and weighing between 24-40 lbs, the wolverine - considered the strongest animal in proportion to size - is a classic example of the fact that 'looks can be deceptive'.
Wolves
Wolf
The wolf, the gray wolf to be precise, is considered the largest member of the Canidae family, and is found across Eurasia and North America. In general, wolves attain a length of about 36-63 in. and weigh between 40-175 lbs. There exist 39 subspecies of the gray wolf; the most popular ones being the Eurasian wolf, Mexican wolf, Eastern wolf, Indian wolf, red wolf, Baffin Island wolf, Northern Rocky Mountains wolf, etc. These subspecies are found in diverse habitats ranging from arid regions of North America to dense forests of Asia.
List of Jungle Birds
Around 10,000 species of birds are found on the planet; right from the 2 in. hummingbird to 8 ft. Ostrich. Owing to the diverse nature of the jungle, many birds choose it as their habitat. With their colorful plumage, these birds are well-adapted to inhabit the dense forests. Keeping it purely scientific, birds are categorized into different orders (or groups), i.e. Falconiformes, Galliformes, Strigiformes, Coraciiformes, Piciformes, and so on. Here are certain groups of birds which are known to inhabit jungles (alongside other habitats.)
Kingfishers, Hornbills, Etc. (Coraciiformes)
kingfisher
While 90 percent of this group is made up of different species of kingfishers, it also consists of birds like the bee eaters, toddies, hornbills, motmots, etc. The Puerto Rican Tody is the smallest bird in this group, weighing somewhere between 5 to 6 g, while the Southern Ground Hornbill is the largest, weighing between 4.8 to 13.6 lbs. Other than these two, this group consists of several species of kingfishers (tree kingfishers, water kingfishers and river kingfishers), hornbills, wood hoopoes, bee-eaters, ground rollers, rollers, todies, motmots, etc.
Falcons, Eagles, Etc. (Falconiformes)
harpy eagle
This group of birds consists of about 290 species of diurnal birds of prey, such as falcons, eagles and vultures. The smallest bird in this group is the Black-thighed Falconet, measuring around 5.5 in. and weighing approximately 1 oz. The largest bird, on the other hand, is the Cinereous Vulture, measuring an impressive 46 in., and weighing somewhere around 31 lbs. This group includes falcons, falconets, New World vultures, Old World vultures, eagles, harriers, hawks, condors, osprey, etc. Almost all the species in this group have long and broad wings which provide assistance when it comes to soaring flight.
Turkeys, Quails, Etc. (Galliformes)
wild turkey
Galliformes are characterized by their stout built and short thick bills. There are around 290 living species of birds in this group, which include turkeys, quails (both New World quail and Old World quail), pheasants, partridge, grouse, curassows, guans, etc. The smallest bird in this group is the Asian Blue Quail, measuring 5 in., and the largest is the North American Wild Turkey, measuring 47 in. Most of these birds are herbivores, and forage on the ground to feed on roots and other plant materials with their specially designed bills - and that, in turn, makes the jungle an apt habitat for them with no dearth of food whatsoever.
Woodpeckers, Toucans, Etc. (Piciformes)
toucan
The piciformes order of jungle birds is made up of around 400 different species of arboreal birds which are classified into six families. A large number of rainforest birds, known for their colorful plumage, belong to this group. Most of these birds are insectivores, though a few prefer to feed on fruits as well. Nearly half of the group is made up of different species of woodpeckers. Other than woodpeckers, the group also comprises toucans, barbets, jacamars, honeyguides, puffbirds, toucan-barbets, etc. At 3.0 in., the Bar-breasted Piculet is the smallest member of this group, while the Black-mandibled Toucan, a tropical rainforest bird measuring somewhere between 19-24 in., is the largest.
Owls (Strigiformes)
owl
The group consists of about 200 living species of nocturnal birds of prey, found nearly all over the world. These birds are found in a range of habitats, right from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforests. They usually feed on small mammals, insects and other smaller birds. The Elf Owl, measuring 5 in., is the smallest member of this group, while the Great Grey Owl, measuring 28 in. is the largest. As far as their weight is concerned, the distinction of being the heaviest is shared by the Eurasian Eagle-Owl and the Blakiston's Fish Owl - both weighing around 10 lbs.
Insects and Other Terrestrial Arthropods found in Jungle
Ants
leaf-cutter ants
Approximately 12,500 known species of ants are found all over the world. The only place where these social insects are not found is perhaps Antarctica and some remote islands. Species of ants which inhabit the dense forests of the world include the leaf-cutter ants, army ants, carpenter ants, weaver ants, etc. While some of these ants inhabit the trees, others rule the forest floor. Some of the species are known to build colonies, which span several miles at times, beneath the ground.
Bees
Bees
Though they most often come across as the producers of honey and beeswax, bees have a crucial role to play in the smooth functioning of ecosystem - that of facilitating pollination. Had it not been for these flying pollinators, we would have had lost the jungles long back. More than 20,000 known species of bees are found in different parts of the world - except Antarctica. Some of the most popular species include the honey bees, bumble bees, killer bees, etc.
Beetles
Rhino beetle
Beetles are insects with the largest number of known species in the animal kingdom. Though there are 350,000 known species, experts estimate a figure of 5 to 8 million. They form about 40 percent of all described species of insects. These insects can survive in almost all the habitats, except for the polar regions. Cockchafer, bombardier beetle, Cucujus cinnaberinus, Asian longhorn beetle, are some prominent species of beetles.
Butterflies
Butterflies
Butterflies are most often known for their appearance and unusual life cycle. In their larval form, these insects are known as caterpillars. An estimated 15,000 and 20,000 species of butterflies are found on the planet. These are broadly characterized into three groups, i.e. true butterflies, skippers and moth-butterflies. Swallowtails, whites, monarch butterflies, metalmark butterflies, brush-footed butterflies, etc., are some notable butterfly species.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies
It is easy to identify dragonflies owing to their distinct elongated bodies, large multifaceted eyes and two pairs of transparent wings. Around 5680 known species of dragonflies are found on the planet today; the most popular ones being the black-tailed skimmer, common hawker, common threadtail and navy dropwing. These insects usually inhabit water sources like ponds and slow moving streams, and are known to prefer clean water.
Moths
Moths
A moth closely resembles a butterfly, but the two are different insects belonging to the same order - and hence the resemblance. There are around 160,000 species of moths in the world. Though most of these species are nocturnal, there are some crepuscular and diurnal species as well. They prefer areas with dense vegetation as ample plants and trees ensure that they don't fall short of food in their larval stage - the only stage when they eat.
Termites
Termites
Termites are social insects that feed on dead plant material such as wood and leaf litter. There are 2600 identified species of termites in the world. Like ants, even termites live in groups known as colonies in mounds which can be as tall as 30 ft. at times. They usually prefer areas with dense vegetation as all their requirements, food, shelter and moisture, are fulfilled in such areas. As detritivores, they play a crucial role in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.
Wasps
Wasps
More than 100,000 species of wasps exist on the planet, and are broadly categorized into two groups - solitary wasps and social wasps. Except for the polar areas, these insects can survive in any type of habitat. When larvae, these insects are parasitic in nature, but as they grow to adult stage they restrict their diet to nectar; which also explains why they prefer building their nests in forested areas with abundance of flowers.
Other terrestrial arthropods found in jungle include centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, etc. These arthropods are often confused as insects owing to their exoskeleton, but technically they are not as they do not fulfill the three pairs or six legs characteristic of insects.
Centipedes
Centipede
Of the estimated 8000 species of centipedes found throughout the world, only around 3000 species have been identified as of today. Centipedes range anywhere between a few millimeters to around 30 cm, and are found in a variety of habitats including the Arctic region. They usually prefer moist areas where they can easily hide, and what better place but the forest floor with a lot of trees, fallen logs, decomposing leaves, ground burrows, rocks, etc.
Millipedes
Millipede
Millipedes somewhat resemble centipedes, but they are distinguished from the latter by their two pairs of legs on each segment. There are around 115 families of millipedes, which amount to about 10,000 species spread all over the world. Like centipedes, even millipedes prefer cool, moist environment, and therefore are often found in dense jungles. At 15.2 in., the Giant African millipede is the largest species of millipede in the world.
Scorpions
Scorpion
Approximately 1,750 described species of scorpions are found in the world. They exist in a range of habitats, including arid deserts and thick forests of the tropics. They usually inhabit areas with temperature ranging from 68°F to 99°F. Giant forest scorpions, emperor scorpion, Australian rainforest scorpion, etc., are some species which are found in forested areas. While some scorpion species prefer trees, others are ground-dwelling.
Spiders
Tarantula
Around 40,000 species of spiders, which are grouped into 109 families, have been identified from different parts of the world. A large number of these are found in tropical forests, where the climate is suitable and food is available in plenty. Spiders are found on trees, forest floor, in logs, and even along the water bodies in these forests. The largest species is the Goliath bird-eating spider found in South American rainforests, with a leg span of 10 in. and weighing approximately 4 oz.
Reptiles in the Jungle
Alligators
Alligator
Alligators are aquatic reptiles which are only found in the United States (the American alligator) and China (the Chinese alligator). Both the species have a limited range; the American alligator is native to the southeast United States and the Chinese alligator to the Yangtze River valley. The American alligator is larger of the two species, and can go on to attain a length of 13 ft. and weigh approximately 800 lbs. The Chinese alligator is much smaller with an average length of 7 to 8 ft. These reptiles feed on deer, smaller alligators, as well as large carnivores like panthers and black bears.
Crocodiles
Saltwater Crocodile
Unlike alligators, crocodiles enjoy a wider geographical expanse, and are found throughout Asia, Africa, Australia and both the Americas. Though these aquatic reptiles are most often found in freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes and wetlands, they are also known to inhabit brackish water bodies. Though their average length ranges between 6-15 ft., some species, like the saltwater crocodile, can grow up to a length of 18 ft. or more. One extraordinarily large crocodile was caught in South Asia in 2011. With a length of 20.3 ft. and weight of 2370 lb., this crocodile made it to the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest crocodile ever caught.
Lizards
iguana
Like other reptiles, even lizards are found everywhere - from arid deserts to marshlands - except for the continent of Antarctica. Their peculiar physical features and behavior have helped them adapt to a range of habitats. The lizards found in areas of dense vegetation, like jungles, often rely on their camouflage skills for hunting and to avoid their natural predators. There are over 5600 species of lizards, ranging from the leopard gecko, which measures no more than a few centimeters, to the highly venomous Komodo Dragon native to Indonesia, with an average length of 9 ft.
Snakes
anaconda
More than 20 recognized families, accounting for somewhere around 3,400 species ranging from the 10 cm. long thread snake to the 29 ft. long Reticulated python - that perhaps best defines the diversity you get to see in the world of these legless reptiles. Snakes are found in diverse habitats all over the world - including dense jungles. Though most of the snake species are non-venomous in nature, species like the black mamba, king cobra, diamondback rattlesnake, etc. are known to be highly venomous. Large forest-dwelling snakes, like pythons and anacondas, are known for the astonishing feat of swallowing animals as big as deer or capybara.
Turtles
Turtles
One gets to see a great deal of diversity in turtle population with more than 300 living species found across the world. The smallest turtle species is the Speckled padloper tortoise, endemic to South Africa, measuring 3 in. in length and weighing approximately 4.9 oz. The largest turtle, on the other hand, is the leatherback sea turtle measuring 5-6 ft. and weighing in excess of 600 lbs. Land turtles, more often referred to as tortoises, are found in deserts, grasslands, swamps, and dense forests. The distinction of being the largest land turtle goes to Galapagos tortoise with an average length of 5 ft. and weight of 400 lbs.
Millions of species inhabit the planet today, but they only form a small portion of the total number of species to have ever existed. It is estimated that somewhere around 99 percent of the total species to have ever inhabited the Earth have become extinct. What's even worse is the length of the list of threatened species. Several animals are enlisted as endangered - and some as critically endangered - with only a few individuals left in the wild. The need of this hour is to draft some precautionary measures to save these endangered animals, and more importantly, make sure that these measures are strictly implemented.
More than half of the total animal species on the planet are found in jungles, and that makes it nearly impossible to compile a list of jungle animals. It would take a lot of time to come up with some list like that, and that too will be 'near perfect' - and not perfect - because several species out there are yet to be discovered or classified. Contrary to the popular belief that animals mean only mammals, in reality, the animal kingdom (or the 'kingdom Animalia') also includes birds, insects and reptiles.
Jungle Animals A to Z List
The jungles on the planet are home to millions of animal species, which vary in terms of shape, size, appearance, habitat, food habits, etc. Knowing what kind of animals live in the jungle is important, as it helps us understand the jungle ecosystem - and the importance of preserving it. Given below is an alphabetical list of animals that live in a jungle, in which we have tried to include some of the most popular species from around the world.
Antelopes
Antelope
Antelopes are ruminant mammals belonging to the Bovidae family, and are typically characterized by their unbranched horns which never shed. They are categorized into different species, based on their native habitat and appearance. Around 90 percent of these species are native to Africa alone. Some of the most popular species include the Arabian oryx and Dorcas gazelle native to Arabian peninsula, the Chinkara and Blackbuck species native to the lush green forests of India, the Tibetan antelope and Saiga native to Russia and Southeast Asia, etc.
Armadillos
Armadillo
Armadillos are placental mammals primarily found in South and Central America, which are typically characterized by their leathery armor shell. ('Armadillo' is a Spanish word, literally meaning the 'little armored one'.) There exist several sub-species of this mammal with their length varying between 5-59 in., and weight ranging between 4-120 lbs. Armadillos are lazy animals, and spend about 16 hours a day sleeping in their burrows. Rest of the time is spent hunting and feeding on beetles, ants, termites and other insects.
Bats
Bats
Bats boast of being the only mammalian species with the ability to fly - i.e. sustained flight, and not glide like the flying squirrels. There exist somewhere around 1,240 species of bats on the planet, 70 percent of which are insectivorous. Bats make up nearly half of all the mammalian species in the rainforests, where they play the crucial role of pollinator. Some of the most popular bat species include the giant golden-crowned flying fox, vampire bats (due to which bats are often associated with vampires), Kitti's hog-nosed bat, Mexican free-tailed bat, etc.
Bears
Bear
Bears are mammalian species belonging to the Ursidae family of animals, and are found all over the Northern Hemisphere and some parts of the Southern Hemisphere. There are 8 living species of bears on the planet; the American black bear, brown bear, Asian black bear, polar bear, sloth bear, sun bear, spectacled bear and the giant panda. Except for the polar bear, which is completely carnivorous, and the Giant Panda, with 90 percent of its diet comprising bamboo shoots, all other species of bears are omnivorous in nature.
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent species which share 98 percent of the genetic blueprint of humans. Their native habitat spans West and Central Africa. They are known to adapt to various habitats, ranging from dense forests to open grasslands. They can grow up to a height of 4-5.5 ft. and weigh between 70-130 lbs at full growth. Chimps usually feed on plants, but at times have also been seen feeding on insects and carrion. Though they walk on all fours most of the time, they do have the ability to stand upright and walk in that position.
Cougars
Cougar
The cougar, also referred to as the puma, mountain lion or panther, is one of the most powerful predators in the Americas. Cougars are found in many parts of the continent, ranging from dense forests of Canada to swamps of Florida. They can grow to a length of about 3.25-5.25 ft. and weigh about 136 lbs. These ambush predators feed on large preys such as elk, wild horses, white-tailed deer, armadillos, etc. Being a non-scavenging animal, it doesn't feed on carrion, but instead only feeds on the prey it has killed.
Deer
Deer
A deer is a ruminant mammal belonging to the Cervidae family of animals. Almost all males grow and shed horns ever year, and that distinguishes them from animals with permanent horns, like the antelopes. The moose (also referred to as Eurasian elk) native to North America and Europe, is the largest species of deer, while the Pudu, native to South America, is the smallest. Other prominent species include the reindeer, sambar, barasingha (swamp deer), spotted deer, fallow deer, red deer, black-tailed deer and the white-tailed deer.
Elephants
Elephants
While elephants are usually considered the largest land mammals on planet Earth, it is the African bush elephant, with a height of 8.2-13 ft. and weight of 5,000-14,000 lbs, which is specifically the largest land animal on the planet. It is 1 of the 3 extant elephant species; other 2 being the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant. As their name suggests, the African forest elephants are known to inhabit the dense forests of Africa. The Asian elephants, on the other hand, are usually found in the forested areas of Asia.
Foxes
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized canids, sporting a long narrow snout and a bushy tail. There are 37 identified species of this animal spread all over the world. Some of the most popular species are the red fox, kit fox, Arctic fox, fennec fox, Darwin's fox, crab-eating fox, etc. Found almost on all the continents, the red fox is the most common species of fox. The fennec fox is the smallest of the species, growing to a length of about 9.5-16 in. and weighing between 2.2 to 3.3 lbs. Being omnivorous in nature, foxes feed on berries, fruits, fish, birds, rodents, rabbits, reptiles etc.
Gorillas
Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest living primates on the planet in terms of size. Basically, there exist 2 species of gorillas - the Western gorillas and the Eastern gorillas; their geographical range is separated by the Congo River and its tributaries. The exact number of gorilla sub-species however, is a subject of contention - with some sources stating 4 sub-species and some stating 5. These ground dwelling primates are herbivorous in nature, and therefore the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests make an ideal habitat for them.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehog
A hedgehog is a carnivorous mammal sporting a coat of stiff, sharp spines, native to Asia, Europe and Africa. Hedgehogs are also found in the New Zealand, where they were introduced. They most often feed on worms, insects, snails, centipedes, mice, frogs and snakes. Though their eyesight is weak, they have a strong sense of smell and hearing. If attacked hedgehogs roll into a ball, and deceive their predators. Some of the most prominent species are the European hedgehog, Amur hedgehog, Indian long-eared hedgehog, etc.
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus is a herbivorous mammal native to the African continent. It is characterized by its large size, enormous mouth with large teeth and stubby legs. Hippos are ranked third in terms of weight, after elephants and rhinoceros. It is the pygmy hippopotamus which is usually known to inhabit the forested areas. These aggressive creatures are regarded as the most ferocious of the African wildlife. Found in abundance at one time, today they are battling for their basic survival owing to excessive poaching and loss of habitat.
Hyenas
Hyena
Hyenas are carnivorous mammals found in Asia and Africa. Some of the most prominent species of hyena include the spotted hyena (also known as laughing hyena), striped hyena, brown hyena, and the aardwolf. Hyena species are known to inhabit a range of habitats, right from grasslands and semi-deserts to dense forests. They are not just efficient hunters, but are also known widely for their scavenging habits. Their strong jaw and equally strong digestive system helps them eat and digest even the teeth and the bones of their prey.
