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This, the largest land mammal, is so well known that it requires no detailed description. Cows have a mass of up to 3.5 tons and bulls 6.3 tons, and they are characterized by a long, mobile trunk, massive ears, and tusks. Tusks are absent in some cow populations; where present they continue to grow throughout life but are used for digging, probing for food and for fight and, as a result, wear and suffer breakages, so never reach their full potential size. Elephant occur in a wide range of habitats, the only requirements being shade, water and ample food. Small herds, consisting of one dominant cow (matriarch), her young of different ages, and related cows and calves, are the common social grouping but several herds may come together for short periods. Adult bulls usually only join the family herds to mate with estrus females, otherwise spending their time alone or in bachelor groups. The Elephant diet includes a very wide range of plants, which varies according to the season. |
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The Lion is the largest of the African cats, males reaching up to 225 kg, although females rarely exceed 150 kg. The male has a mane of long hair that extends from the sides of the face to the shoulders chest. The mane color is variable, from pale tawny (blonde) to black, and the overall body color is usually reddish-gray to tawny; cubs have faint spotting on the sides. The long, short-haired tail has a dark tip. Previously found throughout the area in most habitats except forest, the Lion has been eradicated from much of its former range. It is the most social of all cat species, forming prides that may contain from three to 30 individuals depending on the area and prey availability. A pride consists of one or more adult males, several adult females and cubs. Males and females in each pride defend a territory against other Lions, although some prides are nomadic. Territories are marked with urine, droppings and also by the mighty roars that carry for considerable distances. During the heat of the day Lions lie up in shade, doing most of their hunting at night or during the cooler morning hours. Female members do most of the hunting but the males feed first at a kill. Medium-to large-sized mammal prey forms the bulk of their diet, but Lion will also scavenge. |
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This elegant, powerfully built cat has black spots on the legs, flanks, hindquarters and head, the spots on the rest of the body forming irregular circles or rosettes. The general body color ranges from gray-white to orange-russet with white to off-white underparts. The tail is about half of the total length and has rosettes on the upper surface and a white tip. These cats are very variable in size, with those from southern areas averaging only 20 to 30 kg, compared to the north where animals of over 60 kg are not uncommon. Males are considerably larger than the females. The Leopard is found in all the major habitats, although it has been eradicated in many parts of South Africa. Pairs come together to mate but animals are otherwise solitary. It is active both at night and during the day but lies up during the hotter hours. Males defend a territory, marking it with urine, droppings, by scratching trees and by vocalization. A territory may encompass the home ranges of one or more females, the home range size being dependent on the abundance of prey species; it may be as small as 10 square kilometers or as large as several hundred square kilometers. Leopard have the most varied diet of any cats in the area, and will eat anything from insects, reptiles, birds and rodents up to large antelope. Larger kills are usually dragged to cover, or carried into trees if Lion or Hyena are present. |
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The only wild cattle occurring in Africa, Buffalo are massive and heavily built animals. Adult bulls are dark brown to black in color but cows are usually more brownish and calves are reddish-brown. The large horns are characteristic and when viewed from the front form a shallow "W". The hair-fringed ears hang below the horns. Buffalo show a preference for open woodland savanna, but an abundance of suitable grass, water and cover are essential. Depending on the size of the mixed herds, there may be one or more dominant bulls. Bulls frequently form bachelor herds but solitary bulls are also common. Herds come to water in the early morning and late afternoon. |
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A large (1-2 tons) semi-aquatic mammal that is unmistakable with its barrel-like body, short, stocky legs, and massive, broad-muzzled head . The skin is greyish-black in color with a pinkish tinge at the skin folds and around the eyes and ears. Its deep, roaring grunts and snorts are typical of many African waterways. During the day the Hippo spends most of its time in the water but it is also fond of basking on sandbanks, particularly during the cooler winter months. Herds of 10 to 15 animals, consisting of a dominant bull, and cows with their claves,, are usual but larger groupings are not uncommon. At night they leave the water and follow fixed pathways to the grazing grounds. On land the dominant bulls mark their territories by vigorously flicking dung on to bushes and rocks with the short tail. Territories are pear-shaped, being narrow at the water but widening towards their grazing grounds. |
