A host of human factors such as deforestation and displacement, poaching, loss of habitat among other factors have over the years contributed to continued decrease in the number of certain species of animals across Africa. This article examines some of the endangered animals in Africa.
Addax
The addax also known as white antelope is nearly extinct in the Saharan deserts. Their numbers continue to dwindle due to poaching and drought. Their diet consists majorly herbs and grass.
An aerial survey in 2016 found just three remaining addaxes. It is believed that about 100 may still exist, researchers simply can’t be sure.
Ethiopian Wolf
Fewer than 400 Ethiopian wolves remain in the world. This endangered species (Canis simensis) is one of the rarest canid species in the world. Also known as the Simien Jackal or Simien Fox is the only wolf specie found in Africa. The Ethiopian Wolf was listed as Critically Endangered in 1996, but it was reclassified as Endangered in 2004. They mainly feed on species of grass rat and move in groups.
Mountain Gorilla
The mountain gorilla is one of the most endangered animals in Africa. The remaining populations that exist live in forest on a mountain range that stretches through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Loss of habitat and poaching has resulted in decreasing number of mountain gorillas. They feed majorly on leaves, trees, etc and live in altitude as high as 4000 metres.
National and international laws protect mountain gorillas from being hunted or captured everywhere they exist. It is the only species of great ape with an increasing population. Fewer than 900 mountain gorillas remain in the wild.
Pygmy Hippopotamus
Pygmy hippopotamus is rarely seen specie. Due to deforestation and hunting, there has been a significant decrease in the Pygmy hippopotamus population. The river horse as it is also known lives in water in the day time and eats at night. There are about 1500 presently in the world.
African wild dog
The African wild dog is one of the most rarely seen safari animals. They can range over 25 miles regularly and often require lots of protected space. They are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and human encroachment. The African wild dog is counted at about 4000, this is due in large part to hunting of this animal for its meat.
Black Rhino
Demand for rhino horn reduced their numbers to the several thousand that exist today. Loss of natural habitat and poaching especially by Europeans has greatly contributed to decreasing number of Black Rhinos. They can be found in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Less than 5000 black rhinos exist presently.
Cheetah
The Cheetah is the world’s fastest mammal and can achieve lightning speed of up to113km/hr. Female cheetahs live in solitude, raising their young, hiding them from predators and hunting for them alone. The cheetah hunts for its prey in the day time.
While cheetahs are officially listed as vulnerable, many in the wildlife conservation community think they should be considered endangered. Only about 7000 cheetahs exist today as a result of poaching and loss of natural environment.
African Lion
The lion population decreases each year. There are about 22,000 African lions accounted for. Habitat loss, poaching and poisoning have been the greatest threat. Females do most of the hunting at night.
Tanzania is home to more lions than Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia combined.
African Penguins
There are a little over 72,000 penguins living today. A fully-grown African penguin stands two feet above the ground and feeds on sardines and anchovies.
African elephants
The African elephants are also one of the most endangered animals in Africa. There are about 600,000 African elephants accounted for today. African elephants are the largest living mammals in the world. It takes elephants more time to reproduce in comparison to other mammals. They give birth every three to six years, and it takes nearly two years to carry a single calf to term.