Jaguars
Jaguar
The jaguar is the only species of the Panthera genus found in the Americas. It is the third largest feline in the world, and one of the most prominent predators of the tropical rainforest biome. The animal largely resembles a leopard, but a close look differentiates it from leopards on the basis of its bulky built. It has one of the most powerful bites among the felines, and can pierce its sharp teeth right through the skull of its prey. The range of this solitary hunting stalk-and-ambush predator is very vast, often spanning the dense forests and open terrains of the Americas.
Koalas
Koala Bear
Even though it is referred to as the koala bear, this pouched mammal is not a bear - nor is it related to the bear family. Koalas are actually marsupials native to eastern Australia, which are known to carry their young ones in their pouch for six months after the birth. At full growth, they can weigh around 20 lbs. They feed on eucalyptus leaves and spend most of the time on these trees, and are known to spend eighteen hours of the day sleeping. Koalas can stay without water for several days, deriving the necessary amount of moisture from the eucalyptus leaves they eat.
Lemurs
Ring-tailed lemur
Lemurs are the members of a group of primates called the Strepsirrhines, endemic to the island of Madagascar. They are often characterized by their large, reflective eyes and wailing cries. The 4 families of lemurs comprise 99 species, and their sub-species. One of these is the Aye-aye, sporting rodent-like teeth and a distinct, long middle finger. Growing to a length of 12-15 in. and weighing around 5.5 lbs, Aye-aye is the world largest nocturnal primate. Other prominent species of lemur include the brown lemurs, dwarf lemurs, woolly lemurs, etc.
Leopards
Leopard
The leopard, the smallest among the big cats, is native to southern Asia and Africa. It is most often characterized by its speed and ability to climb; traits which come handy when it comes to hunting in grasslands, mountainous regions and rainforests. According to the IUCN, there exist 9 species of leopards - most prominent ones being the Indian leopard, Javan leopard, Amur leopard, Sri Lankan leopard, etc. While some sources include snow leopard and clouded leopard as leopard subspecies, their inclusion is subject to debate.
Lions
Asiatic lion
Lions are usually associated with grasslands; the African Savannas in particular. However, a small population of lions does thrive in the Gir forests of Gujarat, India. On the basis of their range, lions are grouped into African lions, those native to the continent of Africa, and Asiatic lions, those native to Asia. In terms of size, the African lion - measuring about 4.5-6.5 ft. and weighing 265-420 lbs - is larger than the Asian lion. Usually lions hunt in groups referred to as a 'pride'; a single pride consists of around four-six individuals.
Lynx
Eurasian lynx
Lynx are solitary wildcats found across the continents of North America, Europe and Asia. There are four species of lynx - the Eurasian lynx, found in dense forests of Europe and Siberia, Canadian lynx, found in tundra forests of Canada and Alaska, the Iberian lynx, native to the Iberian peninsula in southern Europe, and the Bobcat, found in Canada, Mexico and the continental United States. Of these, the bobcat is perhaps the most popular species, and is not just found in forested areas, but is also known to thrive in semi-arid regions of the United States and Mexico.
Mongooses
Indian Gray Mongoose
Mongooses are carnivorous mammals native to most parts of Africa, southern Asia and the Iberian peninsula. As many as 33 species have been identified; the most prominent ones being the common dwarf mongoose, white-tailed mongoose, marsh mongoose, the Indian gray mongoose, etc. Their size and weight varies according to the species, with their length ranging between 7-25 in. and weight between 12 oz-11 lbs. Though most of the mongoose species are terrestrial, some are aquatic in nature, and some prefer treetops.
Monkeys
Bonnet monkey
Monkeys form yet another group of jungle animals, with more than 260 species inhabiting different forests of the world. These include the New World monkeys, like capuchins and marmosets, as well as the Old World monkeys, like baboons and macaques. Monkeys are normally differentiated from the apes on the basis of their tails. The Pygmy Marmoset is approximately 5-6 in. tall and weighs between 4-5 oz, while the Mandrill is 3.3 ft. tall and weighs around 77 lbs. Most of these species are arboreal, which makes the jungle the best habitat for them.
Red Pandas
Red Panda
The red panda is a herbivorous mammal found in the Himalayas, in Nepal, Central China and Burma. (Even though the resemblance in name makes one feel it is related to the giant panda, the fact is that the two are not related to each other.) Red pandas are crepuscular in nature, i.e. they are mostly active at dusk and dawn. Often seen to be feeding on bamboos, red pandas also feast on fruit, acorns, roots and eggs. Sadly, the red panda is an endangered animal fighting for its basic survival, with only a few thousand individuals left in the wild.
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros, often referred to as rhinos, are large mammals native to Asia and Africa. While Asia is home to 3 rhino species - the Javan rhino, Sumatran rhino and Indian rhino, Africa is home to 2 - the Black rhino and the White rhino. Their habitat spans the Savannas of Africa and the dense tropical and subtropical forests of Asia. Of the 2 African species, the Black rhino - like its Asian counterparts - prefers areas with dense vegetation. The Black rhino, Javan rhino and the Sumatran rhino are considered 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN.
Skunks
Skunk
Skunks are omnivorous mammals typically characterized by their peculiar act-of-self-defense wherein they spray a foul-smelling liquid produced by glands under their tail to repel the predators. Nearly all skunks are found in the Americas; the only exception being the stink badgers which are found in Asia. These mammals measure somewhere around 8-19 in. in length and weigh between 7 oz to 14 lbs. Other than the stink badgers, the group also includes species like the hooded skunks, stripped skunk, hog-nosed skunks and spotted skunks.
Tigers
Siberian tiger
The largest of the cat species, the tiger is native to most parts of the Asian continent. There exist 6 extant sub-species of the tiger; namely the Bengal tiger (India and Bangladesh), the Indochinese tiger (China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam), the Malayan tiger (south of the Malay Peninsula), the Sumatran tiger (Sumatra Island), the Siberian tiger (eastern Siberia) and the South China tiger (southern China). The stripes of a tiger play a crucial role when it comes to camouflage in the dense forests of its natural habitat.
Wild Dogs
Wild Dogs
Wild dogs is a generic term for mammals belonging to the Canidae family, who resemble dogs, but at the same time are distinguished from jackals and wolves. While African wild dogs and Australian wild dogs are usually found on grasslands, the Asiatic wild dogs, also called Indian wild dogs or Dholes, seem to prefer the forests. They make up for their size by hunting in packs, which - along with their amazing stamina - helps them bring down animals much larger than themselves. In fact, a large pack of dholes can even take on a tiger and kill it.
Wolverines
Wolverine
A wolverine is a member of the weasel family, the largest member to be precise, found in most parts of the northern hemisphere. Being omnivorous in nature, it is known to feed on plants, berries, rodents, large mammals as well as carrion. Though it resembles a bear and its name has striking similarity to that of wolf, the wolverine is not related to either. Measuring around 26-34 in. in length and weighing between 24-40 lbs, the wolverine - considered the strongest animal in proportion to size - is a classic example of the fact that 'looks can be deceptive'.
Wolves
Wolf
The wolf, the gray wolf to be precise, is considered the largest member of the Canidae family, and is found across Eurasia and North America. In general, wolves attain a length of about 36-63 in. and weigh between 40-175 lbs. There exist 39 subspecies of the gray wolf; the most popular ones being the Eurasian wolf, Mexican wolf, Eastern wolf, Indian wolf, red wolf, Baffin Island wolf, Northern Rocky Mountains wolf, etc. These subspecies are found in diverse habitats ranging from arid regions of North America to dense forests of Asia.
List of Jungle Birds
Around 10,000 species of birds are found on the planet; right from the 2 in. hummingbird to 8 ft. Ostrich. Owing to the diverse nature of the jungle, many birds choose it as their habitat. With their colorful plumage, these birds are well-adapted to inhabit the dense forests. Keeping it purely scientific, birds are categorized into different orders (or groups), i.e. Falconiformes, Galliformes, Strigiformes, Coraciiformes, Piciformes, and so on. Here are certain groups of birds which are known to inhabit jungles (alongside other habitats.)
Kingfishers, Hornbills, Etc. (Coraciiformes)
kingfisher
While 90 percent of this group is made up of different species of kingfishers, it also consists of birds like the bee eaters, toddies, hornbills, motmots, etc. The Puerto Rican Tody is the smallest bird in this group, weighing somewhere between 5 to 6 g, while the Southern Ground Hornbill is the largest, weighing between 4.8 to 13.6 lbs. Other than these two, this group consists of several species of kingfishers (tree kingfishers, water kingfishers and river kingfishers), hornbills, wood hoopoes, bee-eaters, ground rollers, rollers, todies, motmots, etc.
Falcons, Eagles, Etc. (Falconiformes)
harpy eagle
This group of birds consists of about 290 species of diurnal birds of prey, such as falcons, eagles and vultures. The smallest bird in this group is the Black-thighed Falconet, measuring around 5.5 in. and weighing approximately 1 oz. The largest bird, on the other hand, is the Cinereous Vulture, measuring an impressive 46 in., and weighing somewhere around 31 lbs. This group includes falcons, falconets, New World vultures, Old World vultures, eagles, harriers, hawks, condors, osprey, etc. Almost all the species in this group have long and broad wings which provide assistance when it comes to soaring flight.
Turkeys, Quails, Etc. (Galliformes)
wild turkey
Galliformes are characterized by their stout built and short thick bills. There are around 290 living species of birds in this group, which include turkeys, quails (both New World quail and Old World quail), pheasants, partridge, grouse, curassows, guans, etc. The smallest bird in this group is the Asian Blue Quail, measuring 5 in., and the largest is the North American Wild Turkey, measuring 47 in. Most of these birds are herbivores, and forage on the ground to feed on roots and other plant materials with their specially designed bills - and that, in turn, makes the jungle an apt habitat for them with no dearth of food whatsoever.
Woodpeckers, Toucans, Etc. (Piciformes)
toucan
The piciformes order of jungle birds is made up of around 400 different species of arboreal birds which are classified into six families. A large number of rainforest birds, known for their colorful plumage, belong to this group. Most of these birds are insectivores, though a few prefer to feed on fruits as well. Nearly half of the group is made up of different species of woodpeckers. Other than woodpeckers, the group also comprises toucans, barbets, jacamars, honeyguides, puffbirds, toucan-barbets, etc. At 3.0 in., the Bar-breasted Piculet is the smallest member of this group, while the Black-mandibled Toucan, a tropical rainforest bird measuring somewhere between 19-24 in., is the largest.
Owls (Strigiformes)
owl
The group consists of about 200 living species of nocturnal birds of prey, found nearly all over the world. These birds are found in a range of habitats, right from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforests. They usually feed on small mammals, insects and other smaller birds. The Elf Owl, measuring 5 in., is the smallest member of this group, while the Great Grey Owl, measuring 28 in. is the largest. As far as their weight is concerned, the distinction of being the heaviest is shared by the Eurasian Eagle-Owl and the Blakiston's Fish Owl - both weighing around 10 lbs.
Insects and Other Terrestrial Arthropods found in Jungle
Ants
leaf-cutter ants
Approximately 12,500 known species of ants are found all over the world. The only place where these social insects are not found is perhaps Antarctica and some remote islands. Species of ants which inhabit the dense forests of the world include the leaf-cutter ants, army ants, carpenter ants, weaver ants, etc. While some of these ants inhabit the trees, others rule the forest floor. Some of the species are known to build colonies, which span several miles at times, beneath the ground.
Bees
Bees
Though they most often come across as the producers of honey and beeswax, bees have a crucial role to play in the smooth functioning of ecosystem - that of facilitating pollination. Had it not been for these flying pollinators, we would have had lost the jungles long back. More than 20,000 known species of bees are found in different parts of the world - except Antarctica. Some of the most popular species include the honey bees, bumble bees, killer bees, etc.
Beetles
Rhino beetle
Beetles are insects with the largest number of known species in the animal kingdom. Though there are 350,000 known species, experts estimate a figure of 5 to 8 million. They form about 40 percent of all described species of insects. These insects can survive in almost all the habitats, except for the polar regions. Cockchafer, bombardier beetle, Cucujus cinnaberinus, Asian longhorn beetle, are some prominent species of beetles.
Butterflies
Butterflies
Butterflies are most often known for their appearance and unusual life cycle. In their larval form, these insects are known as caterpillars. An estimated 15,000 and 20,000 species of butterflies are found on the planet. These are broadly characterized into three groups, i.e. true butterflies, skippers and moth-butterflies. Swallowtails, whites, monarch butterflies, metalmark butterflies, brush-footed butterflies, etc., are some notable butterfly species.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies
It is easy to identify dragonflies owing to their distinct elongated bodies, large multifaceted eyes and two pairs of transparent wings. Around 5680 known species of dragonflies are found on the planet today; the most popular ones being the black-tailed skimmer, common hawker, common threadtail and navy dropwing. These insects usually inhabit water sources like ponds and slow moving streams, and are known to prefer clean water.
Moths
Moths
A moth closely resembles a butterfly, but the two are different insects belonging to the same order - and hence the resemblance. There are around 160,000 species of moths in the world. Though most of these species are nocturnal, there are some crepuscular and diurnal species as well. They prefer areas with dense vegetation as ample plants and trees ensure that they don't fall short of food in their larval stage - the only stage when they eat.
Termites
Termites
Termites are social insects that feed on dead plant material such as wood and leaf litter. There are 2600 identified species of termites in the world. Like ants, even termites live in groups known as colonies in mounds which can be as tall as 30 ft. at times. They usually prefer areas with dense vegetation as all their requirements, food, shelter and moisture, are fulfilled in such areas. As detritivores, they play a crucial role in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.
Wasps
Wasps
More than 100,000 species of wasps exist on the planet, and are broadly categorized into two groups - solitary wasps and social wasps. Except for the polar areas, these insects can survive in any type of habitat. When larvae, these insects are parasitic in nature, but as they grow to adult stage they restrict their diet to nectar; which also explains why they prefer building their nests in forested areas with abundance of flowers.
Other terrestrial arthropods found in jungle include centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, etc. These arthropods are often confused as insects owing to their exoskeleton, but technically they are not as they do not fulfill the three pairs or six legs characteristic of insects.
Centipedes
Centipede
Of the estimated 8000 species of centipedes found throughout the world, only around 3000 species have been identified as of today. Centipedes range anywhere between a few millimeters to around 30 cm, and are found in a variety of habitats including the Arctic region. They usually prefer moist areas where they can easily hide, and what better place but the forest floor with a lot of trees, fallen logs, decomposing leaves, ground burrows, rocks, etc.
Millipedes
Millipede
Millipedes somewhat resemble centipedes, but they are distinguished from the latter by their two pairs of legs on each segment. There are around 115 families of millipedes, which amount to about 10,000 species spread all over the world. Like centipedes, even millipedes prefer cool, moist environment, and therefore are often found in dense jungles. At 15.2 in., the Giant African millipede is the largest species of millipede in the world.
Scorpions
Scorpion
Approximately 1,750 described species of scorpions are found in the world. They exist in a range of habitats, including arid deserts and thick forests of the tropics. They usually inhabit areas with temperature ranging from 68°F to 99°F. Giant forest scorpions, emperor scorpion, Australian rainforest scorpion, etc., are some species which are found in forested areas. While some scorpion species prefer trees, others are ground-dwelling.
Spiders
Tarantula
Around 40,000 species of spiders, which are grouped into 109 families, have been identified from different parts of the world. A large number of these are found in tropical forests, where the climate is suitable and food is available in plenty. Spiders are found on trees, forest floor, in logs, and even along the water bodies in these forests. The largest species is the Goliath bird-eating spider found in South American rainforests, with a leg span of 10 in. and weighing approximately 4 oz.
Reptiles in the Jungle
Alligators
Alligator
Alligators are aquatic reptiles which are only found in the United States (the American alligator) and China (the Chinese alligator). Both the species have a limited range; the American alligator is native to the southeast United States and the Chinese alligator to the Yangtze River valley. The American alligator is larger of the two species, and can go on to attain a length of 13 ft. and weigh approximately 800 lbs. The Chinese alligator is much smaller with an average length of 7 to 8 ft. These reptiles feed on deer, smaller alligators, as well as large carnivores like panthers and black bears.
Crocodiles
Saltwater Crocodile
Unlike alligators, crocodiles enjoy a wider geographical expanse, and are found throughout Asia, Africa, Australia and both the Americas. Though these aquatic reptiles are most often found in freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes and wetlands, they are also known to inhabit brackish water bodies. Though their average length ranges between 6-15 ft., some species, like the saltwater crocodile, can grow up to a length of 18 ft. or more. One extraordinarily large crocodile was caught in South Asia in 2011. With a length of 20.3 ft. and weight of 2370 lb., this crocodile made it to the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest crocodile ever caught.
Lizards
iguana
Like other reptiles, even lizards are found everywhere - from arid deserts to marshlands - except for the continent of Antarctica. Their peculiar physical features and behavior have helped them adapt to a range of habitats. The lizards found in areas of dense vegetation, like jungles, often rely on their camouflage skills for hunting and to avoid their natural predators. There are over 5600 species of lizards, ranging from the leopard gecko, which measures no more than a few centimeters, to the highly venomous Komodo Dragon native to Indonesia, with an average length of 9 ft.
Snakes
anaconda
More than 20 recognized families, accounting for somewhere around 3,400 species ranging from the 10 cm. long thread snake to the 29 ft. long Reticulated python - that perhaps best defines the diversity you get to see in the world of these legless reptiles. Snakes are found in diverse habitats all over the world - including dense jungles. Though most of the snake species are non-venomous in nature, species like the black mamba, king cobra, diamondback rattlesnake, etc. are known to be highly venomous. Large forest-dwelling snakes, like pythons and anacondas, are known for the astonishing feat of swallowing animals as big as deer or capybara.
Turtles
Turtles
One gets to see a great deal of diversity in turtle population with more than 300 living species found across the world. The smallest turtle species is the Speckled padloper tortoise, endemic to South Africa, measuring 3 in. in length and weighing approximately 4.9 oz. The largest turtle, on the other hand, is the leatherback sea turtle measuring 5-6 ft. and weighing in excess of 600 lbs. Land turtles, more often referred to as tortoises, are found in deserts, grasslands, swamps, and dense forests. The distinction of being the largest land turtle goes to Galapagos tortoise with an average length of 5 ft. and weight of 400 lbs.