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Crocodiles tend to congregate in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, wetlands and sometimes in brackish water. They are ambush hunters, waiting for fish or land animals to come close, then rushing out to attack. Crocodiles eat fish, birds, mammals and occasionally smaller crocodiles. As cold-blooded predators, they can survive long periods without food, and rarely need to actively go hunting. The crocodile's bite strength is up to 3,000 pounds per square inch, comparing to just 100 psi for a labrador retriever, 350 psi for a large shark, or 800 psi for a hyena. Despite their slow appearance, crocodiles are top predators in their environment. They have a streamlined body that enables them to swim faster. They also tuck their feet to their sides while swimming, which makes the animal even faster, by decreasing the water resistance. Crocodiles are very fast over short distances, even out of water. Size greatly varies between species. Large species can reach over 5 or 6 meters long and weigh well over 1200 kg (2,640 lb.). |
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Also knows as the Square-Lipped Rhinoceros, this species once had a very wide distribution, wherever there was suitable habitat. Slaughtered for its horns, which are believed to have medicinal properties and are sought after by trophy hunters, it was brought to the brink of extinction. Today, thanks to intensive conservation efforts, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, it now occurs in many reserves and southern Africa. The White Rhinoceros is the larger of the two African species, with a mass of between 1.4 and 2.3 tons. Being a grazer, this species shows a preference for areas with short grass and thickets. Dominant bulls form territories which they defend. Animals are commonly seen together in groups, grazing in favored pastures, or at mud wallows. Large dung middens are scattered within the home range and as these are often close to roads, they are a common sight in reserves where the animals occur. |
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Also known as Burchell's or Chapman's Zebra, this stocky animal is striped with black and white and depending on the subspecies, may or may not have 'shadow stripes' superimposed on the white stripes. There is, however, considerable variation in patterning. Stripes extend on to the under parts and there is a well-developed, erect black and white mane that extends from the head to the top of the shoulders. This is a species of open woodland and grassland. It associates in small family herds consisting of one stallion, mares and their foals. Unattached stallions join together in bachelor herds. Larger herds are formed on a temporary basis but the family herds maintain their unity. The characteristic barking call ('kwa-ha-ha') is frequently heard. Although they occasionally browse, they feed mainly on grass. |
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The Hartmann's Mountain Zebra occupies the rugged, broken terrain at the edge of the African Plateau east of the Namib Desert. This species seeks shade and rests during the hottest parts of the day and has been demonstrated to orient its body with respect to the sun. The vocalizations of the Hartmann's zebra are similar to the neigh of a horse. Each zebra has an individual stripe pattern. Hartmann's zebras have broad black stripes on an off-white body. The stripes extend down the legs to narrow hooves, but do not meet on the belly. The mane is short and bristle-like that stands up. Herds will mingle with wildebeests, ostriches, and antelope while they graze, and even come to depend on them as additional protection against predators! The herd runs away at the pace of the slowest animal, followed by the herd stallion right at the back. Backwards kicking zebras can kill a lion. Their diet consists of grass, leaves, bark, roots and stems. These animals stand from 118 to 132 centimeters (46-52 in.) high. |
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Being the tallest mammal in the world (up to 5.2m) this species does not require detailed description. With its extremely long legs and neck it is instantly recognizable and is a common sight in many of the principal game parks. The beautiful lattice pattern of the coat consists of shaded patches separated by networks of light colored bands. Several subspecies are recognized based on coat patterning. Those found in the area covered by this book, from north to south, are: the Nubian Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, Rothschild's or Baringo Giraffe, and the Southern Giraffe. Although others have been described, it is unlikely that they are all valid because there is much variation between individuals. As they are browsers, Giraffe are restricted to areas of dry savanna woodland. Although they are usually seen in herds of four to 30 individuals, theses groups are unstable and there is much movement between herds. Mature bulls only associate temporarily with cows. Because of their great height, Giraffe have access to food out of the range of other browsers. They use their lips to pull twigs into the mouth while the tongue curls around them and strips the leaves off. |
