Iconic Animals From Africa

Africa is home to some of the world's most iconic animals, from lions and leopards to hippos and giraffes. Some species have evolved specifically for Africa's harsh climate while others thrive in desert-like settings.

The leopard, cheetah and lion are three of the most renowned mammal predators. These majestic beasts can often be viewed on safari but may also be observed in zoos.

Beisa oryx

The Beisa oryx is a medium-sized antelope native to East and Southern Africa, found mainly in semidesert and steppe regions.

Both male and female rhinoceros possess horns, which they use to protect themselves against predators and compete for mating rights. These territorial creatures tend to congregate together in herds of five to 40 animals.

Furthermore, they are herbivores and feed on various grasses, fruits and buds. They have the capacity to go long periods without drinking water due to their kidneys which have evolved specifically to minimize water loss through urine.

Oryx have wide ears that help them regulate their body temperature in hot weather. They have evolved to live in arid regions where temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 F) during the day.

Wild, these species can be found primarily in Ethiopia, northern and eastern Kenya, and north-eastern Tanzania. Unfortunately, their populations have drastically declined due to poaching over the years; however, there are ongoing conservation efforts being made to save these endangered creatures through reintroductions and captive breeding programs both abroad and domestically.

Reedbuck

The reedbuck is a medium-sized antelope native to Africa that can be found in various habitats like floodplains, savannahs and woodlands. It particularly enjoys tall grass near waterside areas.

These animals tend to congregate together, with two to seven adult females and one mature male living together in shared home ranges. Individuals may switch groups periodically.

Like many antelopes, male reedbucks defend their territories with body posturing and vocalizations. When a rival approaches, they adopt an upright standing posture and call out in a topi-like manner.

These vocalizations are similar to those made by other bovid species and could be interpreted as warning signals, particularly when male reedbucks perceive an intruder within their territory. When this occurs, they take a defensive stance with their horns raised in a medial horn-threat presentation.

The reedbuck is a herbivore, feeding on grasses, reeds and herbs. While they don't enter water directly, they must be near it for daily hydration. Their diet primarily consists of grasses but they will occasionally consume small amounts of reed shoots and herbs during dry seasons.

Roan antelope

The Roan antelope is one of the largest species found in Africa. It belongs to the Hippotragus subspecies and can be found across East Africa.

The roan antelope is one of the most impressive members of its family, boasting an impressive build and distinctive markings. Its horns are sickle-shaped with a backward bend and can grow to be more than one meter long in males.

Animals of the species are highly social, often living in herds of up to 20 individuals with one dominant adult male (known as a bull). Bulls will fight among themselves for dominance within each herd, though typically survive these clashes.

When angry, roan antelope emit a high-pitched squeal and an equine snort. Additionally, they make a low hiss when wounded or scared.

Roan antelopes, like many antelopes, are in danger of extinction in some parts of their range due to habitat loss and poaching. Nonetheless, their population continues to increase and remain stable in certain African countries such as Kenya.

Impala

The Impala is a fast-running antelope found in African savannas and woodlands. They feed on grass shoots, herbs, fruits, and acacia pods.

Impalas have a coat of red-brown fur that helps them blend in with vegetation. Furthermore, they sport white fur on their bellies, chins, inside ears, tail and lips for additional protection.

Rams are male animals that feature blackened curved horns up to 36 inches long, used for protection and fighting off predators.

Feminine females, commonly referred to as ewes, lack horns. At age one they can become pregnant and give birth to calves after six to seven months of gestation.

Impalas possess incredible leaping ability, capable of jumping up to 10 meters and running at speeds greater than 60 kilometers an hour. This remarkable capacity enables them to easily jump over obstacles, evading predators that may be lurking nearby.

Jackal

The Jackal is a common animal found throughout Africa. It's opportunistic, omnivorous, and possess great knowledge about its environment. Unfortunately, this animal also has teeth so it will take advantage of any opportunity it gets - including humans!

Canines are highly agile and agile, capable of covering long distances at speeds up to 40 mph. This speed helps them catch prey quickly and keep themselves safe from some predators.

They often hunt in pairs, working together to trap and take down their prey. This helps them avoid being killed by larger predators such as lions or leopards.

Jackals can reach maturity at ten to twelve years old in the wild. They make excellent hunters and breeders, mating with their partners for life.

During the breeding season, a mother jackal gives birth to two or four pups in one litter. These puppies are born in dens and open their eyes after ten days; they then proceed with being breastfed for around six months until they begin hunting on their own.

Jackals are highly intelligent animals that know how to follow lions and steal leftover food from their kills. This explains why you often see jackals living alongside lions.

Mangabey

The Mangabey is a type of monkey found in Africa. They are slender and long-limbed animals belonging to Cercocebus and Lophocebus genera, both belonging to Papionini tribe.

Omnivores, they consume a wide range of foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds and fungi. Arboreal in nature, they search for food by traveling from tree to tree in search of sustenance.

These primates form groups called troops. Each troop typically consists of 10 to 40 members and is led by an adult male. They use specialized vocal sacs for communication with other members in the troop.

Members of a troop can make noise with shrieks, whoops and grunts. Additionally, they blink their white eyelids and use other facial gestures to communicate with others in the group.

These animals have been declared endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting and other factors. They can be found in rainforests across West African countries like Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Ghana.

Bushbaby

The bushbaby is a small, nocturnal primate found in Africa. It belongs to the galago family, which consists of over 20 distinct species.

It features thick, silvery brown fur and a long bushy tail. Additionally, its large eyes look like saucers, while its distinctive cry is quite distinctive too.

Omnivorous in nature, this primate feeds on insects, fruit, flowers, seeds and bird eggs. It often scavenges for food in bushes and trees for sustenance.

These animals typically inhabit savannah and woodland environments, often near water or in East African forests. Their range extends from southern Tanzania through Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan.

They feed on insects, gum and fungi during the wet season and drink water from rainwater that drips off trees during the dry season. Their diet is also affected by changes in weather conditions; sometimes fruits or insects that they require during wet weather won't be available during dry conditions.

Females typically give birth to one or two infants at a time, who are weaned after about three months and move away from their mothers' home where they feed on grasshoppers, birds and small insects.