Millions of species inhabit the planet today, but they only form a small portion of the total number of species to have ever existed. It is estimated that somewhere around 99 percent of the total species to have ever inhabited the Earth have become extinct. What's even worse is the length of the list of threatened species. Several animals are enlisted as endangered - and some as critically endangered - with only a few individuals left in the wild. The need of this hour is to draft some precautionary measures to save these endangered animals, and more importantly, make sure that these measures are strictly implemented.
African Animals List
Africa, the land with an abundance of different kinds and species of animals. There are many animals of the African wilderness, that call the continent of Africa home. This article will take you on an African safari with the following African animals list.
Africa is a unique land of varied traditions, culture, people,
languages and geography. It is the second largest continent of the
world. It is also the second most populous continent after Asia. The
Mediterranean sea surrounds Africa to the north, the Red Sea and Suez
canal to the northeast, the southwest surrounded by the Indian Ocean and
the west bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The equator passes through
Africa making it the only continent that stretches from the northern
temperate to the southern temperate zones. This has created an arid or
desert region in the northern half and the central and southern half
covered with the plains of savanna and a dense rainforest jungle region.
We have all mostly seen wild animals as zoo inhabitants or in television documentaries, but never in their natural habitat. Africa has been blessed with a variety of beautiful animal species such as the carnivores, herbivores, snakes, primates, aquatic animals like crocodiles and amphibians, etc. The following table contains African animals list along with a short description of the animal. Safari means 'journey' or 'long trip' in Swahili, thus, let us begin with a long journey of African animal list.
List of African Animals
The list of African animals is very long and in this Buzzle article I have tried to cover as many animals possible. The following animal list will help you recognize most of the great animals of Africa.
Animal Name ~ African Name
Aardvark
Aardvark ~ Erdvark
Aardvark is a nocturnal animal, found all over Africa in dry and wet climates. These animals feed on termites, thus have a long sticky tongue. They have poor eyesight and large powerful claws on their feet for digging. Aardvark has an almost hairless body, short neck and short legs.
Aardwolf
Aardwolf ~ Aardwolf
Aardwolf is a small mammal, that looks similar to the striped hyena. The only surviving species of the subfamily Protelinae, lives in the eastern and northeastern Africa. It feeds on insects unlike hyenas.
Addax
Addax
Addax are large antelopes that weigh up to 300 pounds. They have a sand colored coat in summer and grayish brown in winter. These antelopes are white colored on their legs, hips, belly, ears and facial markings. They have thin, back slanted horns with a spiral twist of up to three turns on both sexes. Addax are adapted to withstand extreme heat and drink very little water. They seem to draw water they need from the dew and the plants they eat.
Addra Gazelle
Addra Gazelle
Addra gazelle takes the crown for being the tallest and the largest gazelles in the world. They have a small head compared to their body, with narrow muzzle eyes. They have reddish-chestnut neck, back and flanks with distinctive white spot just below the throat. The horns are curved flat to the back with upturned tips in both sexes. They are natives of southern Morocco and are found from Senegal to Sudan.
African Gray Parrot
African Gray Parrot
These parrots are very talkative, intelligent birds. African gray parrot can easily learn hundreds of words and other sounds. They live in western and central Africa in lowland forests, clearings and savannas. They feed on seeds, berries, nuts and fruits.
Baboon
Baboon ~ Nyani
Baboons are medium-sized primates found in east Africa, generally in the forested area and commonly known to wander off to the African plains. These are ground dwelling monkeys and live together in troops. They have an omnivorous diet which is mainly vegetarian. They occasionally prey on insects, fish, shellfish, hares, birds, monkeys and even small antelopes.
Bat-eared Fox
Bat-eared Fox ~ Mbweha masikio
These are small African foxes known for their enormous ears. Their ears help shed the excessive heat and keep the fox cool. Bat-eared foxes are sandy gray in color with lighter fur on their belly and dark fur around the eyes, muzzle, back of the ears, feet and tail. They feed on harvester termites and insects like grasshoppers, scorpions, spiders, rodents, lizards, fruits and eggs.
Beisa Oryx
Beisa Oryx ~ Choroa
These are non-jumping antelopes, found in the arid areas of Somalia and eastern Africa. Beisa Oryx can tolerate long periods of heat by raising their body temperatures to up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes the heat to leave their bodies for the surrounding cooler air. Thus, allowing minimum loss of water due to sweating or evaporation.
Blue Monkey
Blue Monkey ~ Choroa
These monkeys are noticeably blue as suggested by their name. Blue monkeys have little hair on their face, that gives them the blue appearance sometimes. They are native to the central and east Africa, from the upper Congo basin to the Great Rift Valley. They are also found in Angola and Zambia. They eat fruits and leaves but will not shy away from eating slow-moving invertebrates.
Bongo
Bongo
The Bongo are nocturnal antelopes of reddish-orange color with white stripes running vertically along the body. This hoofed animal is the largest species of antelope and the only antelope species which has horns on both the males and females. They are found in central, east and west Africa, inhabiting the dense woodlands and on mountains with altitudes up to 4,000 meters above the sea level.
Bonobo
Bonobo
Bonobo are the largest primates found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are also known as pygmy chimpanzee and the dwarf chimpanzee as they are very closely related to the chimpanzee. The bonobo is known to share 98% of the DNA with humans. They are omnivorous animals that feed on fruits, leaves, flowers, beak and seeds mainly. If they get a chance, they also feed on honey, eggs, insects, small mammals and reptiles.
Bontebok
Bontebok
Bontebok are medium-sized antelopes. They have a convex forehead and an elongated muzzle. They have a level back and developed limbs. They have a glossy coat of chestnut-brown, dark neck and hindquarters. There are purple-black blotches on their sides and upper limbs. Bontebok have 14-15 inches long horns in both sexes that are 'S' shaped, angular, curved and ringed, except for the tips.
Buffalo
Buffalo
Water buffalo are said to have originated in Asia and have been domesticated world-wide. The wild Asian Buffalo is said to be an endangered animal. These are herbivores and spend most of their time submerged in water. There are large herds of water buffaloes found in Africa.
Burchell's Zebra
Burchell's Zebra ~ Bontsebra
Zebras are common zebrid animals with black and white strips to confuse the predators. They are found to the north of Orange river system, southern Botswana, Etosha and the Kaokoveld, Swaziland and Kwazulu-Natal.
Bushbaby
Bushbaby or Galago ~ Komba
These little night monkeys of Africa are native to continental Africa and can be seen exclusively in the night. Bushbabies have good night vision and acute sense of hearing. They have strong hind limbs and long tails that help them provide balance. Their second toe of the hind foot has a 'toilet' claw that helps in grooming. They feed on insects, small animals, fruits and tree gums.
Bushbuck
Bushbuck ~ Bosbok
These are pretty looking antelopes with striped back and spotted flanks. Bushbuck have straight twisted horns that are brown to black and a white spot on the cheek and two patches on the neck and throat. They are found in the forest savanna mosaics and bush savanna forest and woodland.
Bushpig
Bushpig ~ Bosvark
These are pigs that live in the Somalia, eastern and southern former Zaire, Cape Province and Natal in South Africa. Bushpigs have also been introduced in Madagascar, Comoro and Mayotte Islands. They resemble the domestic pigs and have small eyes, blunt snout and tufted ears. Their diet consists of roots, crops and even newborn lambs.
Camel
Camel ~ Ngamia
Undoubtedly known as the 'ship of the desert', camels are anatomically made to survive for long periods in deserts. They have a hump on their back that helps them store water and food. They can run up to a speed of 25 mph for long stretches. They can survive without food and water for many days and drink over 100 liters of water in one go. Their body is also highly adaptable to the extremely hot climate during the day and the freezing temperatures of night in the deserts.
Caracal
Caracal ~ Rooikat
These are commonly known as the African Lynx, although, it is a fact that they are not a lynx cat. They are medium-sized cats and can leap up into the air to successfully hunt down flying birds. These flying acrobats are dark red, gray or golden sand in color. Their ears are black with tufts. Caracal hunt rodents, birds, including ostriches, antelopes, gazelles and rabbits. They are found in the African savannas and tropical grasslands and deserts.
Cheetah
Cheetah ~ Duma
These slender build, long spotted white-tipped tail, spotted coat with single black spot carnivore is referred as the 'greyhound of cats'. These are the only members of the cat family with non-retractable claws. Cheetah's have a characteristic 'tear mark' running from the inner corner of both their eyes. The smallest cat of Africa can reach a speed of 80 km/hour in less than 3 seconds. Cheetahs are classified as an endangered species due to their dwindling habitat and high mortality rate of the cubs. They are found only in the southern parts of Africa and are extinct outside the African land.
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee ~ Sokwe mtu
The chimps come under the group of some of the largest primates. They are closely related to humans, gorillas and the orangutans. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and sophisticated primates and are known to make tools to help themselves gather food. They are omnivorous animals and can work together as a team when gathering or hunting food.
Civet
Civet ~ Fungo
Civet are small arboreal animals found in the savannas, Madagascar in Africa. They have long bodies and a long furry tail. They have white muzzle with a black band around their, eyes like a mask. They secrete a musky odor.
Colobus Monkey
Colobus Monkey ~ Mbega
These old world monkeys are native to Africa. They are named 'colobus' as it is Greek for 'the cut short'. This is because they have a stump in place of their thumb. They are found in Kenya and inland high-country areas. Colobus monkey's are basically leaf eaters and spend most of their time on the tree tops.
Crocodile
Crocodile ~ Crocodile
These oldest surviving creatures that have outlived even dinosaurs are over 200 million years old. Crocodiles inhabit the tropical waters of Africa. They feed on fish, reptiles and mammals and the size of their prey depends on the size of the crocodile. Crocodiles swallow stones from the banks of the river as it helps them in digestion, buoyancy in water and even helps them swim deeper. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out and can regrow new teeth quickly throughout its life!
Dik-dik
Dik-dik
These sweet looking small antelopes are found in east Africa, Angola and Namibia. They are so named because they make a sound 'dik dik' when alarmed. Dik-dik have a gray or brownish coat and an elongated snout. They have hair on the crown, that form an upright tuft which conceals the short ringed horns of the male dik-dik.
Duiker
Duiker ~ Duiker
These are medium-sized antelopes, that are found in sub-Saharan Africa and the Serengeti. Duiker are solitary animals and very hard to spot. These elusive animals have slightly arched body and the front legs are shorter than the hind legs. They are browsers rather than grazers and eat leaves, shoots, seeds, buds and bark as well as eat insects and carrion and are even known to stalk and capture rodents or small birds.
Eland
Eland ~ Eland
These heavy weight antelopes with a weight that can reach a ton, are found in the plains of east and south Africa. Eland are excellent jumpers and can scale a height of up to 1.5 meters. They feed on grass, herbs, tree leaves, bushes and succulent fruits.
African Elephant
African Elephant ~ Tembo
These largest mammals on earth have managed to survive after the world ban on ivory trade in 1989. There dwindling population has managed to stay afloat in the northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tanzania and Lake Manyara. These giants have excellent memory and intelligence. African elephants are characterized by their large heads and two large ears that cover their shoulders to radiate heat. They have a large muscular tusk and prominent tusks developed in both sexes. It has been observed that the elephants, especially the males have an aversion to rhinoceros. They are found to have murdered rhinoceros at first sight.
Fennec Fox
Fennec Fox
These are small species of canine found in the Sahara desert. Fennec fox have long ears, that can be half the size of their body! They have thick fur that keeps them cool during the day and warm in the nights. They have an omnivorous diet and feed on rodents, insects, plants and fruits. They also eat small reptiles and eggs. Their sandy colored coat helps to keep them camouflaged during hunting. They are basically nocturnal animals.
Forest Hog
Forest Hog
These are the largest members of the pig family. Forest hogs live in the west and central Africa, Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kenya and the Ethiopian Highlands. These herbivores are nocturnal creatures.
Fossa
Fossa
These look a little like a mix between a cat, monkey or mink. But the fossa is related to mongoose and civet. They are the most powerful predators of the Madagascar islands. They have a cat-like body and a long tail. This helps them balance when jumping from one branch to another. These animals are very good runners too. Their diet basically consist of lemurs, but can hunt anything from a small mouse to a wild pig.
Gecko
Gecko
These are lizards that are small to medium size and over 2000 different species are found all over the world. They are found in different habitats and are commonly found near the Equator, Southern hemisphere and warm regions in the North. Their diet consists of insects and worms. Larger gecko species hunt small birds, reptiles and small mammals like mice. Certain gecko species are known to eat small amount of plants like moss.
Genet
Genet ~ Kanu
These are cat-like animals although, are not related to cats. Genet have pointed nose, banded tails, spotted coat, large ears and a small head. These carnivores emit a strong musky odor to mark their territory. These creatures are exclusively found in Africa and are nocturnal.
Gerbil
Gerbil
These are small rodent like animals, similar to a mouse and the hamster. Gerbil have a long tail that can be shed if it gets trapped. This is a unique self-defense mechanism. They have sharp claws to dig underground tunnels and hide into the sand in case of emergency. They live underground mostly and come out for food and water.
Gerenuk
Gerenuk or Waller's Gazelle ~ Swala twiga
These are long-necked species of antelope that are the only members of the genus Litocranius. The Waller's Gazelle are found in the dry shrubs and steppe in East Africa. They have small heads with big eyes and ears. Gerenuk males have horns and muscular necks.
Giraffe
Giraffe ~ Twiga
These are the tallest mammals on earth. Giraffe have the longest neck with 7 vertebrates and has a 50 cm tongue. They have spots covering the entire body that help camouflage it in the African wilderness.
Gembsok Oryx
Gembsok Oryx ~ Choroa
These are large antelopes with striking black and white marks seen on their face and legs. Gembsok oryx have black stripes and a short powerful neck. They have a clipped mane and a horse like flowing tail. They have straight, long and lance-like horns that are ringed on the lower one-third portion only. Both sexes have horns. They are found in a wide range of habitat in South Africa.
Gorilla
Gorilla ~ Sokwe
These are largest primates in the world with the male silverbacks being twice the size of the female gorilla. There are two species of gorillas found in Africa. One species are found in the volcanic mountains of Virunga in Central Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The other mountain gorilla species is found in the Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Gorillas are listed as the critically endangered species, due to human encroachment and illegal poaching.
Greater Kudu
Greater Kudu ~ Tandala mkubwa
These are beige, orange-colored gazelles with a white belly. Greater Kudu are found in northern Tanzania, southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenyan coast to Lake Victoria.
Grant's Gazelle
Grant's Gazelle ~ Swala granti
These are antelopes with spirally twisted horns and have 4 to 12 strips ruining vertically down the kudu body. Grant's gazelle are found on the eastern and southern mixed shrub woodland and savanna plains of eastern and southern Africa.
Ground Squirrel
Ground Squirrel ~ Kindi
These squirrels have the ability to rise on their hind legs and stand erect. Ground squirrels live in large colonies and have a complex social structure.
Grysbok
Grysbok ~ Dondoro
These are shy and solitary antelopes that are found in eastern Africa, Transvaal. Caprivi Strip, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Lake Vitoria.
Hare
Hare ~ Sunguru
Hare or the Spring hare are currently listed on the most vulnerable animal list. These are the inhabitants of South Africa and are known as Springhaas. They feed on plants and eat insects.
Hedgehog
Hedgehog ~ Kalunguyeye
Hedgehogs have been known to be the oldest living mammals on earth and have changed very little genetically and physically over the years. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures and their bodies are covered with spikes. The hedgehog is known to curl up into a spiky ball that helps them scare off predators.
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus ~ Kiboko
These heavy weight animals are a resident of the Serengeti rivers. Although, they look quiet and peaceful, these are one of the many dangerous animals of Africa. The white hippopotamus is known as the second largest mammal after elephant. Hippos are herbivorous animals found floating (actually standing or lying at the bottom) on shallow waters and water holes.
Honey Badger
Honey Badger ~ Nyegere
These are the only species of the genus Mellivora. The Guinness Book of Records have named the badger as the most fearless animal. A documentary by the National Geographic captured a badger on camera stealing the food off a puff adder's mouth and relishing the meal in front of the hissing snake! The badger then managed to kill the snake and began eating it too. But unfortunately collapsed, as it was bitten by the venomous adder. Amazingly, the badger came back to life after two hours miraculously and finished his leftover adder meal and went back on with his normal duties!
Hyenas - spotted
Hyenas (Spotted) ~ Gevlekte hiёna
These scrawny looking animals are not scavengers. It is an old misconception, when in fact, hyenas are intelligent creatures that hunt down prey in very organized and cooperative packs. These highly successful predators that can even bring down a buffalo, turn into scavengers only when necessary. They are found in the savannas and deserts of Africa.
Hyenas - Striped
Hyenas (Striped) ~ Fisi
Spotted hyenas are mostly scavengers. These are not very social animals but follow some social norms. They are found in the tropical savanna, grasslands, semi-deserts, scrub-lands and woodlands of Africa.
Hyrax
Hyrax ~ Pimbi
These shy, nocturnal creatures are the closest living relatives of the elephant. They look a bit like guinea pigs and a little like rabbit. But they have their teeth, toes and skull structure that matches the elephant. If you catch a glimpse of the hyrax, watch out for the grooming claw on the inner back feet. It is helpful for picking through its hair and even scratching an itch!
Impala
Impala ~ Swala pala
These are world champions that may give high-jump champions a run for their money in the Olympics. These natural jumpers can jump up to 10 meters long. Impala are the top fairer in the list of most beautiful and graceful antelopes list. These gregarious creatures are found in herds and are reddish-brown in color with lighter flanks and a white underbelly.
Jackal
Jackal ~ Bweha
The black-backed jackal is so named due to the black and silver fur on its back. Jackals are found in the woodlands, scrub lands, savanna and bushes all over Africa. They have an omnivorous diet that includes impala, antelopes, fur seal cubs, gazelle, guinea fowl, insects, rodents, lizards, snakes, fruits. Berries and even goats and carrion.
Klipspringer
Klipspringer ~ Mbuzi Maw
The 'rock jumper' in Afrikaans, is a small antelope living in the Cape of Good Hope, East Africa and Ethiopia. They have a thick 'salt and pepper' patterned coat with a shade of olive. Klipspringer never drinks water as they feed on succulent plants that provide them with water to survive.
Lechwe Antelope
Lechwe Antelope
These are semi-aquatic antelopes that are found in a herd of several hundred. Lechwe antelope grazes in knee-deep water of the flood plains. They are found in Botswana, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Africa, Namibia, Angola, Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps.
Lemur
Lemur
These are natives of Madagascar islands in the east coast of Africa. They have large reflective eyes, furry, pointed ears and long tails. Lemur are known for their wailing screams. They have a diet consisting of berries, nuts, leaves, inspects and spiders.