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Also known as the Oryx, this large, heavily build antelope has a thick neck, long rapier-like horns in both sexes and a black, horse-like tail. The overall body color is grayish-fawn and the under parts are white. Black features prominently in the body markings; as striped along the flanks, as patches on the upper legs and rump, and as a stripe down the throat. The lower legs are predominantly white. The black and white facial markings are very distinctive. The calves are plain fawn and lack body markings. This is a species of open, dry terrain, including open woodland, grass plains, and sand-dunes. Although they will drink, surface water is not essential. Herds of up to 15 animals are common but much larger groups come together, particularly during the rains. Mixed herds may be observed, as well as nursery herds consisting only of calves and cows. Bulls holding territories will attempt to keep herds within their area and only they will mate with receptive cows. Because of the arid nature of the environment in which Gemsbok live, they are nomadic and may move considerable distances in search of new grazing. Grasses form much of their food intake but they also dig out roots and eat wild fruits. |
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This is the largest antelope found in the area, adult bulls reaching 900 kg. Eland have a somewhat cow-like appearance and are generally fawn or tawny in color, although the hair on the neck and shoulders becomes blue-grey with age. Adult bulls have a distinct neck dewlap and develop a patch of fairly long, coarse hair on the forehead. Both sexes bear straight horns with a shallow spiral, although those of the bull are thicker and the spiral is more pronounced. Although found in a wide range of habitats, they prefer open scrub-covered plains and woodland savanna. Herds usually consist of 25 to 60 individuals but larger groupings do occur, particularly during the rains. In some areas, such as the Kalahari, herds move over great distances. Eland are well known for their jumping abilities. Predominantly browsers, they will also occasionally eat grass and dig for roots and bulbs with the front hooves. |
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This magnificent antelope is easily recognized by its large size, the jet-black coat contrasting with the white underparts and the heavily ridged, back-curved horns. Horns are carried by both sexes but those of the cow are less robust. Cows and young bulls are usually reddish-brown to dark brown in color with white underparts, while the calves are pale reddish-brown. The black and white facial markings are conspicuous in both sexes, as is the mane which extends from the top of the neck to just beyond the shoulders. The ears are not tufted as in the Roan. Sable are usually found in areas of dry, open woodland with medium to tall grass, and permanent water is essential. Herds usually number from 10 to 30 individuals and territorial bulls maintain territories which overlap those ranges occupied by cow/ calf herds; a dominant cow leads the nursery herd. Younger bulls form bachelor herds. Although predominantly grazers, Sable will also browse. |
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This is the second largest antelope species in the area, after the Eland. It has a somewhat horse-like appearance with a general grayish-brown coloring, frequently showing a reddish tinge. The black and white facial markings are distinctive, as are the long, narrow ears with tasseled tips. A distinctive mane extends from between the ears to beyond the shoulders. Both the bull and cow carry the heavily ridged, swept-back and curved horns. The calf has a body color of light to dark reddish-brown but the facial markings resemble those of the adult. Roan inhabit areas of open or lightly wooded grassland but avoid areas with only short grass, favoring medium length and long grasses for food. They usually live in small herds of five to 12 animals which are led by a mature bull. Each herd also has a dominant cow and she selects feeding and resting areas, while the bull mates with receptive cows and keeps competing bulls away. Young bulls form bachelor herds. |
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The Waterbuck is a large, robust antelope with a shaggy gray-brown coat and a very distinctive white ring encircling the rump. Hair around the nose, mouth and above their eyes is white, as is the band running from the throat to the base of each ear. Only the bull carries the long, heavily ridged forward-swept horns. Although lighter in color, calves resemble the cows. This species is always found in association with permanent water, in proximity to woodland, open grassland close to cover and reedbeds, and can often be detected by the very pungent smell which the animals give off. Young bulls form bachelor herds, while cows and calves move in herds of five to 10 individuals. The nursery herds may cross the territories of one or more adult bulls. |
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A large antelope that is gray-brown with six to 10 vertical white stripes down the sides of the body. It has large, rounded ears, a bushy tail which is dark above and white below and, in the case of the bull, distinctive long spiral horns. Calves resemble the cows. This is an antelope of various woodland associations but it may penetrate arid areas along watercourses. It forms small herds of three to 10 animals but larger groups do occur. Bulls may form bachelor groups or live alone except during the breeding period when they join a group of cows and their young. In protected areas these animals are commonly seen during the day but in disturbed areas they are nocturnal. They are predominantly browsers and their ability to eat many different plant species has contributed to their increase in range in some areas. |
