Mammals in Africa
Africa’s wildlife is unparalleled in its diversity. The continent is home to more than 1,000 different mammal species, which travellers eagerly observe on safaris.
Africa is a very large continent and is therefore divided by experts into three different animal regions, all of which have a different animal population. These are the Sahara, the regions south of the Sahara and the northern part of Africa.
South of the Sahara
In the regions of Africa that are located south of the Sahara, there is a very large variety of mammals. In the numerous savannas, all these mammals have found a natural habitat that can be described as typically African mammals. These include rhinos, giraffes, lions, elephants, leopards, antelopes and buffalo. The African elephants differ from the Indian and Asian elephants by a flatter forehead and larger ears. Giraffes are native only to Africa. In the southern regions of Africa, it is mainly Cape giraffes and Maasai or Tippelskirch giraffes that have found a natural habitat.
Tropical Rainforests
In the tropical rainforests in this part of Africa, the variety of mammals is correspondingly smaller due to the different climatic conditions and the nature of the vegetation. Here, mainly climbing animals and rodents live, including various species of monkeys.
The Sahara separates the diversity of wildlife in northern and southern Africa. In this desert region, only mammals that have adapted to the living conditions in the desert over many decades can survive. Constant water shortages, high temperatures and sparse vegetation make it difficult for mammals to survive in the Sahara. Despite these extreme conditions, mammals such as hares, fennec foxes and jerboas thrive excellently.
North Africa
In the northern part of Africa, which borders Asia, many mammals have found their natural habitat, some of which are also native to Asia and Europe. In these regions, mammals such as horses, giraffes, donkeys, sheep, goats, ibexes, okapis and African red deer are mainly found. In contrast to the southern regions of Africa, the northern regions are mainly home to reticulated giraffes, Nubian giraffes and Rothschild giraffes. The North African porcupine is the only mammal found exclusively in Africa.
Africa's Coasts
On the coasts of Africa, two species of seals have also found their habitat. These are the South African fur seal, which is mainly found at the Cape of Good Hope and at Cape Cross. The monk seal is mainly native to the South African coasts and belongs to the genus of earless seals.
Extraordinary mammals that are native only to Africa include hyraxes. These small but sturdy animals resemble the better-known marmot. Hyraxes are related to manatees and elephants, although they look like rodents. Their habitats include rocky landscapes, tree crowns and the African steppes.