Leopard
Leopard ~ Chui
These solitary and highly cautious predators are natives of the Serengeti. Leopards are nocturnal, arboreal and highly skilled climbers. These predators are very successful hunters and can reach the neck of their prey before the prey realizes what struck it.
Tandala Ndogo
Lesser Kudu ~ Tandala Ndogo
These are forest antelopes where the males are gray-brown in color and the females are chestnut in color. Lesser Kudu are found in East Africa.
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest ~ Kongoni
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest are found in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. The males have a dark brown color and the females are yellow-brown in color. They have horns in both sexes that curve outwards and then forwards and finally ending in the backward direction.
African Lion
African Lion ~ Simba
Undoubtedly the king of the jungle, they are the pride of African wilderness. African lions are seen in the Serengeti region of Africa. The male lions are known for their magnificent manes that truly make them the kings of the jungle. They have the best night vision and hunt at nights. Most of the hunts are carried out by the lioness in the pride and the male lion, enjoys the hard-earned meal of the lioness.
Madagascar Cockroach
Madagascar Cockroach
Also known as the hissing cockroach, is found on the island of Madagascar in the eastern coast of Africa. These are wingless cockroaches and are in no way similar to their other relative cockroaches. These feed on vegetative material on the forest floor and are very popular as pets.
Mamba
Mamba
The black mamba is one of the most venomous snakes and is ranked at number 42 in the list of world's most dangerous snakes. It can reach a speed of 20 km/h and stick a person with it poisonous neurotoxins. A bite from the mamba can kill a full-grown man in just 20 minutes. But, fortunately there are very few incidences of black mamba strikes in the Africa.
Mandrill
Mandrill
The worlds largest monkey is found in western central Africa, southern Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. Mandrill have brightly colored face which is the distinctive feature of this monkey. The nose and the nostrils are red in color, the cheeks are wide blue in color and have six longitudinal grooves that are purple in color on each side. The rump has a similar color pattern.
Meerkats
Meerkats
The famous character from the animated kid movie "The Lion King", meerkats were made world-famous by the character Timon. Meerkats actually spend most of their time underground, in large burrows. They live in a large group called a 'mob' or 'gang'. They love grooming and spend time playing among the family.
Mongoose
Mongoose ~ Nguchiro
These are small rodent-like mammals that looks like a meerkat or weasel. They are known to eat both animals and plants. They are known to be immune to the venom of snakes and are thought to fight fierce battles with snakes. They have a long face, long body, short legs and little round ears. Mongoose lives in burrows it digs up or in holes abandoned by other small burrowing animals.
Monitor Lizard
Monitor Lizard
These lizards are also known as bayawak or goanna. These are carnivorous lizards and feed on eggs, small reptiles, fish, birds and small mammals. There are some monitor lizard species that are known to eat fruits and vegetation. Monitor lizards are thought to be very intelligent with some experts claiming that they can recognize numbers up to 6!
Nyala
Nyala ~ Njala
These are medium-sized antelopes with 3 to 14 vertical stripes on their body sides. The males or rams have a fringe of long hair known as 'dewlap' hanging from it's under body. The horns of the ram are slightly spiral, curving outward after the first turn. The horns end with a white tip. Nyala females too have vertical stripes on a chestnut colored body.
Okapi
Okapi
These are the last surviving relatives of giraffe. These elusive animals look more like a zebra than a giraffe. They are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These herbivores have red-brown coat of fur. Okapi have white stripes on their legs. These animals are diurnal and forage through the forest searching for food. These animals are highly alert and will run away when they hear a human approaching. They are so secretive that they were not known to the world till the 1900s.
Oribi
Oribi ~ Taya
These are small and graceful antelopes found in the sub-Saharan Africa. Their back and upper chest is yellow to orange brown in color. They have white chest, throat, belly, chin and rump. Oribi can be easily distinguished with the white crescent-shaped band of fur above their eye.
Ostrich
Ostrich ~ Mbuni
These are the largest and the heaviest birds on earth. Ostrich also take away the title of fastest birds in the world. But these are wingless and flightless birds and run when chased or threatened. They weigh more than 100 kg, thus adding another reason for not being able to fly. They have a very powerful kick that can prove to be deadly for many mammals. They have an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, grass, seeds, roots, flowers,berries, insects and an occasional small mammal or reptile.
Otter
Otter ~ Fisi Maji
These are small mammals found in North Africa and can live in both land and water. Otter's mainly eat plankton and fish and can hunt for amphibians, birds and small mammals.
Pangolin
Pangolin ~ Kakakuona
Pangolin are ant eaters and have a long sticky tongue to catch ants. They have no teeth. There body is covered with large scales that turns into an armor when they roll into a ball for protection against predators.
Patas
Patas ~ Kima
Patas are ground dwelling monkeys found in parts of West Africa and East Africa. They live mostly in the open savannas and semi-deserts. They have a tail that reaches a length of 75 cm and can run up to speeds of 55 km/h. Thus, making Patas the fastest primates.
Porcupine
Porcupine ~ Nunlgununlgu
These take away the crown for the world's largest rodents. Porcupine are thought to be from the same family of hedgehogs, but their DNA is found to be not as old as the hedgehogs. They are found in parts of Africa and feed on insects, small reptiles and eggs. They have a coat of long spikes that helps protect in times of danger. Their spikes are longer than the hedgehog and are known to be poisonous.
Puff Adder
Puff Adder ~ Ubululu
This is another very poisonous snake of Africa. The puff adder is responsible for the most number of casualties due to snakebite. These snakes do not normally move away when someone passes by, and the bites result due to unknowing stepping over on the snake.
Puku
Puku
These are furry orange-colored antelopes are found in the Zambezi Valley and isolated pockets of Tanzania. Puku have thick, heavily ringed 'V' shaped horns. They are grazing species and are gregarious in nature.
Reedbuck
Reedbuck ~ Tohe
These are shy and elusive antelopes. Reedbuck have a tendency to hide in a squatting position when they are in danger. They bolt out at the last-minute when danger approaches.
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros ~ Kifaru
These are large mammals that are native to Africa and even Asia. There are five species of rhinos. Three of the rhino species are critically endangered species. The white rhinoceros is the largest species of rhinos and the black rhinos are native to Africa. They are herbivores and eat grass, shoots, buds, fruits and leaves. They are extensively poached for their horns made up of keratin. Both the African rhino species and the Sumatran rhino have two horns. They are known for their aggressive nature and are often seen charging towards oncoming danger.
Roan
Roan ~ Bastergemsbok
These are the second largest antelopes of Africa. Roan have back-curved horns in both sexes. They avoid short grass and prefer open to lightly wooded grasslands. These animals have a horse-like appearance and black and white facial pattern with grayish brown to reddish ting of coat.
Sable Antelope
Sable Antelope ~ Swartwitpens
These are handsome looking antelopes with shiny black upper coat and white under body and thighs. They have black and white facial markings. Sable antelopes have a long, erect mane that runs from the top of the neck to the shoulder. There are transversely ridged and backward curving having long narrow horns in both sexes.
Serval
Serval ~ Mondo
These are medium-sized cats that are natives of central and southern Africa. They have a spotted pelt like a cheetah and fan-like sharp ears. These ears also help servals sense vibrations. Serval were excessively hunted for their fur and many species have become extinct. Servals have a diet of hares, birds, reptiles, frogs, fish and insects. They can leap very well and catch a bird in flight.
Cape Elephant Shrew
Cape Elephant Shrew
These look like small long-nosed mouse, but are not rodents or even related to rodents. These are true shrews classified under order Soricomorpha. They have five toes, whereas rodents have four toes.
Sitatunga
Sitatunga ~ Nzohe
These are small aquatic antelopes. Sitatunga are very good swimmers and can hide underwater with their nostrils above the water surface. These nocturnal creatures have white bands on their body, with shaggy reddish-brown hair and long spiral horns only in males.
Steinbok
Steinbok
These are also known as 'Steenbok' or 'Steinbuck'. They are small antelopes found in southern and eastern Africa. They look similar to Oribis. These antelopes have coat shade ranging from fawn to rufous or typically orange. They have white undersides, throat and chin. They have white ring around the eye. A black crescent shape is seen between the ears.
Suni
Suni ~ Paa
These are very small species of antelopes. They are found in south-east Africa. Suni are reddish-brown in color with a darker colored coat on their sides and legs. The coat on their belly, chin, throat and inner sides of legs is white. They have black rings around the eyes and above the hooves. They make barking and whistling sounds.
Thomson's Gazelle
Thomson's Gazelle ~ Swala Tomi
These are small gazelles inhabiting the Serengeti. They are named after an explorer, James Thomson. They have light brown coats and white undersides. They have a distinctive black stripe on their sides. They are known to display a bounding leap, known as 'slotting' or 'pronking'. This unusual behavior helps startle predators and show off strength.
Topi
Topi ~ Nyamera
These are short black-tailed antelopes known to be the fastest of their kind. They are found in the Savannah and the floodplains of Sudan, Chad, Kenya, Tanzania and Southern Africa. Topi are famous for their solitary sentinel position. The animal stands for hours on a termite mound surveying the surrounding territory in this position. The Topi, Impalas and the Giraffes are the only animals that are not found on the Ngorongoro Crater. They have a rusty-red color coat. Their legs and chest are black in color with a black strip running from the forehead to the tip of their nose.
Vervet Monkey
Vervet Monkey ~ Blou-aap
These are monkeys with gray coat having a yellow tinge. They have black face, hands, toes and tail tips. These agile climbers are forever foraging the forest for food. Vervet monkey are herbivores with a diet of fruits, flowers, seeds and leaves. They may sometimes eat spiders, grubs and locusts.
Warthog
Warthog ~ Vlakvark
The 'bestest best friend' of the meerkat Timon in the movie "The Lion King', famously known as Pumba, warthogs are a large species of pigs. Warthogs are found in the deserts and shrub-lands of Africa. They have two sets of tusks on their face. It helps them fight off predators and other warthog competitions. They have a diet of grass, fruit, berries, roots and insects. They may sometimes eat small mammals, birds and reptiles.
Waterbuck
Waterbuck ~ Waterbok
These are big antelopes found in the western, eastern, central and southern Africa. These diurnal animals are so named due to their sweat glands that produce a waterproof fluid, that coats its body. They have a reddish-brown coat that darkens as the animal ages. Waterbucks have a 'bib' under their throat and white ring on their rumps. Although named waterbucks, these animals are not very keen about entering the water.
Wild Ass
Wild Ass
These are members of the horse family Equidae. They are found in the deserts and arid areas of northeastern Africa, Ethiopia and Somalia. Wild ass are thought to be the ancestors of the domestic donkeys.
African Wild Dog
African Wild Dog ~ Mbwa mwitu
They are an endangered species of dogs found in Botswana and the Zambezi valley. They are known to be very intelligent and social animals. They use their sense of sight and not smell to catch prey. They pay no attention to the wind direction while hunting and use no cover.
Wild Cat
Wild Cat ~ Vaalbokat
These are small, nocturnal cats that hunt small mammals, birds and other small creatures. The wild cat is extremely timid and lives a solitary life.
Wildebeest
Wildebeest or Gnu ~ Nyumbu
These animals have a population of about 1.7 to 2 million. Gnu are found all over the Serengeti ecosystem. These large bearded antelopes are weird-looking and thought to be a cross between a cow, horse and a goat! The Great Migration of the wildebeest has made Serengeti world-famous.
The geographical diversity has resulted in a vast and varied population of African animals. The vast plains of Africa and the dense jungle is the home to a wide population of animals, that roam freely on the African land. The vast reserves, sanctuaries and protected areas have resulted in a decrease in poaching and hunting of the wild animals. Although, the illegal killings have not stopped completely, there is a significant decrease in the poaching. The National Geographic has helped introduce the world with the harsh and difficult, yet interesting and intriguing life of the African fauna. African safari has become a dream holiday of every traveler. A look at the king of the jungle hunting down his prey, the Great Wildebeest Migration, a herd of elephants led by the matriarch cow, has become the standard picture in the minds of people who think about Africa and the African safari. The Serengeti, Sahara, Kilimanjaro are synonyms to Africa and the African animal list.
I have just named a few African animals in my African animal list. There many beautiful birds like Cape Shelduck Bird, Cape Teal, White-bellied Stork, White-breasted Cormorant, White-eyed Pochard, White-faced Whistling Duck, etc. found in Africa. Fascinating insects like the mealworm beetle, harvestman, house cricket, honeybee, butterflies, land snail, fire ant and many others that roam the African wilderness. This list of African animals was just a glimpse at the various members of wild Africa. The African continent is abundant with a rich and varied wildlife.
We humans tend to become a tad too selfish and forget that other living beings also own the planet just as much as we do. Hunting animals for their fur, tusks, horns or any other body part is totally inhumane and insensitive act. God has created other life forms which are related to each other and even humans in the large cycle of life. When one member of the animal kingdom is lost forever, many other dependent species are in danger of becoming extinct animals. It is a race against time that will help us preserve nature's bounty for our future generations to admire.
Many of these wild inhabitants of Africa are on the verge of extinction or are already extinct. Illegal poaching, hunting and human encroachment is stripping Africa of its wild beauty. A lot of collective effort and struggles have gone in to preserve the wildlife by bringing up sanctuaries, preserves, national parks and game reserves. We should not act in a cold-blooded manner and endanger the life of any beautiful animal, bird, insect, amphibian, marine creatures. This is our planet and as the most advanced and evolved species of the planet, let's take the responsibility of helping and conserving other members of our beautiful planet. It is not just the endangered wild animals of Africa, but the flora and fauna all over the world that needs our protection. The old ado of 'live and let live' should be applied by all of us. As I end my 'Safari' of African animals list, I part with this old message, "Shoot with a camera, not with a gun"!
We have all mostly seen wild animals as zoo inhabitants or in television documentaries, but never in their natural habitat. Africa has been blessed with a variety of beautiful animal species such as the carnivores, herbivores, snakes, primates, aquatic animals like crocodiles and amphibians, etc. The following table contains African animals list along with a short description of the animal. Safari means 'journey' or 'long trip' in Swahili, thus, let us begin with a long journey of African animal list.
List of African Animals
The list of African animals is very long and in this Buzzle article I have tried to cover as many animals possible. The following animal list will help you recognize most of the great animals of Africa.
Animal Name ~ African Name
Aardvark
Aardvark ~ Erdvark
Aardvark is a nocturnal animal, found all over Africa in dry and wet climates. These animals feed on termites, thus have a long sticky tongue. They have poor eyesight and large powerful claws on their feet for digging. Aardvark has an almost hairless body, short neck and short legs.
Aardwolf
Aardwolf ~ Aardwolf
Aardwolf is a small mammal, that looks similar to the striped hyena. The only surviving species of the subfamily Protelinae, lives in the eastern and northeastern Africa. It feeds on insects unlike hyenas.
Addax
Addax
Addax are large antelopes that weigh up to 300 pounds. They have a sand colored coat in summer and grayish brown in winter. These antelopes are white colored on their legs, hips, belly, ears and facial markings. They have thin, back slanted horns with a spiral twist of up to three turns on both sexes. Addax are adapted to withstand extreme heat and drink very little water. They seem to draw water they need from the dew and the plants they eat.
Addra Gazelle
Addra Gazelle
Addra gazelle takes the crown for being the tallest and the largest gazelles in the world. They have a small head compared to their body, with narrow muzzle eyes. They have reddish-chestnut neck, back and flanks with distinctive white spot just below the throat. The horns are curved flat to the back with upturned tips in both sexes. They are natives of southern Morocco and are found from Senegal to Sudan.
African Gray Parrot
African Gray Parrot
These parrots are very talkative, intelligent birds. African gray parrot can easily learn hundreds of words and other sounds. They live in western and central Africa in lowland forests, clearings and savannas. They feed on seeds, berries, nuts and fruits.
Baboon
Baboon ~ Nyani
Baboons are medium-sized primates found in east Africa, generally in the forested area and commonly known to wander off to the African plains. These are ground dwelling monkeys and live together in troops. They have an omnivorous diet which is mainly vegetarian. They occasionally prey on insects, fish, shellfish, hares, birds, monkeys and even small antelopes.
Bat-eared Fox
Bat-eared Fox ~ Mbweha masikio
These are small African foxes known for their enormous ears. Their ears help shed the excessive heat and keep the fox cool. Bat-eared foxes are sandy gray in color with lighter fur on their belly and dark fur around the eyes, muzzle, back of the ears, feet and tail. They feed on harvester termites and insects like grasshoppers, scorpions, spiders, rodents, lizards, fruits and eggs.
Beisa Oryx
Beisa Oryx ~ Choroa
These are non-jumping antelopes, found in the arid areas of Somalia and eastern Africa. Beisa Oryx can tolerate long periods of heat by raising their body temperatures to up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes the heat to leave their bodies for the surrounding cooler air. Thus, allowing minimum loss of water due to sweating or evaporation.
Blue Monkey
Blue Monkey ~ Choroa
These monkeys are noticeably blue as suggested by their name. Blue monkeys have little hair on their face, that gives them the blue appearance sometimes. They are native to the central and east Africa, from the upper Congo basin to the Great Rift Valley. They are also found in Angola and Zambia. They eat fruits and leaves but will not shy away from eating slow-moving invertebrates.
Bongo
Bongo
The Bongo are nocturnal antelopes of reddish-orange color with white stripes running vertically along the body. This hoofed animal is the largest species of antelope and the only antelope species which has horns on both the males and females. They are found in central, east and west Africa, inhabiting the dense woodlands and on mountains with altitudes up to 4,000 meters above the sea level.
Bonobo
Bonobo
Bonobo are the largest primates found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are also known as pygmy chimpanzee and the dwarf chimpanzee as they are very closely related to the chimpanzee. The bonobo is known to share 98% of the DNA with humans. They are omnivorous animals that feed on fruits, leaves, flowers, beak and seeds mainly. If they get a chance, they also feed on honey, eggs, insects, small mammals and reptiles.
Bontebok
Bontebok
Bontebok are medium-sized antelopes. They have a convex forehead and an elongated muzzle. They have a level back and developed limbs. They have a glossy coat of chestnut-brown, dark neck and hindquarters. There are purple-black blotches on their sides and upper limbs. Bontebok have 14-15 inches long horns in both sexes that are 'S' shaped, angular, curved and ringed, except for the tips.
Buffalo
Buffalo
Water buffalo are said to have originated in Asia and have been domesticated world-wide. The wild Asian Buffalo is said to be an endangered animal. These are herbivores and spend most of their time submerged in water. There are large herds of water buffaloes found in Africa.