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A handsome antelope that is larger than the Bushbuck but smaller than the Great Kudu. Only the male carries the slightly spiraled, white-tipped horns, has slate-gray coloring and is much larger than the female. Males also have a long mane of erectile hair along the back, and a long fringe hanging from the throat to between the hind legs. The lower part of the legs is yellow-brown and there are 8 to 14 vertical white stripes on the sides. The female is yellow-brown to chestnut with up to 18 vertical white stripes on the sides, and lacks both the mane and the long, shaggy hair of the male. Both sexes have bushy tails which are white below. Fawns resemble the females. Nyala occur in dry savanna woodland but never far from water. They are commonly seen in small groups, usually comprising females and fawns but mixed groups and solitary rams are also common. The rams are not territorial but impressive displays with raised manes and stiff-legged gait serve to establish dominance. These animals are browsers but will take grass on occasion. |
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A medium sized antelope (30-45 kg) that varies considerably in color and patterning according to region, from light to dark-brown with only a limited number of light markings to bright chestnut with numerous white stripes and spots. Only the males carry the short, sharp horns. There are always two white patches on the throat and white markings on the legs, and a dorsal crest, raised only for display extends down the back of the ram. This antelope occurs in a wide range of bush and forest habitats associated with water. It is usually solitary but pairs and loose groupings of ewes and lambs are not uncommon. Much of their activity takes place at night but diurnal activity may also take place. Bushbuck are browsers. |
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A medium-sized antelope with hindquarters noticeably higher than the shoulders. Only the ram has long, strongly ridged, lyre-shaped horns. Several distinctly marked subspecies are recognized. The Red Lechwe from the south has bright chestnut colored upper parts, with white extending from the chin to the belly. Conspicuous black stripes extend down the front of the forelegs, and the tail has a tip of black hair. Lechwe are restricted to riverine floodplains and seasonal swamps and are rarely found more than 2 km from permanent water. They will feed readily in shallow water, and feed almost exclusively on semi-aquatic grasses. Herds usually do not exceed 30 individuals but larger groups may be formed. Mature rams defend territories through which nursery herds pass, and will mate with receptive females. Small bachelor herds move on the edge of those areas held by territorial males. |
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A small (30 kg) antelope with gray-fawn upper parts and white under parts. The hair on the head and neck usually has a yellowish tinge. The tail is bushy and is held vertically when the animal is alarmed, prominently displaying the white under-surface. Only the male carries the short, ridged and forward-curved horns. As the common name suggests, these antelope are restricted to mountainous and hill country, with scattered bush and grassy slopes but water is essential. Nursery herds comprising between two and six ewes and their lambs move over areas held throughout the year by territorial rams. Rams without territories may remain solitary or join up to form small bachelor groups. Activity is both nocturnal and diurnal but animals lie up during the heat of the day. Mountain Reedbuck are grazers. |
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A small (20 kg) graceful animal with thick, woolly gray hair on the upper parts and white under parts. It runs with a 'rocking horse' motion, displaying the white under-surface of the tail. It has long, narrow ears and a large black nose with a somewhat swollen appearance. Only the ram carries the thin, straight, upright horns. Although normally restricted to hilly or mountainous country, they have adapted well to the rolling wheatlands in the southern extent of their range. The normal group consists of a territorial ram, several ewes and their lambs. Although mainly browsers, they do graze on occasion. |
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Also known as the White-tailed Gnu, this antelope is somewhat grotesque with an overall black appearance and a white, horse-like tail. Both sexes have horns that bend steeply downwards, forwards, and upwards. Bulls have a heavy 'boss' where the horns meet at the top of the head. The face is outwards, and there is long hair on the throat and between the forelegs, extending onto the chest. An erect mane runs from the top of the neck on the shoulders. This is a species of open scrub and grassland. Herds of cows and their young wander freely over the territories of bulls, and during the rut the bulls attempt to keep these herds within their control. Non-territorial bulls form bachelor herds. Herds are mainly active during the cooler daylight hours, lying up during the hot midday, although they do not seek shade. Black Wildebeest eat mostly grasses but they do browse occasionally too. |
