African Animal Information

Most people majorly visit Africa to view the wild life found there. There is a very diverse variety of wild life found in Africa, which no other continent offers. You can also view them in close proximity. African animal information will help us learn about the abundant wild life with their peculiar characteristics and features and the location where they are found in Africa.

Let us now look at a few animals in Africa with their distinct features:

1. African Elephants: The African elephant is the largest land mammal found on earth. African savanna and African forest elephants are the two species of African elephants. They are found in 37 different countries of Africa, in the south of Sahara, but are most popular in southern and eastern Africa. Its back looks like the surface of a sphere because of a remarkable dip between its fore and hind quarters. The elephants have large and fan like ears. They have poor eyesight, but have acute hearing and a strong sense of smell. They can locate water by smelling the above earth. They spend most of the time eating. They eat for almost 16 hours in a day and drink up to 160 liters of water per day. They eat grass, leaves, twigs, bark and fruits. Female elephants are much smaller in size, compared to the male elephants. Female elephants grow up to 2.7 m and males up to 3.5 m. Females can weigh up to 2.7 tons, whereas males up to 6 tons. They live up to 60 years. Elephants do not have any natural enemies, as no animal is as large as an elephant to challenge them. However, because of the loss of natural habitat and owing to increasing human population, their future is threatened.

2. Giraffes: The Giraffe is the tallest animal, of all mammals. On an average, they are 6ft tall at birth. They live in the savannahs of Africa, where they can roam freely. They are famous for their long necks, spotted patterns and long legs. They have small horns that grow up to 5 inches in length on their heads. These protect their heads during fights. Due to their long necks, giraffes can eat leaves from tall trees. Their tongue can be as long as 45 cm. They can also go without water for several days. Males can grow up to 18 feet, weighing 2,400 to 4,000 pounds. Females are smaller and lighter than males, weighing 1,600 to 2,600 pound, and grow up to 16 feet. There is no direct threat to adult giraffes, as they are too large. However their calves are face danger from by lions or hyenas. They live for about 25 years on the wild. Giraffes are hunted for their meat, coat and tails.

Some interesting facts about African Wildlife:

• Out of the five fastest animals, four live in Africa. They are the cheetah, wildebeest, lion and Thomson's gazelle

• An African elephant can actually turn the pages of a book, with its very unique trunk tip

• The world's biggest frog is found in Cameroon. Its body can be one-foot long

African animals are unique and can withstand extreme sun. Africa is home to a variety of wonderful wildlife. Owing to unique characteristics of African animals, most carry the name "African" before their given genus names.