Burchell's Zebra
Burchell's Zebra ~ Bontsebra
Zebras are common zebrid animals with black and white strips to confuse the predators. They are found to the north of Orange river system, southern Botswana, Etosha and the Kaokoveld, Swaziland and Kwazulu-Natal.
Bushbaby
Bushbaby or Galago ~ Komba
These little night monkeys of Africa are native to continental Africa and can be seen exclusively in the night. Bushbabies have good night vision and acute sense of hearing. They have strong hind limbs and long tails that help them provide balance. Their second toe of the hind foot has a 'toilet' claw that helps in grooming. They feed on insects, small animals, fruits and tree gums.
Bushbuck
Bushbuck ~ Bosbok
These are pretty looking antelopes with striped back and spotted flanks. Bushbuck have straight twisted horns that are brown to black and a white spot on the cheek and two patches on the neck and throat. They are found in the forest savanna mosaics and bush savanna forest and woodland.
Bushpig
Bushpig ~ Bosvark
These are pigs that live in the Somalia, eastern and southern former Zaire, Cape Province and Natal in South Africa. Bushpigs have also been introduced in Madagascar, Comoro and Mayotte Islands. They resemble the domestic pigs and have small eyes, blunt snout and tufted ears. Their diet consists of roots, crops and even newborn lambs.
Camel
Camel ~ Ngamia
Undoubtedly known as the 'ship of the desert', camels are anatomically made to survive for long periods in deserts. They have a hump on their back that helps them store water and food. They can run up to a speed of 25 mph for long stretches. They can survive without food and water for many days and drink over 100 liters of water in one go. Their body is also highly adaptable to the extremely hot climate during the day and the freezing temperatures of night in the deserts.
Caracal
Caracal ~ Rooikat
These are commonly known as the African Lynx, although, it is a fact that they are not a lynx cat. They are medium-sized cats and can leap up into the air to successfully hunt down flying birds. These flying acrobats are dark red, gray or golden sand in color. Their ears are black with tufts. Caracal hunt rodents, birds, including ostriches, antelopes, gazelles and rabbits. They are found in the African savannas and tropical grasslands and deserts.
Cheetah
Cheetah ~ Duma
These slender build, long spotted white-tipped tail, spotted coat with single black spot carnivore is referred as the 'greyhound of cats'. These are the only members of the cat family with non-retractable claws. Cheetah's have a characteristic 'tear mark' running from the inner corner of both their eyes. The smallest cat of Africa can reach a speed of 80 km/hour in less than 3 seconds. Cheetahs are classified as an endangered species due to their dwindling habitat and high mortality rate of the cubs. They are found only in the southern parts of Africa and are extinct outside the African land.
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee ~ Sokwe mtu
The chimps come under the group of some of the largest primates. They are closely related to humans, gorillas and the orangutans. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and sophisticated primates and are known to make tools to help themselves gather food. They are omnivorous animals and can work together as a team when gathering or hunting food.
Civet
Civet ~ Fungo
Civet are small arboreal animals found in the savannas, Madagascar in Africa. They have long bodies and a long furry tail. They have white muzzle with a black band around their, eyes like a mask. They secrete a musky odor.
Colobus Monkey
Colobus Monkey ~ Mbega
These old world monkeys are native to Africa. They are named 'colobus' as it is Greek for 'the cut short'. This is because they have a stump in place of their thumb. They are found in Kenya and inland high-country areas. Colobus monkey's are basically leaf eaters and spend most of their time on the tree tops.
Crocodile
Crocodile ~ Crocodile
These oldest surviving creatures that have outlived even dinosaurs are over 200 million years old. Crocodiles inhabit the tropical waters of Africa. They feed on fish, reptiles and mammals and the size of their prey depends on the size of the crocodile. Crocodiles swallow stones from the banks of the river as it helps them in digestion, buoyancy in water and even helps them swim deeper. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out and can regrow new teeth quickly throughout its life!
Dik-dik
Dik-dik
These sweet looking small antelopes are found in east Africa, Angola and Namibia. They are so named because they make a sound 'dik dik' when alarmed. Dik-dik have a gray or brownish coat and an elongated snout. They have hair on the crown, that form an upright tuft which conceals the short ringed horns of the male dik-dik.
Duiker
Duiker ~ Duiker
These are medium-sized antelopes, that are found in sub-Saharan Africa and the Serengeti. Duiker are solitary animals and very hard to spot. These elusive animals have slightly arched body and the front legs are shorter than the hind legs. They are browsers rather than grazers and eat leaves, shoots, seeds, buds and bark as well as eat insects and carrion and are even known to stalk and capture rodents or small birds.
Eland
Eland ~ Eland
These heavy weight antelopes with a weight that can reach a ton, are found in the plains of east and south Africa. Eland are excellent jumpers and can scale a height of up to 1.5 meters. They feed on grass, herbs, tree leaves, bushes and succulent fruits.
African Elephant
African Elephant ~ Tembo
These largest mammals on earth have managed to survive after the world ban on ivory trade in 1989. There dwindling population has managed to stay afloat in the northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tanzania and Lake Manyara. These giants have excellent memory and intelligence. African elephants are characterized by their large heads and two large ears that cover their shoulders to radiate heat. They have a large muscular tusk and prominent tusks developed in both sexes. It has been observed that the elephants, especially the males have an aversion to rhinoceros. They are found to have murdered rhinoceros at first sight.
Fennec Fox
Fennec Fox
These are small species of canine found in the Sahara desert. Fennec fox have long ears, that can be half the size of their body! They have thick fur that keeps them cool during the day and warm in the nights. They have an omnivorous diet and feed on rodents, insects, plants and fruits. They also eat small reptiles and eggs. Their sandy colored coat helps to keep them camouflaged during hunting. They are basically nocturnal animals.
Forest Hog
Forest Hog
These are the largest members of the pig family. Forest hogs live in the west and central Africa, Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kenya and the Ethiopian Highlands. These herbivores are nocturnal creatures.
Fossa
Fossa
These look a little like a mix between a cat, monkey or mink. But the fossa is related to mongoose and civet. They are the most powerful predators of the Madagascar islands. They have a cat-like body and a long tail. This helps them balance when jumping from one branch to another. These animals are very good runners too. Their diet basically consist of lemurs, but can hunt anything from a small mouse to a wild pig.
Gecko
Gecko
These are lizards that are small to medium size and over 2000 different species are found all over the world. They are found in different habitats and are commonly found near the Equator, Southern hemisphere and warm regions in the North. Their diet consists of insects and worms. Larger gecko species hunt small birds, reptiles and small mammals like mice. Certain gecko species are known to eat small amount of plants like moss.
Genet
Genet ~ Kanu
These are cat-like animals although, are not related to cats. Genet have pointed nose, banded tails, spotted coat, large ears and a small head. These carnivores emit a strong musky odor to mark their territory. These creatures are exclusively found in Africa and are nocturnal.
Gerbil
Gerbil
These are small rodent like animals, similar to a mouse and the hamster. Gerbil have a long tail that can be shed if it gets trapped. This is a unique self-defense mechanism. They have sharp claws to dig underground tunnels and hide into the sand in case of emergency. They live underground mostly and come out for food and water.
Gerenuk
Gerenuk or Waller's Gazelle ~ Swala twiga
These are long-necked species of antelope that are the only members of the genus Litocranius. The Waller's Gazelle are found in the dry shrubs and steppe in East Africa. They have small heads with big eyes and ears. Gerenuk males have horns and muscular necks.
Giraffe
Giraffe ~ Twiga
These are the tallest mammals on earth. Giraffe have the longest neck with 7 vertebrates and has a 50 cm tongue. They have spots covering the entire body that help camouflage it in the African wilderness.
Gembsok Oryx
Gembsok Oryx ~ Choroa
These are large antelopes with striking black and white marks seen on their face and legs. Gembsok oryx have black stripes and a short powerful neck. They have a clipped mane and a horse like flowing tail. They have straight, long and lance-like horns that are ringed on the lower one-third portion only. Both sexes have horns. They are found in a wide range of habitat in South Africa.
Gorilla
Gorilla ~ Sokwe
These are largest primates in the world with the male silverbacks being twice the size of the female gorilla. There are two species of gorillas found in Africa. One species are found in the volcanic mountains of Virunga in Central Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The other mountain gorilla species is found in the Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Gorillas are listed as the critically endangered species, due to human encroachment and illegal poaching.
Greater Kudu
Greater Kudu ~ Tandala mkubwa
These are beige, orange-colored gazelles with a white belly. Greater Kudu are found in northern Tanzania, southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenyan coast to Lake Victoria.
Grant's Gazelle
Grant's Gazelle ~ Swala granti
These are antelopes with spirally twisted horns and have 4 to 12 strips ruining vertically down the kudu body. Grant's gazelle are found on the eastern and southern mixed shrub woodland and savanna plains of eastern and southern Africa.
Ground Squirrel
Ground Squirrel ~ Kindi
These squirrels have the ability to rise on their hind legs and stand erect. Ground squirrels live in large colonies and have a complex social structure.
Grysbok
Grysbok ~ Dondoro
These are shy and solitary antelopes that are found in eastern Africa, Transvaal. Caprivi Strip, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Lake Vitoria.
Hare
Hare ~ Sunguru
Hare or the Spring hare are currently listed on the most vulnerable animal list. These are the inhabitants of South Africa and are known as Springhaas. They feed on plants and eat insects.
Hedgehog
Hedgehog ~ Kalunguyeye
Hedgehogs have been known to be the oldest living mammals on earth and have changed very little genetically and physically over the years. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures and their bodies are covered with spikes. The hedgehog is known to curl up into a spiky ball that helps them scare off predators.
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus ~ Kiboko
These heavy weight animals are a resident of the Serengeti rivers. Although, they look quiet and peaceful, these are one of the many dangerous animals of Africa. The white hippopotamus is known as the second largest mammal after elephant. Hippos are herbivorous animals found floating (actually standing or lying at the bottom) on shallow waters and water holes.
Honey Badger
Honey Badger ~ Nyegere
These are the only species of the genus Mellivora. The Guinness Book of Records have named the badger as the most fearless animal. A documentary by the National Geographic captured a badger on camera stealing the food off a puff adder's mouth and relishing the meal in front of the hissing snake! The badger then managed to kill the snake and began eating it too. But unfortunately collapsed, as it was bitten by the venomous adder. Amazingly, the badger came back to life after two hours miraculously and finished his leftover adder meal and went back on with his normal duties!
Hyenas - spotted
Hyenas (Spotted) ~ Gevlekte hiёna
These scrawny looking animals are not scavengers. It is an old misconception, when in fact, hyenas are intelligent creatures that hunt down prey in very organized and cooperative packs. These highly successful predators that can even bring down a buffalo, turn into scavengers only when necessary. They are found in the savannas and deserts of Africa.
Hyenas - Striped
Hyenas (Striped) ~ Fisi
Spotted hyenas are mostly scavengers. These are not very social animals but follow some social norms. They are found in the tropical savanna, grasslands, semi-deserts, scrub-lands and woodlands of Africa.
Hyrax
Hyrax ~ Pimbi
These shy, nocturnal creatures are the closest living relatives of the elephant. They look a bit like guinea pigs and a little like rabbit. But they have their teeth, toes and skull structure that matches the elephant. If you catch a glimpse of the hyrax, watch out for the grooming claw on the inner back feet. It is helpful for picking through its hair and even scratching an itch!
Impala
Impala ~ Swala pala
These are world champions that may give high-jump champions a run for their money in the Olympics. These natural jumpers can jump up to 10 meters long. Impala are the top fairer in the list of most beautiful and graceful antelopes list. These gregarious creatures are found in herds and are reddish-brown in color with lighter flanks and a white underbelly.
Jackal
Jackal ~ Bweha
The black-backed jackal is so named due to the black and silver fur on its back. Jackals are found in the woodlands, scrub lands, savanna and bushes all over Africa. They have an omnivorous diet that includes impala, antelopes, fur seal cubs, gazelle, guinea fowl, insects, rodents, lizards, snakes, fruits. Berries and even goats and carrion.
Klipspringer
Klipspringer ~ Mbuzi Maw
The 'rock jumper' in Afrikaans, is a small antelope living in the Cape of Good Hope, East Africa and Ethiopia. They have a thick 'salt and pepper' patterned coat with a shade of olive. Klipspringer never drinks water as they feed on succulent plants that provide them with water to survive.
Lechwe Antelope
Lechwe Antelope
These are semi-aquatic antelopes that are found in a herd of several hundred. Lechwe antelope grazes in knee-deep water of the flood plains. They are found in Botswana, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Africa, Namibia, Angola, Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps.
Lemur
Lemur
These are natives of Madagascar islands in the east coast of Africa. They have large reflective eyes, furry, pointed ears and long tails. Lemur are known for their wailing screams. They have a diet consisting of berries, nuts, leaves, inspects and spiders.
Leopard
Leopard ~ Chui
These solitary and highly cautious predators are natives of the Serengeti. Leopards are nocturnal, arboreal and highly skilled climbers. These predators are very successful hunters and can reach the neck of their prey before the prey realizes what struck it.
Tandala Ndogo
Lesser Kudu ~ Tandala Ndogo
These are forest antelopes where the males are gray-brown in color and the females are chestnut in color. Lesser Kudu are found in East Africa.
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest ~ Kongoni
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest are found in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. The males have a dark brown color and the females are yellow-brown in color. They have horns in both sexes that curve outwards and then forwards and finally ending in the backward direction.
African Lion
African Lion ~ Simba
Undoubtedly the king of the jungle, they are the pride of African wilderness. African lions are seen in the Serengeti region of Africa. The male lions are known for their magnificent manes that truly make them the kings of the jungle. They have the best night vision and hunt at nights. Most of the hunts are carried out by the lioness in the pride and the male lion, enjoys the hard-earned meal of the lioness.
Madagascar Cockroach
Madagascar Cockroach
Also known as the hissing cockroach, is found on the island of Madagascar in the eastern coast of Africa. These are wingless cockroaches and are in no way similar to their other relative cockroaches. These feed on vegetative material on the forest floor and are very popular as pets.
Mamba
Mamba
The black mamba is one of the most venomous snakes and is ranked at number 42 in the list of world's most dangerous snakes. It can reach a speed of 20 km/h and stick a person with it poisonous neurotoxins. A bite from the mamba can kill a full-grown man in just 20 minutes. But, fortunately there are very few incidences of black mamba strikes in the Africa.
Mandrill
Mandrill
The worlds largest monkey is found in western central Africa, southern Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. Mandrill have brightly colored face which is the distinctive feature of this monkey. The nose and the nostrils are red in color, the cheeks are wide blue in color and have six longitudinal grooves that are purple in color on each side. The rump has a similar color pattern.
Meerkats
Meerkats
The famous character from the animated kid movie "The Lion King", meerkats were made world-famous by the character Timon. Meerkats actually spend most of their time underground, in large burrows. They live in a large group called a 'mob' or 'gang'. They love grooming and spend time playing among the family.
Mongoose
Mongoose ~ Nguchiro
These are small rodent-like mammals that looks like a meerkat or weasel. They are known to eat both animals and plants. They are known to be immune to the venom of snakes and are thought to fight fierce battles with snakes. They have a long face, long body, short legs and little round ears. Mongoose lives in burrows it digs up or in holes abandoned by other small burrowing animals.
Monitor Lizard
Monitor Lizard
These lizards are also known as bayawak or goanna. These are carnivorous lizards and feed on eggs, small reptiles, fish, birds and small mammals. There are some monitor lizard species that are known to eat fruits and vegetation. Monitor lizards are thought to be very intelligent with some experts claiming that they can recognize numbers up to 6!
Nyala
Nyala ~ Njala
These are medium-sized antelopes with 3 to 14 vertical stripes on their body sides. The males or rams have a fringe of long hair known as 'dewlap' hanging from it's under body. The horns of the ram are slightly spiral, curving outward after the first turn. The horns end with a white tip. Nyala females too have vertical stripes on a chestnut colored body.
Okapi
Okapi
These are the last surviving relatives of giraffe. These elusive animals look more like a zebra than a giraffe. They are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These herbivores have red-brown coat of fur. Okapi have white stripes on their legs. These animals are diurnal and forage through the forest searching for food. These animals are highly alert and will run away when they hear a human approaching. They are so secretive that they were not known to the world till the 1900s.
Oribi
Oribi ~ Taya
These are small and graceful antelopes found in the sub-Saharan Africa. Their back and upper chest is yellow to orange brown in color. They have white chest, throat, belly, chin and rump. Oribi can be easily distinguished with the white crescent-shaped band of fur above their eye.
Ostrich
Ostrich ~ Mbuni
These are the largest and the heaviest birds on earth. Ostrich also take away the title of fastest birds in the world. But these are wingless and flightless birds and run when chased or threatened. They weigh more than 100 kg, thus adding another reason for not being able to fly. They have a very powerful kick that can prove to be deadly for many mammals. They have an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, grass, seeds, roots, flowers,berries, insects and an occasional small mammal or reptile.
Otter
Otter ~ Fisi Maji
These are small mammals found in North Africa and can live in both land and water. Otter's mainly eat plankton and fish and can hunt for amphibians, birds and small mammals.
Pangolin
Pangolin ~ Kakakuona
Pangolin are ant eaters and have a long sticky tongue to catch ants. They have no teeth. There body is covered with large scales that turns into an armor when they roll into a ball for protection against predators.
Patas
Patas ~ Kima
Patas are ground dwelling monkeys found in parts of West Africa and East Africa. They live mostly in the open savannas and semi-deserts. They have a tail that reaches a length of 75 cm and can run up to speeds of 55 km/h. Thus, making Patas the fastest primates.
Porcupine
Porcupine ~ Nunlgununlgu
These take away the crown for the world's largest rodents. Porcupine are thought to be from the same family of hedgehogs, but their DNA is found to be not as old as the hedgehogs. They are found in parts of Africa and feed on insects, small reptiles and eggs. They have a coat of long spikes that helps protect in times of danger. Their spikes are longer than the hedgehog and are known to be poisonous.
Puff Adder
Puff Adder ~ Ubululu
This is another very poisonous snake of Africa. The puff adder is responsible for the most number of casualties due to snakebite. These snakes do not normally move away when someone passes by, and the bites result due to unknowing stepping over on the snake.
Puku
Puku
These are furry orange-colored antelopes are found in the Zambezi Valley and isolated pockets of Tanzania. Puku have thick, heavily ringed 'V' shaped horns. They are grazing species and are gregarious in nature.
Reedbuck
Reedbuck ~ Tohe
These are shy and elusive antelopes. Reedbuck have a tendency to hide in a squatting position when they are in danger. They bolt out at the last-minute when danger approaches.