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The forequarters of this large antelope are higher and more robust than the hindquarters and the head is large with a broad snout. Overall body color is dark gray with a brown to bluish sheen and several darker, vertical stripes are present from the neck to the front of the hindquarters; hence the alternative name of Brindled (brown-streaked) Gnu for this species. A mane of longish black hair extends down the back of the neck on to the shoulders, and a beard of black hair grows from the throat. Populations in the north-east are generally paler in color and the beard is dirty white. Both sexes have horns, superficially similar to the Buffalo's, although those of the bull are more robust than the female's. The tail is black and horse-like. Calves are rufous-fawn in color with a darker face. The Blue Wildebeest is an antelope of open grassland and savanna woodland. Herds of up to 30 individuals are typical although much larger temporary groupings are common in some areas; smaller herd units maintain their identity during these temporary congregations, however. Territorial bulls control 'mobile' territories in which they hold up to 150 cows and their young while on the move. However, nursery herds may move through the territories of several bulls and cows mate with more than one bull. Outside the mating season the cow herds are not herded by territorial bulls and move unhindered. Blue Wildebeest are grazers. |
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Several subspecies of this animal are recognized, based mainly on horn form and to a lesser extent on body color. Only one subspecies occurs in the south. This high-shouldered, low-rumped antelope has a general body color of fawn to golden-brown with black markings on the front of a long face and on all four legs. There is a well-defined, pale yellow off-white patch on the rump. The shape of the horns is characteristic, ruling out confusion with other species. The Red Hartebeest lives in open savanna and lightly wooded country. Herd size is variable from 20 to many hundreds of individuals. |
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The Blesbok can be separated from the Bontebok by its reddish-brown coat which lacks a purple gloss and by the rump which is not white. The white facial blaze is usually broken by a brown band between the eyes. In general appearance the horns of this subspecies are similar to the Bontebok but the upper surface is straw-colored. An animal of the open grassland, it does not have a fixed home range throughout the year as the Bontebok does, and in winter large mixed herds are formed. |
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A handsome antelope, with its rich dark brown coat, darker sides and upper limbs, and sharply contrasting white under parts, buttocks and lower limbs. A purple gloss on the upper parts is most noticeable in adult rams. An unbroken white blaze extends from between the horns to the muzzle, only narrowing between the eyes. These antelope stand higher at the shoulders than at the rump and the head is long and pointed. Both sexes carry simple, lyre-shaped horns which are black in color and heavily ringed. Bontebok occur naturally in the extreme south-west only. Territorial rams hold permanent areas through which nursery herds are free to wander, except during the rut from January to March when the rams attempt to keep the herds in their territories for mating. Lambs are born in September and October. |
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This medium-sized (40-50 kg) antelope is a common sight in many of the major game parks. The upper parts are reddish-fawn, becoming paler on the sides, and the chest, belly, throat and chin are white. Each buttock has a vertical black stripe. Above the hoof of each hindleg is a tuft of black hair which is unique to this species. Only the rams carry the long, graceful, lyrate horns. In northern Namibia and south-west Angola the subspecies known as the Black-faced Impala is distinguished by its distinct black facial blaze. Impala favor open savanna woodland and avoid open grassland. In the south dominant rams are only territorial during the January to May rut, spending the rest of the year in bachelor herds. During the rut rams typically give vent to a range of growls, snorts and roars. The home range of a nursery herd may overlap the territories of several rams which attempt to hold groups of 15 to 20 ewes for mating. Impala browse and graze. |
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The Springbok is the only gazelle in southern Africa and it is distinctly marked. A dark red-brown stripe separates the fawn-brown upperparts from the white underparts. The head is white with a thin stripe running from each eye to the corner of the upper-lip. A long-haired dorsal crest is visible only when the animal 'pronks'; a stiff-legged jump with back arched. Both sexes have heavily ringed, lyre-shaped horns but those of the ewe are much thinner. Springbok live on the arid, open plains of the interior. During the rut rams hold and defend temporary territories in which they herd ewe groups. Herds are usually small but large numbers may be seen together, particularly at favored feeding grounds. Many herds are mixed but bachelor herds are also common. Springbok are mixed feeders and they will also dig for roots and bulbs with their hooves. |
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A small (10 kg) squat antelope with rufous-brown upperparts liberally flecked with white hairs. The underparts are lighter brown and are not flecked. The tail is very short and hardly visible, and the ears are quite large with white hairs lining the inner surface. The ram has short, smooth, slightly back-angled horns. The Cape Grysbok is confined to the southern tip of Africa where it is closely associated with fairly dense bush cover, It is predominantly nocturnal and solitary, and is a mixed feeder, taking grasses, herbs and leaves. |