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros ~ Kifaru
These are large mammals that are native to Africa and even Asia. There are five species of rhinos. Three of the rhino species are critically endangered species. The white rhinoceros is the largest species of rhinos and the black rhinos are native to Africa. They are herbivores and eat grass, shoots, buds, fruits and leaves. They are extensively poached for their horns made up of keratin. Both the African rhino species and the Sumatran rhino have two horns. They are known for their aggressive nature and are often seen charging towards oncoming danger.
Roan
Roan ~ Bastergemsbok
These are the second largest antelopes of Africa. Roan have back-curved horns in both sexes. They avoid short grass and prefer open to lightly wooded grasslands. These animals have a horse-like appearance and black and white facial pattern with grayish brown to reddish ting of coat.
Sable Antelope
Sable Antelope ~ Swartwitpens
These are handsome looking antelopes with shiny black upper coat and white under body and thighs. They have black and white facial markings. Sable antelopes have a long, erect mane that runs from the top of the neck to the shoulder. There are transversely ridged and backward curving having long narrow horns in both sexes.
Serval
Serval ~ Mondo
These are medium-sized cats that are natives of central and southern Africa. They have a spotted pelt like a cheetah and fan-like sharp ears. These ears also help servals sense vibrations. Serval were excessively hunted for their fur and many species have become extinct. Servals have a diet of hares, birds, reptiles, frogs, fish and insects. They can leap very well and catch a bird in flight.
Cape Elephant Shrew
Cape Elephant Shrew
These look like small long-nosed mouse, but are not rodents or even related to rodents. These are true shrews classified under order Soricomorpha. They have five toes, whereas rodents have four toes.
Sitatunga
Sitatunga ~ Nzohe
These are small aquatic antelopes. Sitatunga are very good swimmers and can hide underwater with their nostrils above the water surface. These nocturnal creatures have white bands on their body, with shaggy reddish-brown hair and long spiral horns only in males.
Steinbok
Steinbok
These are also known as 'Steenbok' or 'Steinbuck'. They are small antelopes found in southern and eastern Africa. They look similar to Oribis. These antelopes have coat shade ranging from fawn to rufous or typically orange. They have white undersides, throat and chin. They have white ring around the eye. A black crescent shape is seen between the ears.
Suni
Suni ~ Paa
These are very small species of antelopes. They are found in south-east Africa. Suni are reddish-brown in color with a darker colored coat on their sides and legs. The coat on their belly, chin, throat and inner sides of legs is white. They have black rings around the eyes and above the hooves. They make barking and whistling sounds.
Thomson's Gazelle
Thomson's Gazelle ~ Swala Tomi
These are small gazelles inhabiting the Serengeti. They are named after an explorer, James Thomson. They have light brown coats and white undersides. They have a distinctive black stripe on their sides. They are known to display a bounding leap, known as 'slotting' or 'pronking'. This unusual behavior helps startle predators and show off strength.
Topi
Topi ~ Nyamera
These are short black-tailed antelopes known to be the fastest of their kind. They are found in the Savannah and the floodplains of Sudan, Chad, Kenya, Tanzania and Southern Africa. Topi are famous for their solitary sentinel position. The animal stands for hours on a termite mound surveying the surrounding territory in this position. The Topi, Impalas and the Giraffes are the only animals that are not found on the Ngorongoro Crater. They have a rusty-red color coat. Their legs and chest are black in color with a black strip running from the forehead to the tip of their nose.
Vervet Monkey
Vervet Monkey ~ Blou-aap
These are monkeys with gray coat having a yellow tinge. They have black face, hands, toes and tail tips. These agile climbers are forever foraging the forest for food. Vervet monkey are herbivores with a diet of fruits, flowers, seeds and leaves. They may sometimes eat spiders, grubs and locusts.
Warthog
Warthog ~ Vlakvark
The 'bestest best friend' of the meerkat Timon in the movie "The Lion King', famously known as Pumba, warthogs are a large species of pigs. Warthogs are found in the deserts and shrub-lands of Africa. They have two sets of tusks on their face. It helps them fight off predators and other warthog competitions. They have a diet of grass, fruit, berries, roots and insects. They may sometimes eat small mammals, birds and reptiles.
Waterbuck
Waterbuck ~ Waterbok
These are big antelopes found in the western, eastern, central and southern Africa. These diurnal animals are so named due to their sweat glands that produce a waterproof fluid, that coats its body. They have a reddish-brown coat that darkens as the animal ages. Waterbucks have a 'bib' under their throat and white ring on their rumps. Although named waterbucks, these animals are not very keen about entering the water.
Wild Ass
Wild Ass
These are members of the horse family Equidae. They are found in the deserts and arid areas of northeastern Africa, Ethiopia and Somalia. Wild ass are thought to be the ancestors of the domestic donkeys.
African Wild Dog
African Wild Dog ~ Mbwa mwitu
They are an endangered species of dogs found in Botswana and the Zambezi valley. They are known to be very intelligent and social animals. They use their sense of sight and not smell to catch prey. They pay no attention to the wind direction while hunting and use no cover.
Wild Cat
Wild Cat ~ Vaalbokat
These are small, nocturnal cats that hunt small mammals, birds and other small creatures. The wild cat is extremely timid and lives a solitary life.
Wildebeest
Wildebeest or Gnu ~ Nyumbu
These animals have a population of about 1.7 to 2 million. Gnu are found all over the Serengeti ecosystem. These large bearded antelopes are weird-looking and thought to be a cross between a cow, horse and a goat! The Great Migration of the wildebeest has made Serengeti world-famous.
The geographical diversity has resulted in a vast and varied population of African animals. The vast plains of Africa and the dense jungle is the home to a wide population of animals, that roam freely on the African land. The vast reserves, sanctuaries and protected areas have resulted in a decrease in poaching and hunting of the wild animals. Although, the illegal killings have not stopped completely, there is a significant decrease in the poaching. The National Geographic has helped introduce the world with the harsh and difficult, yet interesting and intriguing life of the African fauna. African safari has become a dream holiday of every traveler. A look at the king of the jungle hunting down his prey, the Great Wildebeest Migration, a herd of elephants led by the matriarch cow, has become the standard picture in the minds of people who think about Africa and the African safari. The Serengeti, Sahara, Kilimanjaro are synonyms to Africa and the African animal list.
I have just named a few African animals in my African animal list. There many beautiful birds like Cape Shelduck Bird, Cape Teal, White-bellied Stork, White-breasted Cormorant, White-eyed Pochard, White-faced Whistling Duck, etc. found in Africa. Fascinating insects like the mealworm beetle, harvestman, house cricket, honeybee, butterflies, land snail, fire ant and many others that roam the African wilderness. This list of African animals was just a glimpse at the various members of wild Africa. The African continent is abundant with a rich and varied wildlife.
We humans tend to become a tad too selfish and forget that other living beings also own the planet just as much as we do. Hunting animals for their fur, tusks, horns or any other body part is totally inhumane and insensitive act. God has created other life forms which are related to each other and even humans in the large cycle of life. When one member of the animal kingdom is lost forever, many other dependent species are in danger of becoming extinct animals. It is a race against time that will help us preserve nature's bounty for our future generations to admire.
Many of these wild inhabitants of Africa are on the verge of extinction or are already extinct. Illegal poaching, hunting and human encroachment is stripping Africa of its wild beauty. A lot of collective effort and struggles have gone in to preserve the wildlife by bringing up sanctuaries, preserves, national parks and game reserves. We should not act in a cold-blooded manner and endanger the life of any beautiful animal, bird, insect, amphibian, marine creatures. This is our planet and as the most advanced and evolved species of the planet, let's take the responsibility of helping and conserving other members of our beautiful planet. It is not just the endangered wild animals of Africa, but the flora and fauna all over the world that needs our protection. The old ado of 'live and let live' should be applied by all of us. As I end my 'Safari' of African animals list, I part with this old message, "Shoot with a camera, not with a gun"!
Wild Animals as Pets
It may seem quite appealing, but the practice of keeping wild animals as pets is not at all a wise thing to do - neither for you, nor for the animal. In this write-up, we will discuss the ill-effects of this practice.
It may seem quite appealing, but the practice of keeping wild animals as pets is not at all a wise thing to do - neither for you, nor for the animal. In this write-up, we will discuss the ill-effects of this practice.
The practice of keeping wild animals - such as lions, tigers,
elephants, wolves, alligators and huge snakes, as pets can be traced
back to ancient times wherein keeping such wild pets was considered a
status symbol amongst the rich. While the practice continues even today,
it is no more restricted to the rich as it was back then. Illegal
trade, backyard breeding and auction of exotic animals has made it a lot
easy to keep them as pets. Right from spiders and scorpions to
considerably large primates and even some big cats, the list of wild
animals sought by pet enthusiasts is quite lengthy. But is it wise to
keep these animals as pets? Wildlife enthusiasts are strictly against
this concept, and cite several reasons to refrain from it.
Why Wild Animals Don't Make Good Pets?
Wild animals are those species whose behavior is such that they cannot co-exist with humans, and that definition in itself is one of the most prominent reasons as to why you should refrain from keeping them as pets. It is very difficult to care for these animals as their basic requirements in terms of food, habitat or other attributes of their life, are quite high. It doesn't take much time for the adorable young ones of these wild species to grow into large and strong adults. With their instinctive behavioral traits - such as biting and scratching, they can easily end up harming humans even when they don't intend to do so. There have been several instances of captive bred wild animals attacking their owners or unleashing havoc in the neighborhood. Even animals which are not large in size can demonstrate destructive behavior at times. While monkeys are most sought after wild pets, you get to see a drastic change in their behavior as they start growing. In fact, they don't even hesitate from biting you when they feel threatened.
Yet another reason to refrain from keeping wild animals as pets is their tendency to carry various zoonotic diseases i.e. those animal diseases which can be transferred to humans. Diseases like rabies, salmonella, monkey pox, marburg virus, klebsiella, etc., which these animals carry are life-threatening for human beings. Salmonella affects thousands of people in the United States alone every year when people come in contact with reptiles and amphibians which act as carriers for this bacteria. It is estimated that somewhere around 77-90 percent of the reptiles act as carriers for salmonella, thus putting humans who choose these reptiles as pets at a serious health risk. It is very difficult to determine if some reptile is carrying this bacterium as these reptiles do not show any symptoms of the same. Similarly, herpes B is quite common in pet macaques and rabies is common in foxes, skunks, raccoons, etc. While all these diseases hurt humans, improper care of this species - especially the young ones, can end up hurting these animals.
Federal Laws
The practice has been under the scanner for legal and ethical issues surrounding it for quite some time now. Even the federal laws, which do very little to restrict or prohibit private possession of wild animals, have been subjected to a great deal of criticism by animal welfare groups and wildlife enthusiasts alike. While the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) does put restriction on possession of warm-blooded animals, it does nothing to keep reptiles off the human radar. Other laws which protect animals from such animal cruelty such as Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) do exist, but they aren't much helpful at the ground level.
While some jurisdictions allow people to keep wild species as their pets under stipulated guidelines, others have put a total ban on this practice. There also exist others which have no rules and regulations on wild pets whatsoever. In the United States, it is illegal to keep wild animals in states like Alaska, Georgia, Kentucky, California etc., but the same can be done with a permit from the authorities in states like Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, etc. (Note: This is just a general outline of laws on keeping wild and exotic animals as pets, for the details on the same you need to contact your state authorities.)
If the pros and cons of keeping wild animals as pets are pitched against each other, the cons of this practice easily outweigh its pros. When people keep wild animals as their pets, it is not for companionship as in case of domesticated animals, but for display - which in itself is ethically incorrect. More importantly, we need to understand that domesticated species - unlike their wild counterparts, have evolved over the course of thousands of years to become what they are today. Wild animals will stick to their basic instincts even if you keep them in your home. At the end of the day, it is very difficult to meet the dietary or behavioral needs of these animals when they are kept in captivity, and hence, it is better to refrain from this practice.
PS: Most important of all is the fact that capturing wild animals and keeping them as pets tends to disrupt the balance in the ecosystem as the decline in number of one species has adverse effects on a number of other species dependent on it.
Why Wild Animals Don't Make Good Pets?
Wild animals are those species whose behavior is such that they cannot co-exist with humans, and that definition in itself is one of the most prominent reasons as to why you should refrain from keeping them as pets. It is very difficult to care for these animals as their basic requirements in terms of food, habitat or other attributes of their life, are quite high. It doesn't take much time for the adorable young ones of these wild species to grow into large and strong adults. With their instinctive behavioral traits - such as biting and scratching, they can easily end up harming humans even when they don't intend to do so. There have been several instances of captive bred wild animals attacking their owners or unleashing havoc in the neighborhood. Even animals which are not large in size can demonstrate destructive behavior at times. While monkeys are most sought after wild pets, you get to see a drastic change in their behavior as they start growing. In fact, they don't even hesitate from biting you when they feel threatened.
Yet another reason to refrain from keeping wild animals as pets is their tendency to carry various zoonotic diseases i.e. those animal diseases which can be transferred to humans. Diseases like rabies, salmonella, monkey pox, marburg virus, klebsiella, etc., which these animals carry are life-threatening for human beings. Salmonella affects thousands of people in the United States alone every year when people come in contact with reptiles and amphibians which act as carriers for this bacteria. It is estimated that somewhere around 77-90 percent of the reptiles act as carriers for salmonella, thus putting humans who choose these reptiles as pets at a serious health risk. It is very difficult to determine if some reptile is carrying this bacterium as these reptiles do not show any symptoms of the same. Similarly, herpes B is quite common in pet macaques and rabies is common in foxes, skunks, raccoons, etc. While all these diseases hurt humans, improper care of this species - especially the young ones, can end up hurting these animals.
Federal Laws
The practice has been under the scanner for legal and ethical issues surrounding it for quite some time now. Even the federal laws, which do very little to restrict or prohibit private possession of wild animals, have been subjected to a great deal of criticism by animal welfare groups and wildlife enthusiasts alike. While the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) does put restriction on possession of warm-blooded animals, it does nothing to keep reptiles off the human radar. Other laws which protect animals from such animal cruelty such as Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) do exist, but they aren't much helpful at the ground level.
While some jurisdictions allow people to keep wild species as their pets under stipulated guidelines, others have put a total ban on this practice. There also exist others which have no rules and regulations on wild pets whatsoever. In the United States, it is illegal to keep wild animals in states like Alaska, Georgia, Kentucky, California etc., but the same can be done with a permit from the authorities in states like Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, etc. (Note: This is just a general outline of laws on keeping wild and exotic animals as pets, for the details on the same you need to contact your state authorities.)
If the pros and cons of keeping wild animals as pets are pitched against each other, the cons of this practice easily outweigh its pros. When people keep wild animals as their pets, it is not for companionship as in case of domesticated animals, but for display - which in itself is ethically incorrect. More importantly, we need to understand that domesticated species - unlike their wild counterparts, have evolved over the course of thousands of years to become what they are today. Wild animals will stick to their basic instincts even if you keep them in your home. At the end of the day, it is very difficult to meet the dietary or behavioral needs of these animals when they are kept in captivity, and hence, it is better to refrain from this practice.
PS: Most important of all is the fact that capturing wild animals and keeping them as pets tends to disrupt the balance in the ecosystem as the decline in number of one species has adverse effects on a number of other species dependent on it.
Forest Animals List
There are a huge number of animal species that are found in the forest. Here is a forest animals list that are common as well as rare.
There are a huge number of animal species that are found in the forest. Here is a forest animals list that are common as well as rare.
There are many animals that live in the forest and one can find
species that are never seen in a zoo. The animals and birds live in
their natural environment and some of them fall under the endangered
species list due to indiscriminate hunting and poaching. Most of the
animals found on earth are wild animals whose natural habitat is the
forest. All animals however do not live in the same type of forests,
some live exclusively in rainforests while others are found in deciduous
forests, temperate hardwood forest, boreal or taiga forests and
tropical dry forests. Here we will give you a list of forest animals.
List of Forest Animals
Here is a list of animals that are found in a forest.
Leopard
African Lion
Orangutan
Cape Buffalo
Crocodile
Rainbow Lizard
Flying Squirrel
Giant Panda
Baboon
Fox
Bongo
Bontebok
Cheetah
Zebra
Fossa
Forest Hog
Giraffe
Gerbil
Hare
Hedgehog
Jackal
Mandrill
Nyala
Meerkats
Oribi
Otter
Mongoose
Seal
Reedbuck
Servil
Warthog
Coyote
Waterbuck
Wild Cat
Badger
Hyena
Jaguar
Gorilla
Dwarf Mongoose
Lemur
Iguana
Monkey
Golden Toad
Giant Armadillo
Sloth
Squirrel Monkey
Pygmy Marmoset
Elephant
Aye-Aye Monkey
Bengal Tiger
Capuchin Monkey
Poison Arrow Frog
Alpaca Anteater
Ocelot
Red Deer
Tamarin Lion
Woolly Monkey
Spider Monkey
Porcupine
White faced Monkey
Howler Monkey
Capybara
Okapi
Sumatran Rhinoceros
Silvery Gibbon
Giant River Otter
Toucan
Poison Arrow Frog
Happy face Spider
Glass Frog
Skink
Leaf-Cutter Ant
Bush Pig
Strawberry Poisoned Dart Frog
Addax
Antelope
Endangered Forest Animals List
Here is an endangered forest animals list.