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One of the most widely distributed of the so-called dwarf antelope and the most frequently seen. The large ears are distinctive. There are no characteristic markings and much of the body is covered with rufous-fawn hair but the underparts and insides of the legs are white. The rufous-fawn tail is very short. The ram has short, sharp-pointed, vertical horns. Steenbok show a preference for open areas where there is some cover. They are territorial and live singly or in pairs. They are unique among antelope in that they defecate and urinate in shallow scrapes which are dug by the front hoofs and then covered again. The Steenbok is a mixed feeder. |
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A small (14 kg) antelope that has rich reddish-brown hair with paler coloring on the chin and throat. The short tail is distinctly tipped with black and white hairs and a crest is located on top of the head. Both sexes have very short, backward-pointing horns. This duiker inhabits forest and dense which may live in loose association within the same home range. The tiny currant-sized dung pellets are deposited in small heaps in specific areas. |
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This is a large (20 kg) duiker that has uniform gray-brown to reddish-yellow upperparts and pale to white underparts. Dark brown to black markings are present as a facial blaze and on the front surfaces of the forelegs, and there is a small crest of long hair between the horns. The ram has short, heavily ringed horns. Unlike the forest duikers that walk with an arched back, this species walks with a straight back. It has a very wide habitat tolerance but shows a preference for scrub and lightly bushed areas, often close to human settlements. Common Duikers are solitary animals and appear to have evenly spaced territories which are marked with small, loose accumulations of dung. Activity takes place at night and during the color daylight hours. Principally browsers, they will also eat grass. |
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The Warthog's body is usually gray but takes on the color of the local mud in which the animal frequently wallows. A crest of long, erectile hair extends down the full length of the back and is raised when the animal is under stress. The snout is typically pig-like and the canine teeth develop into long, curved tusks, most noticeable in boars. The tail, with its tuft of black hairs, is held erect when running. This is an animal of savanna and open woodland and is most active during the day. Groups or 'sounders' usually consist of sows and their piglets, or of single males. Warthog make use of abandoned Aardvark and Porcupine burrows but occasionally will dig their own. They are predominantly grazers and frequently kneel when feeding. |
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The Bushpig has a typical pig-like appearance, a well-haired body, tufts of hair at the tips of the ears, and a long head. Coloring varies from region to region but is usually a shade of gray-brown. Piglets are dark brown and distinctly marked with pale stripes. The form known as the Red River Hog, occurring the north-central region, is considered to be a distinct species. When running, the tail is held vertically downwards. This pig is only found in areas of forest, dense bush, riverine woodland and reedbeds but will emerge at night to feed in more open areas. It is mostly active during the night but in undisturbed areas will also forage during the cooler morning and late afternoon hours. A group or 'sounder' is usually made up of four to 10 individuals- a dominant boar, a dominant sow, and of other sows and their young; solitary animals and bachelor groups may be encountered. Bushpigs are omnivorous. |
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A powerful built cat with hindquarters slightly higher than the shoulders, and a short, uniformly colored tail. The general fur color varies from pale redish-fawn to brick-red but the underparts are paler with faint blotching. Black and white patches, notable around the eyes and mouth, mark the face. The long, pointed ears with tufts of long black hair at the tips are diagnostic; the backs of the ears are black with a liberal sprinkling of white hairs. This cat is very versatile and occupies most habitats. Although mainly nocturnal, in undisturbed areas it may also be seen in the early morning and late afternoon hours. The Caracal is solitary and males are probably territorial. It is predominantly a hunter of small to medium -sized mammals. |
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These are the most widely distributed of the six genet species occurring in the region. These genets have long, sleek bodies and tails, short legs, and relatively long, rounded ears. This species has a crest of black-tipped hair running down the back and this is raised when the animal is alarmed. General body color is off-white to grayish and liberally covered with dark brown to black spots and bars. The tail is ringed with black and usually has a white tip. The genet tolerates a very wide range of habitats, including isolated rock outcrops in arid areas. It is nocturnal and solitary. The genets eat a wide range of invertebrates, small rodents, birds and reptiles. |