Bactrian Camel
Bandicoot
Bahamas Rock Iguana
Bale Monkey
Owl Faced Monkey
Ostrich
Ouachita Burrowing Crayfish
Geometric Tortoise
Galapagos Land Snail
Salta Toad
Saltwater Crocodile
Samoan Tree Snail
Samoan Flying Fox
Sambar Deer
Salvin's Salamander
San Diego Fairy Shrimp
Uzungwe Toad
Utah Prairie Dog
Usambara Banana Frog
Zug's Robber Frog
Zhou's Box Turtle
Zapahuira Water Frog
Zambian Mole Rat
Zacate Blanco Treefrog
Yunnan Flying Frog
Yiwu Salamander
Yellowtail Flounder
Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey
Yellow-spotted Salamander
Yellow-margined Box Turtle
Yellow-legged Climbing Salamander
White-lipped Deer
Yellow River Frog
Yarey Robber Frog
Warty Asian Tree Toad
Visayan Deer
Visayan Warty Pig
Volcan Tacana Toad
Yamur Lake Grunter
Yalobusha Riverlet Crayfish
Western Bearded Pig
Yap Flying Fox
Wyoming Toad
Volcano Rabbit
Wrinkled Madagascar Frog
Wutai Crab
Wreathed Cactus Snail
Wood Turtle
Wolverine
Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo
Wild Goat
Whitehead's Spiny Rat
White-tipped Tuft-tailed Rat
White-tailed Mouse
White-cheeked Spider Monkey
Water Frog Wang's Crab
Wild Yak White-tailed Deer
White-spotted Madagascar Frog
Visayan Warty Pig
Vietnam Crocodile Newt
Vanikoro Flying Fox
Unicolored Oldfield Mouse
Ubatuba Dwarf Frog
Turkana Mud Turtle
Tufted Deer
Tulotoma Snail
Tumbala Climbing Rat
Tufted Gray Langur
Tufted Ground Squirrel
Tree Hole Crab
Travancore Flying Squirrel
Toothless Blindcat Timor
Yellow Tiger
Tiger Chameleon
Tiger Tail Seahorse
Telescope Hornsnail
Tibetan Antelope
Three-striped Roof Turtle
Thomas's Langur
Tennessee Pebblesnail
Tehuantepec Jackrabbit
Swamp Deer
Painted Tree Rat
Palau Flying Fox
Pacific Pond Turtle
La Palma Giant Lizard
Kinabalu Asian Toad
Juliana's Golden Mole
Jagged-shelled Turtle
Ivory Coast Frog
Indian Giant Squirrel
Sulcata Tortoise
Dhole
Gazelle
Florida Panther
Gray Wolf
Grizzly Bear
Koala Bears
Kinkajou
Kangaroo Rat
Lynx
Numbat
Oryx
Okapi
Snow Leopard
Siberian Tiger
Red Wolf
Tasmanian Devil
White Rhinoceros
Wallaby
Yak
Zorro
Forest Birds List
Here is a list of birds that are found in the forest.
White Pelican
Great Blue Heron
Snowy Egret
Green Heron
Greater White-fronted Goose
Purple Martin
Violet-green Swallow
Wood Duck
Golden Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Mountain Bluebird
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Prairie Falcon
Black-headed Heron
Hooded Vulture
Swallow-Tailed Kite
Paradise Tanager
Long-Tailed Sylph
Black-Backed Grosbeak
Great Horned Owl
Hoopoe Malachite
Sunbird
Scarlet Macaw
Orange Winged Parrot
Woodpecker
Belted Kingfisher
Hooded Oriole
Western Meadowlark
Hummingbird
White-Throated Swift
Northern Pygmy Owl
Yellow Billed Cuckoo
Sandpiper
Mockingbird
Endangered Forest Bird List
Here is an list of endangered birds that are found in the forest.
Zamboanga Bulbul
Wilson's Bird-of-paradise
Yemen Thrush
Wrinkled Hornbill
California Condor
Yellowish Imperial Pigeon
Northern Spotted Owl
Yellow-throated Hanging-parrot
Wood Stork
Yellow-shouldered Blackbird
Prairie Chicken
Lilian's Lovebird
Firethroat
Yellow-legged Pigeon
White-winged Collared Dove
Yellow-eyed Starling
Relict Gull
Western Spotted Owl
Himalayan Quail
Marbled Murrelet
Yellow-crowned Parakeet
Kakapo
Yellow-Crested Cockatoo
Hawaiian Goose
White-winged Wood Duck
Purple Eagle
Diamond Firetail
Brown-winged Kingfisher
This was a list of forest animals and birds. More and more animals and birds of the forest are falling under the endangered animals list due to deforestation and poaching. Human encroachment on their habitat and indiscriminate poaching of endangered animals and birds can lead to their extinction. So we should be fully aware of the environment and do all that we can to preserve our environment and protect these forest birds and animals.
List of Forest Animals
Here is a list of animals that are found in a forest.
Leopard
African Lion
Orangutan
Cape Buffalo
Crocodile
Rainbow Lizard
Flying Squirrel
Giant Panda
Baboon
Fox
Bongo
Bontebok
Cheetah
Zebra
Fossa
Forest Hog
Giraffe
Gerbil
Hare
Hedgehog
Jackal
Mandrill
Nyala
Meerkats
Oribi
Otter
Mongoose
Seal
Reedbuck
Servil
Warthog
Coyote
Waterbuck
Wild Cat
Badger
Hyena
Jaguar
Gorilla
Dwarf Mongoose
Lemur
Iguana
Monkey
Golden Toad
Giant Armadillo
Sloth
Squirrel Monkey
Pygmy Marmoset
Elephant
Aye-Aye Monkey
Bengal Tiger
Capuchin Monkey
Poison Arrow Frog
Alpaca Anteater
Ocelot
Red Deer
Tamarin Lion
Woolly Monkey
Spider Monkey
Porcupine
White faced Monkey
Howler Monkey
Capybara
Okapi
Sumatran Rhinoceros
Silvery Gibbon
Giant River Otter
Toucan
Poison Arrow Frog
Happy face Spider
Glass Frog
Skink
Leaf-Cutter Ant
Bush Pig
Strawberry Poisoned Dart Frog
Addax
Antelope
Endangered Forest Animals List
Here is an endangered forest animals list.
Bactrian Camel
Bandicoot
Bahamas Rock Iguana
Bale Monkey
Owl Faced Monkey
Ostrich
Ouachita Burrowing Crayfish
Geometric Tortoise
Galapagos Land Snail
Salta Toad
Saltwater Crocodile
Samoan Tree Snail
Samoan Flying Fox
Sambar Deer
Salvin's Salamander
San Diego Fairy Shrimp
Uzungwe Toad
Utah Prairie Dog
Usambara Banana Frog
Zug's Robber Frog
Zhou's Box Turtle
Zapahuira Water Frog
Zambian Mole Rat
Zacate Blanco Treefrog
Yunnan Flying Frog
Yiwu Salamander
Yellowtail Flounder
Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey
Yellow-spotted Salamander
Yellow-margined Box Turtle
Yellow-legged Climbing Salamander
White-lipped Deer
Yellow River Frog
Yarey Robber Frog
Warty Asian Tree Toad
Visayan Deer
Visayan Warty Pig
Volcan Tacana Toad
Yamur Lake Grunter
Yalobusha Riverlet Crayfish
Western Bearded Pig
Yap Flying Fox
Wyoming Toad
Volcano Rabbit
Wrinkled Madagascar Frog
Wutai Crab
Wreathed Cactus Snail
Wood Turtle
Wolverine
Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo
Wild Goat
Whitehead's Spiny Rat
White-tipped Tuft-tailed Rat
White-tailed Mouse
White-cheeked Spider Monkey
Water Frog Wang's Crab
Wild Yak White-tailed Deer
White-spotted Madagascar Frog
Visayan Warty Pig
Vietnam Crocodile Newt
Vanikoro Flying Fox
Unicolored Oldfield Mouse
Ubatuba Dwarf Frog
Turkana Mud Turtle
Tufted Deer
Tulotoma Snail
Tumbala Climbing Rat
Tufted Gray Langur
Tufted Ground Squirrel
Tree Hole Crab
Travancore Flying Squirrel
Toothless Blindcat Timor
Yellow Tiger
Tiger Chameleon
Tiger Tail Seahorse
Telescope Hornsnail
Tibetan Antelope
Three-striped Roof Turtle
Thomas's Langur
Tennessee Pebblesnail
Tehuantepec Jackrabbit
Swamp Deer
Painted Tree Rat
Palau Flying Fox
Pacific Pond Turtle
La Palma Giant Lizard
Kinabalu Asian Toad
Juliana's Golden Mole
Jagged-shelled Turtle
Ivory Coast Frog
Indian Giant Squirrel
Sulcata Tortoise
Dhole
Gazelle
Florida Panther
Gray Wolf
Grizzly Bear
Koala Bears
Kinkajou
Kangaroo Rat
Lynx
Numbat
Oryx
Okapi
Snow Leopard
Siberian Tiger
Red Wolf
Tasmanian Devil
White Rhinoceros
Wallaby
Yak
Zorro
Forest Birds List
Here is a list of birds that are found in the forest.
White Pelican
Great Blue Heron
Snowy Egret
Green Heron
Greater White-fronted Goose
Purple Martin
Violet-green Swallow
Wood Duck
Golden Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Mountain Bluebird
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Prairie Falcon
Black-headed Heron
Hooded Vulture
Swallow-Tailed Kite
Paradise Tanager
Long-Tailed Sylph
Black-Backed Grosbeak
Great Horned Owl
Hoopoe Malachite
Sunbird
Scarlet Macaw
Orange Winged Parrot
Woodpecker
Belted Kingfisher
Hooded Oriole
Western Meadowlark
Hummingbird
White-Throated Swift
Northern Pygmy Owl
Yellow Billed Cuckoo
Sandpiper
Mockingbird
Endangered Forest Bird List
Here is an list of endangered birds that are found in the forest.
Zamboanga Bulbul
Wilson's Bird-of-paradise
Yemen Thrush
Wrinkled Hornbill
California Condor
Yellowish Imperial Pigeon
Northern Spotted Owl
Yellow-throated Hanging-parrot
Wood Stork
Yellow-shouldered Blackbird
Prairie Chicken
Lilian's Lovebird
Firethroat
Yellow-legged Pigeon
White-winged Collared Dove
Yellow-eyed Starling
Relict Gull
Western Spotted Owl
Himalayan Quail
Marbled Murrelet
Yellow-crowned Parakeet
Kakapo
Yellow-Crested Cockatoo
Hawaiian Goose
White-winged Wood Duck
Purple Eagle
Diamond Firetail
Brown-winged Kingfisher
This was a list of forest animals and birds. More and more animals and birds of the forest are falling under the endangered animals list due to deforestation and poaching. Human encroachment on their habitat and indiscriminate poaching of endangered animals and birds can lead to their extinction. So we should be fully aware of the environment and do all that we can to preserve our environment and protect these forest birds and animals.
Clouded Leopard Facts
Clouded leopards have unique features, like large canine teeth, long tail, and cloud-shaped markings on their coat. Here are some interesting facts about the animal.
Clouded leopards have unique features, like large canine teeth, long tail, and cloud-shaped markings on their coat. Here are some interesting facts about the animal.
The clouded leopard is often mistaken as a type of leopard. In
fact, they are medium-sized wild cats. They are members of the genus
Neofelis in the sub family Pantherinae of the cat family Felidae. Along
with clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) with three subspecies; the
genus Neofelis has another species called the Bornean clouded leopard
(Neofelis diardi). The name clouded leopard is derived from the
cloud-shaped markings on their coat, which are often found to be tawny.
These markings are large and irregular, with dark edges. When compared
to the domestic cats, these felines are larger; but are smaller than the
big cats.
Distribution and Habitat
They are medium-sized wild cats found in some regions of the South-East Asia, like China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam. As mentioned above, the genus Neofelis has two species, clouded leopards and Bornean clouded leopards. It was in 2006, that Bornean clouded leopards were classified as a separate species. They are found in Sumatra, Batu, and Borneo islands.
Clouded leopards are mostly found on trees. They lead an arboreal life, as they are considered as the most excellent climbers among the members of the cat family Felidae. The arboreal skills are also used for hunting prey. Clouded leopard habitat includes the evergreen tropical forests of South-East Asia. They are rarely seen, as they spend most of the time on trees. So, very little is known about these wild cats, that lead solitary lives. However, during mating season, clouded leopards hunt together, and the cubs are also seen with the mother. These animals are said to be very secretive.
Physical Features
Clouded leopards are medium-sized, and they grow to a height of around 25 to 40 inches (at the shoulder). An average adult has a body weight, that can range between 15 to 24 kilograms. They have a distinct skull structure, as compared to other felines. Their jaw structure enables them to open their mouth wider than any other cat species. An interesting fact about clouded leopards is that, these wild animals have the longest canine teeth (in proportion to skull size), as compared to other living felines. The length of their canine teeth is around two inches, and is similar to that of tigers. However, tigers are almost ten times larger than clouded leopards.
They have short and strong legs, that are very flexible. The large paws and sharp claws help them in climbing, and hanging upside down on trees. Even the long and strong tail helps them in balancing, during their movements among trees. One of the unique features of the clouded leopard is the long tail, which can be as long as the body length of the animal. In fact, it is said to be the longest among all felines (in proportion to the body size).
Clouded leopards hunt a wide range of animals and birds, especially the arboreal and terrestrial mammals. Captive clouded leopards are also fed with eggs and some types of vegetables. Their gestation period is around 85 to 93 days, and the litter size can range between one to five cubs, that are dependent on their mother for around ten months. However, clouded leopards are classified as vulnerable species, as their population is dwindling, due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and other human interventions.
Distribution and Habitat
They are medium-sized wild cats found in some regions of the South-East Asia, like China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam. As mentioned above, the genus Neofelis has two species, clouded leopards and Bornean clouded leopards. It was in 2006, that Bornean clouded leopards were classified as a separate species. They are found in Sumatra, Batu, and Borneo islands.
Clouded leopards are mostly found on trees. They lead an arboreal life, as they are considered as the most excellent climbers among the members of the cat family Felidae. The arboreal skills are also used for hunting prey. Clouded leopard habitat includes the evergreen tropical forests of South-East Asia. They are rarely seen, as they spend most of the time on trees. So, very little is known about these wild cats, that lead solitary lives. However, during mating season, clouded leopards hunt together, and the cubs are also seen with the mother. These animals are said to be very secretive.
Physical Features
Clouded leopards are medium-sized, and they grow to a height of around 25 to 40 inches (at the shoulder). An average adult has a body weight, that can range between 15 to 24 kilograms. They have a distinct skull structure, as compared to other felines. Their jaw structure enables them to open their mouth wider than any other cat species. An interesting fact about clouded leopards is that, these wild animals have the longest canine teeth (in proportion to skull size), as compared to other living felines. The length of their canine teeth is around two inches, and is similar to that of tigers. However, tigers are almost ten times larger than clouded leopards.
They have short and strong legs, that are very flexible. The large paws and sharp claws help them in climbing, and hanging upside down on trees. Even the long and strong tail helps them in balancing, during their movements among trees. One of the unique features of the clouded leopard is the long tail, which can be as long as the body length of the animal. In fact, it is said to be the longest among all felines (in proportion to the body size).
Clouded leopards hunt a wide range of animals and birds, especially the arboreal and terrestrial mammals. Captive clouded leopards are also fed with eggs and some types of vegetables. Their gestation period is around 85 to 93 days, and the litter size can range between one to five cubs, that are dependent on their mother for around ten months. However, clouded leopards are classified as vulnerable species, as their population is dwindling, due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and other human interventions.
Deciduous Forest Animals
A wide variety of mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles can be found in deciduous forests which fall under the category of dry tropical forests. These animals have unique adaptations for various climates. Learn more about the deciduous forest biome and the animals that dwell in it.
A wide variety of mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles can be found in deciduous forests which fall under the category of dry tropical forests. These animals have unique adaptations for various climates. Learn more about the deciduous forest biome and the animals that dwell in it.
Deciduous forests are found near the eastern coast of North
America, eastern coast of Paraguay and southern Chile. Deciduous forest
biome is also found in eastern China, southeastern Australia,
southwestern Russia, and parts of Japan and New Zealand. Over the course
of a year the climate in the deciduous forest ranges from cold with
precipitation in the form of snow, to hot, with precipitation in the
form of rain. The temperate deciduous forest biome has four seasons,
namely: winter, spring, summer and fall. Animals and plants in this
forest have special adaptations to cope with these yearly changes.
The winters tend to get very cold and thus the animals in the forest either hibernate or migrate to warmer lands. As the seasons change, so do the colors of the leaves of the deciduous trees. Since sunlight and water are limited during winters, the leaves are unable to produce chlorophyll (green pigment in leaves), causing them to change into beautiful red, yellow and orange colors.
While many deciduous forest birds prefer to migrate in this season, others, like mammals and reptiles, prefer hibernation. Several animals like squirrels and chipmunks store food such as seeds and nuts for the winters. Spring is the best time as the animals come out of hibernation, the trees are green and the forest flaunts its diverse flora and fauna.
Let us take a look at some of the animals that live in these forests.
*(Click on the image to enlarge)
Deciduous Forest Animals
Black Bear
American Black Bear
The American black bear is the most common bear species in North America. These bears hibernate in winters. They are omnivorous and feed on anything depending on the location and availability. This native species communicate by grunting and marking trees using its teeth and claws. The American black bear is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern.
American Burying Beetle
The American burying beetle or giant carrion beetle is between 25 and 45 mm long and can be identified by its distinctive orange-red markings. These nocturnal species are critically endangered and are on the verge of extinction. A huge number of these beetles were found in the region east of the Rocky Mountains, but are now limited only to southeastern Canada.
Bald Eagle
Also known as the American eagle, bald eagles are birds of prey and feed on fish, small sea birds, reptiles and mammals. They are found in various habitats including the eastern deciduous forests of Quebec and New England. Bald eagles are listed as 'least concern' by IUCN. The female bald eagle is larger than the male. The bald eagle is also the national symbol of the US, and appears on its seal.