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With its heavily built forequarters, sloping back, large head with prominent rounded ears, and brown spotting, this hyena should not be mistaken for any other species. Its nightly whoops, screams and cackles which indicate its presence are one of Africa's best-known sounds. The Spotted Hyena occurs in many different habitats but avoids forest. Once considered to be a cowardly scavenger, research has shown that it is an efficient hunter. It lives in family groups, known as clans, which are led by a female. The size of a clan varies from three to 15 or more individuals, with each clan defending a territory against other hyenas. The chalk-white droppings are a clear indication of the animals' presence. They will eat anything from insects to big game, including Zebra, Giraffe and Blue Wildebeest. Clans frequently drive Lion and other predators from their kills. |
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This medium-sized, dog-like carnivore has a white-flecked, black 'saddle' which is broadest at the neck and shoulders and narrows towards the base of the tail. The face, flanks and legs vary in color from gray-brown to reddish-brown, and there is white on the lips, throat and chest. The bushy tail is mainly black. Most habitats are utilized by this jackal, with the exception of forest. In areas where they are not disturbed they are most frequently active during the cooler daylight hours but in many areas they are nocturnal. Normally they forage alone or in pairs, but in some areas they may come together temporarily in groups of six or more. Pairs form a long-term pair-bond and both members mark and defend a territory against other jackals. They have a characteristic screaming yell which ends with three or four yaps, and this is most frequently heard during the mating season, which in the south is in the winter months. The Black-backed Jackal will eat virtually any food, including carrion, small antelope, mice, reptiles, insects and wild fruits. |
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With as mass of 4 kg this is the smallest antelope in the area. The upperparts vary from slate-grey to dark brown with a grey-blue sheen, and the underparts are white to off-white. The short, bushy black and white tail is almost constantly wagging. Both sexes have very short, spiky horns that are often hidden in the head crest. Forest and dense bush are essential to this antelope but it will often feed in open glades. Because of the dense nature of its habitat and its timid nature, the Blue Duiker is seldom seen. The small heaps of tiny dung pellets and tiny (20 mm) tracks in the mud are often the only signs of their presence. They make use of regular pathways within the home range, and are solitary or live in loosely associated pairs. Blue Duikers are active both at night and during the day. |
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Although similar to the genets, the Civet is much larger (9-15 kg), has a proportionally shorter tail and longer legs. When walking it holds its back in a distinctly arched position and its head close to the ground. The overall fur color is gray to gray-brown with numerous black spots, blotches and bands covering the body. The white, black and gray facial markings are distinctive. A ridge of dark hair along the spine is raised when the animal feels threatened. The tail is banded below but black above and at the tip. The Civet prefers woodland associations near permanent water. It is mainly nocturnal and crepuscular and forages alone or in pairs. It has a fixed home range which it marks with mounds of droppings. A wide range of food items are taken, up to the size of hares. |
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This is a slender and relatively lightly built primate, although the males have powerfully built shoulders and head and weigh up to 45 kg. The head is somewhat dog-like and the posture of the long tail which has a 'broken' appearance is characteristic. The body has a covering of coarse hair which may be light gray to dark gray-brown. The hair on the upper surface of the hands and feet is dark brown to black. Baboons are very widely distributed, occurring in most areas where there are rocky cliffs or tall trees for sleeping at night and permanent water. This is a very social species with troops averaging 15 individuals but numbers up to 100 are not uncommon in some areas. Troops consist of a dominant adult male and his 'lieutenants': low-ranking males, adult females and youngsters of all ages. The dominant male determines the troop's movements and he mates with the estrus females. The bark, or 'bogom', of the Baboon is a typical sound of the African bush. These baboons feed mainly on a variety of plants, but will also kill and eat small mammals, such as young antelope and hares. They also come into conflict with man when they raid crops and in some areas they are heavily prosecuted because of this. |
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Both the appearance and habitat of this small (10-13 kg) antelope help to separate it from other species. The coarse, spiky hair varies in color from yellow-brown to gray-yellow, and has a distinctly grizzled appearance. White to creamy hair is present on the underparts, chin and lips. This is the only antelope that walks on the tips of its hoofs. The ram bears short, vertical horns which are widely separated at the base, and in some northern populations the ewe also has horns. Klipspringer only occur on mountain ranges and other rocky habitats. They are extremely agile and nimble even over the roughest terrain. They live in pairs or in small family parties, and adult rams are territorial. Groups use communal dung heaps scattered throughout the home range. The loud nasal alarm whistles are often the first sign of the animals' presence. This species gets most of its food from browse. |
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