Beaver
Beavers are large semi-aquatic rodents who are known for building dams and canals. They build small lodges with the help of sticky mud, alongside water bodies. Beavers are herbivores and their diet includes tree barks, twigs, leaves and water plants. They have powerful front teeth which are used to cut trees as well as for food. Other characteristics include webbed hind-feet and a broad, scaly tail. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Bobcat
The bobcat is an adaptable predator found in the deciduous and coniferous woodlands of North America. It is twice as large as the domestic cat but a little smaller than the Canada lynx. Their diet varies according to location, season, and abundance. These solitary predators mainly feed on rabbits, hares, chickens, small rodents, and deer. The bobcat is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Brown Bear
Brown bears are comparatively larger than black bears and are often found in cool mountainous regions. They are omnivorous, mainly feeding on fish and fruit, though they are also known to eat small mammals and insects. Due to their big size, they are generally immune to predatory attacks, except from other bears. Brown bears hibernate in dens and are not sound sleepers like other hibernators, as they are easily awakened. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Coyote
Although coyotes can live almost anywhere, deciduous forests are one of their favorite dwellings. Also known as American jackals, they usually hunt in pairs. Their diet consists of small mammals, reptiles, mice and fruits. Coyote packs are generally smaller than wolf packs, consisting of closely-related adults and offspring. Coyotes are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Duckbill Platypus
The duckbill platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal only found in Australian deciduous forests. They have a very unusual appearance with beaver-like tail, duck-like mouth and webbed feet. Platypus is among the few mammals that are venomous, and it is also the only mammal to lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Platypus are carnivores, feeding mainly on annelid worms, insect larvae and freshwater shrimps. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Eastern Chipmunk
The eastern chipmunk lives in deciduous wooded areas throughout eastern United States and southern Canada. It forages for food and prefers bulbs, seeds, fruits, nuts, green plants, mushrooms, insects, worms, and bird eggs. When there is excess food, chipmunks transport food by storing it in pouches in their cheeks. Eastern chipmunks are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Eastern Cottontail
The eastern cottontail is one of the most common rabbit species in North America. Their diet largely depends on availability, they mainly forage for bark, twigs, leaves, fruit, buds, flowers, grass seeds, sedge fruits, and rush seeds. However, they also feed on insects at times. Eastern cottontail rabbits run in a zigzag fashion when chased, and can reach up to 18 mph. They prefer to live in forests, swamps, thickets, and bushes, where there are plenty of places to hide. This rabbit species is listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Eurasian Red Squirrel
These red squirrels are arboreal, omnivorous rodents and can be found throughout Eurasia. They can live up to 15 years, and their predators include eagles, hawks, and coyotes. The numbers of Eurasian red squirrel have decreased drastically in Great Britain and Ireland because of introduction of the eastern gray squirrel from North America. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
European Hedgehog
The European hedgehog is endemic to western Europe and Russia. Hedgehogs are usually related to porcupines because of their appearance but they are closer to the moles. Their diet includes slugs, earthworms, beetles and caterpillars. They are also known to eat mushrooms, fruits, and occasionally, frogs and small rodents. European hedgehogs are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Muskrat
Muskrats are small, dome-shaped, semi-aquatic rodents that live around water marshes, lakes and streams. They mainly eat water plants and small shellfish, their predators include raccoons and foxes. Muskrats are often mistaken to be rats because of their appearance, however they are not related to rats. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern cardinal is a beautiful bird with a vibrant red color and a tall head crest. Females are grayish olive in color. Gender of the species is also distinguished by the mask-like pattern on the face, which is black in males and gray in females. They eat insects, seeds and tree saps. They are territorial and tend to sing in loud whistles. This species has been listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Northern Copperhead
Northern copperhead camouflages perfectly amidst fallen tree foliage, which help them in hunting and protection against predators. Young copperheads have a lighter shade of color. The bright-colored tail tip is a peculiar characteristic. They are listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Opossum
Opossums have a flexible diet, which make them successful survivors in diverse locations and conditions. Opossums can be found in deciduous forests of North America. They are nocturnal and opportunistic omnivores. Their varied diet includes fruits, berries, insects, lizards, snails and leftovers by other predators. One peculiar characteristic of this animal is that when threatened, they "play possum", which means that they act dead and also emit a foul smell of a sick or dead animal. They are listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Raccoon
Raccoons can adapt to a wide range of habitats, deciduous forest being one of them. The most distinctive feature of raccoons is the mask-like pattern on its face, and its front paws. This intelligent animal is usually nocturnal and is omnivorous, mainly feeding on fruits, nuts, bird eggs, insects, small mammals and reptiles. Since its diet consists of such wide variety of foods, raccoons are known as one of the world's most omnivorous animals. This species has been listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common hawk species and can be found throughout most of North America. They are carnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet ranges from mammals to rodents and insects to birds. Due to the abundance of rodent species, deciduous forests are one of the most preferred habitats by red-tailed hawks. Red-tailed hawk is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Tawny Owl
This owl species is found in deciduous and mixed forests across Eurasia. They are nocturnal, and mainly hunt rodents. Their physical characteristics, such as vision and hearing adaptations and silent flight, are perfect for hunting at night. Due to their nocturnal habits, appearance, and eerie cry, tawny owls are often associated with bad-luck. This species of owl is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
White-tailed Deer:
The white-tailed deer can be found all over the USA, parts of Canada, South America and Central America. They prefer deciduous vegetation, and forage for shoots, leaves, cacti, and grasses. This deer species can be recognized by the characteristic white underside of its tail. The white-tailed deer is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Other deciduous forest animals
• Wolf
• Newt
• Dhole
• Turkey
• Mallard Duck
• Mountain Lion
• Collared Peccary
• Skunk
• Wood Mouse
• Elk
• Salamander
• Bison
• Least weasel
• Fat Dormouse
Unlike rainforests, lush green vegetation is not abundant in deciduous forests. What makes deciduous forests stand out are the tall ancient trees, flowers, and colorful leaves. With abundance of grass, trees, and water streams, the forest is a prefect place for a rich temperate ecosystem. The concern regarding deciduous forests today, is deforestation. Even though most of the animals in this biome are not endangered, deciduous forests in general are facing major deforestation. It is in our hands to make sure that the animals that dwell in these forests are safe and sheltered in their natural habitat before it is too late.
The winters tend to get very cold and thus the animals in the forest either hibernate or migrate to warmer lands. As the seasons change, so do the colors of the leaves of the deciduous trees. Since sunlight and water are limited during winters, the leaves are unable to produce chlorophyll (green pigment in leaves), causing them to change into beautiful red, yellow and orange colors.
While many deciduous forest birds prefer to migrate in this season, others, like mammals and reptiles, prefer hibernation. Several animals like squirrels and chipmunks store food such as seeds and nuts for the winters. Spring is the best time as the animals come out of hibernation, the trees are green and the forest flaunts its diverse flora and fauna.
Let us take a look at some of the animals that live in these forests.
*(Click on the image to enlarge)
Deciduous Forest Animals
Black Bear
American Black Bear
The American black bear is the most common bear species in North America. These bears hibernate in winters. They are omnivorous and feed on anything depending on the location and availability. This native species communicate by grunting and marking trees using its teeth and claws. The American black bear is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern.
American Burying Beetle
The American burying beetle or giant carrion beetle is between 25 and 45 mm long and can be identified by its distinctive orange-red markings. These nocturnal species are critically endangered and are on the verge of extinction. A huge number of these beetles were found in the region east of the Rocky Mountains, but are now limited only to southeastern Canada.
Bald Eagle
Also known as the American eagle, bald eagles are birds of prey and feed on fish, small sea birds, reptiles and mammals. They are found in various habitats including the eastern deciduous forests of Quebec and New England. Bald eagles are listed as 'least concern' by IUCN. The female bald eagle is larger than the male. The bald eagle is also the national symbol of the US, and appears on its seal.
Beaver
Beavers are large semi-aquatic rodents who are known for building dams and canals. They build small lodges with the help of sticky mud, alongside water bodies. Beavers are herbivores and their diet includes tree barks, twigs, leaves and water plants. They have powerful front teeth which are used to cut trees as well as for food. Other characteristics include webbed hind-feet and a broad, scaly tail. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Bobcat
The bobcat is an adaptable predator found in the deciduous and coniferous woodlands of North America. It is twice as large as the domestic cat but a little smaller than the Canada lynx. Their diet varies according to location, season, and abundance. These solitary predators mainly feed on rabbits, hares, chickens, small rodents, and deer. The bobcat is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Brown Bear
Brown bears are comparatively larger than black bears and are often found in cool mountainous regions. They are omnivorous, mainly feeding on fish and fruit, though they are also known to eat small mammals and insects. Due to their big size, they are generally immune to predatory attacks, except from other bears. Brown bears hibernate in dens and are not sound sleepers like other hibernators, as they are easily awakened. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Coyote
Although coyotes can live almost anywhere, deciduous forests are one of their favorite dwellings. Also known as American jackals, they usually hunt in pairs. Their diet consists of small mammals, reptiles, mice and fruits. Coyote packs are generally smaller than wolf packs, consisting of closely-related adults and offspring. Coyotes are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Duckbill Platypus
The duckbill platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal only found in Australian deciduous forests. They have a very unusual appearance with beaver-like tail, duck-like mouth and webbed feet. Platypus is among the few mammals that are venomous, and it is also the only mammal to lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Platypus are carnivores, feeding mainly on annelid worms, insect larvae and freshwater shrimps. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Eastern Chipmunk
The eastern chipmunk lives in deciduous wooded areas throughout eastern United States and southern Canada. It forages for food and prefers bulbs, seeds, fruits, nuts, green plants, mushrooms, insects, worms, and bird eggs. When there is excess food, chipmunks transport food by storing it in pouches in their cheeks. Eastern chipmunks are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Eastern Cottontail
The eastern cottontail is one of the most common rabbit species in North America. Their diet largely depends on availability, they mainly forage for bark, twigs, leaves, fruit, buds, flowers, grass seeds, sedge fruits, and rush seeds. However, they also feed on insects at times. Eastern cottontail rabbits run in a zigzag fashion when chased, and can reach up to 18 mph. They prefer to live in forests, swamps, thickets, and bushes, where there are plenty of places to hide. This rabbit species is listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Eurasian Red Squirrel
These red squirrels are arboreal, omnivorous rodents and can be found throughout Eurasia. They can live up to 15 years, and their predators include eagles, hawks, and coyotes. The numbers of Eurasian red squirrel have decreased drastically in Great Britain and Ireland because of introduction of the eastern gray squirrel from North America. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
European Hedgehog
The European hedgehog is endemic to western Europe and Russia. Hedgehogs are usually related to porcupines because of their appearance but they are closer to the moles. Their diet includes slugs, earthworms, beetles and caterpillars. They are also known to eat mushrooms, fruits, and occasionally, frogs and small rodents. European hedgehogs are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Muskrat
Muskrats are small, dome-shaped, semi-aquatic rodents that live around water marshes, lakes and streams. They mainly eat water plants and small shellfish, their predators include raccoons and foxes. Muskrats are often mistaken to be rats because of their appearance, however they are not related to rats. They are listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern cardinal is a beautiful bird with a vibrant red color and a tall head crest. Females are grayish olive in color. Gender of the species is also distinguished by the mask-like pattern on the face, which is black in males and gray in females. They eat insects, seeds and tree saps. They are territorial and tend to sing in loud whistles. This species has been listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.
Northern Copperhead
Northern copperhead camouflages perfectly amidst fallen tree foliage, which help them in hunting and protection against predators. Young copperheads have a lighter shade of color. The bright-colored tail tip is a peculiar characteristic. They are listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Opossum
Opossums have a flexible diet, which make them successful survivors in diverse locations and conditions. Opossums can be found in deciduous forests of North America. They are nocturnal and opportunistic omnivores. Their varied diet includes fruits, berries, insects, lizards, snails and leftovers by other predators. One peculiar characteristic of this animal is that when threatened, they "play possum", which means that they act dead and also emit a foul smell of a sick or dead animal. They are listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Raccoon
Raccoons can adapt to a wide range of habitats, deciduous forest being one of them. The most distinctive feature of raccoons is the mask-like pattern on its face, and its front paws. This intelligent animal is usually nocturnal and is omnivorous, mainly feeding on fruits, nuts, bird eggs, insects, small mammals and reptiles. Since its diet consists of such wide variety of foods, raccoons are known as one of the world's most omnivorous animals. This species has been listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common hawk species and can be found throughout most of North America. They are carnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet ranges from mammals to rodents and insects to birds. Due to the abundance of rodent species, deciduous forests are one of the most preferred habitats by red-tailed hawks. Red-tailed hawk is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Tawny Owl
This owl species is found in deciduous and mixed forests across Eurasia. They are nocturnal, and mainly hunt rodents. Their physical characteristics, such as vision and hearing adaptations and silent flight, are perfect for hunting at night. Due to their nocturnal habits, appearance, and eerie cry, tawny owls are often associated with bad-luck. This species of owl is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
White-tailed Deer:
The white-tailed deer can be found all over the USA, parts of Canada, South America and Central America. They prefer deciduous vegetation, and forage for shoots, leaves, cacti, and grasses. This deer species can be recognized by the characteristic white underside of its tail. The white-tailed deer is listed as 'least concern' by IUCN.
Other deciduous forest animals
• Wolf
• Newt
• Dhole
• Turkey
• Mallard Duck
• Mountain Lion
• Collared Peccary
• Skunk
• Wood Mouse
• Elk
• Salamander
• Bison
• Least weasel
• Fat Dormouse
Unlike rainforests, lush green vegetation is not abundant in deciduous forests. What makes deciduous forests stand out are the tall ancient trees, flowers, and colorful leaves. With abundance of grass, trees, and water streams, the forest is a prefect place for a rich temperate ecosystem. The concern regarding deciduous forests today, is deforestation. Even though most of the animals in this biome are not endangered, deciduous forests in general are facing major deforestation. It is in our hands to make sure that the animals that dwell in these forests are safe and sheltered in their natural habitat before it is too late.
Pros and Cons of Keeping Wild Animals as Pets
Our desire to own unusual animals as pets often leads us to bring wild animals home. However, instances of a pet chimp attacking its owner or a big cat mauling its keeper are not rare. These incidents have often raised questions about the practice of having wild animals as pets. Let us weigh the pros and cons of this trend, which seems to be on the rise.
Our desire to own unusual animals as pets often leads us to bring wild animals home. However, instances of a pet chimp attacking its owner or a big cat mauling its keeper are not rare. These incidents have often raised questions about the practice of having wild animals as pets. Let us weigh the pros and cons of this trend, which seems to be on the rise.
Every organism has evolved according to the environmental
conditions that it was subjected to. This process of evolution took
thousands of years, in which animals lost those features that were
redundant for them and developed new ones that would help them adapt to
the existing environmental conditions. Subsequently, wild animals
developed the instincts and physical features that are suited for the
tough and aggressive life in the wild. Keeping wild animals might sound
appealing to many. However, we must not forget the fact that handling
one requires a good understanding of the animal's nature and habitat.
Many people who own wild animals as pets are trained in handling them.
Even they would agree about the unpredictable nature of wild animals.
There have been incidents of mahouts being trampled by their elephants
or trained zoo keepers being attacked by the animals in zoos. Hence,
keeping wild animals as pets has always been a controversial issue.
Listed below are the pros and cons.
Pros
Some of us might not have enough space to bring home popular pets like cats and dogs. In such a case, certain wild animals (like geckos or hedgehogs) which are small in size, can be kept as pets.
Certain wild animals, like the hedgehog, can be useful in controlling insects and pests in the house.
Buying small wild animals may sometimes cost lesser than purchasing a popular pet of a good breed from a pet store.
Sometimes, a species may have difficulty surviving in the wild. In such a case, adopting the animal as a pet may seem viable. Such adoption helped a certain species of Dart Frog survive, when its habitat was destroyed by a natural disaster.
Cons
Ethical Issues
The first and foremost issue about having a wild animal as a pet, is about the welfare of the animal itself. With a lot of study and training, one might be able to provide proper diet and exercise to the animals. However, the fact remains that wild animals are genetically and instinctively tuned to living in the wild. Can one absolutely ensure that the wild animal will have proper social interactions and development in captivity? While some animals are solitary, some animals live in large social groups. For proper development of the latter in captivity, it is essential that the owner of such an animal have a group of the same species. Ensuring proper pet care for a wild animal requires a lot of research, preparation, investment in building ideal housing, and proper medical facility. Despite all these preparations, one can hardly be sure if the arrangements are adequate for the animal.
Baby Animals Grow Up
Every baby animal, whether wild or domestic, is adorable. That might lure a lot of us to go for wild animals as pets. However, these sweet little animals grow up and depending upon the species (for example a bear, a big cat, or a chimpanzee) some of them become too big and strong for the owner to handle. With adulthood comes the wild instincts, and the animal that would generally react playfully to you when it was a baby, may just react aggressively.
Wild Animals spread Disease and Pests
Many wild animals carry diseases that are fatal for human beings. For example, thousands of people contract Salmonella infections every year due to contact with reptiles or amphibians. There was an outbreak of monkey pox in the United States, in 2003, which was supposed to have been carried by Gambian rats from Africa that were imported for pet trade.
Decline in Population of Wild Animals
It isn't that every wild animal that is caught to be sold as pets makes it to the warmth and care of a human family. When they are transported from the jungles to the market, they are often subjected to brutal conditions like cramped cages and insufficient food and water. Even after they are adopted as pets, very often they fall sick or die as their owners are not well equipped to take care of them. Such abuse and cruelty has led to a decline in the population of a number of wild animals.
It is true that the animals that we have as pets were wild at some point of time. However, we must remember that these animals have been domesticated after having been bred in captivity for generations. They have lost their wild instincts and have adapted to live with human beings. We must consider our decision of adopting wild animals as pets carefully, as there is a great price attached, not only to the animals, but also to our lives and the environment.
Pros
Some of us might not have enough space to bring home popular pets like cats and dogs. In such a case, certain wild animals (like geckos or hedgehogs) which are small in size, can be kept as pets.
Certain wild animals, like the hedgehog, can be useful in controlling insects and pests in the house.
Buying small wild animals may sometimes cost lesser than purchasing a popular pet of a good breed from a pet store.
Sometimes, a species may have difficulty surviving in the wild. In such a case, adopting the animal as a pet may seem viable. Such adoption helped a certain species of Dart Frog survive, when its habitat was destroyed by a natural disaster.
Cons
Ethical Issues
The first and foremost issue about having a wild animal as a pet, is about the welfare of the animal itself. With a lot of study and training, one might be able to provide proper diet and exercise to the animals. However, the fact remains that wild animals are genetically and instinctively tuned to living in the wild. Can one absolutely ensure that the wild animal will have proper social interactions and development in captivity? While some animals are solitary, some animals live in large social groups. For proper development of the latter in captivity, it is essential that the owner of such an animal have a group of the same species. Ensuring proper pet care for a wild animal requires a lot of research, preparation, investment in building ideal housing, and proper medical facility. Despite all these preparations, one can hardly be sure if the arrangements are adequate for the animal.
Baby Animals Grow Up
Every baby animal, whether wild or domestic, is adorable. That might lure a lot of us to go for wild animals as pets. However, these sweet little animals grow up and depending upon the species (for example a bear, a big cat, or a chimpanzee) some of them become too big and strong for the owner to handle. With adulthood comes the wild instincts, and the animal that would generally react playfully to you when it was a baby, may just react aggressively.
Wild Animals spread Disease and Pests
Many wild animals carry diseases that are fatal for human beings. For example, thousands of people contract Salmonella infections every year due to contact with reptiles or amphibians. There was an outbreak of monkey pox in the United States, in 2003, which was supposed to have been carried by Gambian rats from Africa that were imported for pet trade.
Decline in Population of Wild Animals
It isn't that every wild animal that is caught to be sold as pets makes it to the warmth and care of a human family. When they are transported from the jungles to the market, they are often subjected to brutal conditions like cramped cages and insufficient food and water. Even after they are adopted as pets, very often they fall sick or die as their owners are not well equipped to take care of them. Such abuse and cruelty has led to a decline in the population of a number of wild animals.
It is true that the animals that we have as pets were wild at some point of time. However, we must remember that these animals have been domesticated after having been bred in captivity for generations. They have lost their wild instincts and have adapted to live with human beings. We must consider our decision of adopting wild animals as pets carefully, as there is a great price attached, not only to the animals, but also to our lives and the environment.
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