safari animals with five letters

30 African Safari Animals You Need To See (With Pictures)

Africa’s natural beauty is unmatched, luring you to gaze at the passive stride of a lioness that you forget to breathe and marvel at a giraffe’s tripod bent to water.

The continent’s jungles, savannahs, forests, and other natural habitats contain mysteries that even a wise man cannot understand.

Therefore, seeing one-tenth of these African animals would bring about an incredible safari escapade.

It would be impossible to find all of Africa’s wildlife species, prompting us to compile a list of thirty African safari animals you need to see, including lions, elephants, zebras, and antelopes, among others.

Each animal we will consider has its scientific name, geographical range, conservation status, and photo highlighted, with a description that features the best places to find them.

So come along with us as we explore the beautiful world of these animals you can see on an African safari.

African Safari Animals You Should See

• Scientists Name: Panthera Leo
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Lions are endemic to Africa, occluding in savannahs, scrublands, grasslands, grassy plains, open woodlands with bushes, and bordering rivers.

Between 300 and 1,500 mm of annual rainfall, Savannahs constitute most African lion habitats.

Some populations reside in West African tropical moist forests and montane forests.

Sadly, Africa’s lion population has declined substantially by fifty percent in only twenty years. 1

However, one can still find lions in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, and Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

• Scientific Name: Panthera pardus
• Conservation Status: Not Extinct 

The leopard resides across sub-Saharan Africa and is aboriginal to many African nations.

These spotted cats inhabit the Cape Provinces of South Africa, Somalia, Ethiopia, and West Africa, occurring in mountainous forests, grasslands, and savannahs.

Leopards are among Africa’s “Big Five” safari, attracting many tourists; Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve are some of the most prominent leopard centers in the continent.

The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded leopard sightings as the animals drink the park’s thermal waters.

3. Elephant

• Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana
• Conservation Status: Endangered 

African elephants are considered endangered by the IUCN; still, they are indigenous to the continent, inhabiting the Sub-Saharan arid regions and Sahelian scrub.

They also reside in the continent’s jungles in tropical rainforests, mopane, and miombo woodlands.

African elephants primarily have populations in Central Africa.

Still, they exist in the Chobe National Park in Botswana, the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, East Africa, and the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa.

Also See: List of Animals with Big Heads (with Pictures)

4. Rhinoceros

• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros
• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The black rhino species is endemic to Africa, living in its eastern and southern regions.

Rhino populations inhabited eleven countries, but most wild rhinos today, from the estimated six thousand, occupy only four countries — Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya.

They roam the open savannahs and grasslands and naturally exist in Etosha National Park, Namibia, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda, Nairobi National Park, Kenya, and Kruger South Africa.

Black rhinos have a size worthy of making them major African wildlife, growing up to 5.2 feet, and weighing 1,760 to 3,080 pounds.

• Scientific Name: Syncerus caffer
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened 

Various species of the African buffalo occupy every part of the continent. The Cape buffalo inhabits Southern and East Africa, while the forest buffalo occurs in Central and West Africa.

These species are enormous, measuring up to 5.6 feet in shoulder height and weighing up to 1,900 lb.

They live in savannahs, swamps, mopane grasslands, and densely covered habitats.

Some wildlife parks include Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. 

6. Hartebeest

• Scientific Name: Alcelaphus buselaphus
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

The hartebeest is an antelope species native to the black continent.

It is a large-sized species with a prominent hump, a large chest, and a long face that distinguishes it from other antelope species.

Hartebeests are primarily grazers, with grasses making their menu, but they mostly occupy wooded grasslands, dry savannas, and open plains in Central, West, southern, and southeast Africa.

The hartebeest roams in their natural habitats in the Kruger and Bontebok National Parks in South Africa, Etosha National Park in Namibia, and Camp Linyanti in Botswana. 

• Scientific name: Tragelaphus eurycerus

The bongo is another antelope species native to African jungles, with white-yellow stripes and black-and-white markings on its reddish-brown coat.

Bongos exist in tropical forest mosaics with dense undergrowth around West and Central Africa.

The Aberdare National park in Kenya is one major spot to find the bongo.

• Scientific name: Okapia johnstoni
• Conservation Status: Endangered

The okapi, a zebra look-alike, is the only extant member of the Giraffidae family along with the giraffe.

However, the okapi is not as tall as a giraffe, measuring only four feet and eleven inches.

It occupies canopy forests but is essentially solitary, with wildlife populations in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Ituri Rainforest, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

9. African Wild Dog

• Scientific Name: Lycaon pictus

The African wild dog is a threatened species now mostly located in the southeast of Africa, with only over 6,000 individuals left. 2

These wild dogs primarily inhabit Africa’s savannas and dry regions, preying mainly on antelopes.

African wild dogs have a strong sense of socialization to form packs of about thirty dogs.

The best places to find the African wild dog include woodlands, scrublands, and mountains, and they are open to the public in their natural habitats in:

• Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa
• Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe
• Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
• Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania
• South Luangwa National Park in Zambia

Also See: Different Types Of Wild Dogs (Species List With Pictures)

• Scientific Name: Hyaenidae

Hyenas occupy Africa’s savannas, sub-desserts, grasslands, forest edges, and woodlands and hold an apex position on the food chain.

Hyenas control prey populations and prevent the spread of diseases, primarily by consuming animal remains that could rot and cause diseases.

They have unparalleled bone-crushing abilities, helping them fight off potential competitors. 3

Hyenas may not be among the most beautiful animals, but they attract visitors around Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa. 

11. Wildebeest

• Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus

The antelope’s imposing appearance is why the Afrikaans named it the wildebeest.

However, it is never too fearsome to the African wild cats, wild dogs, and hyenas that constantly prey on it.

Wildebeests are among the jungle animals in southern Africa that also occupy grassy plains and open woodlands that support their grazing routine in Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are some of the best places to watch the wildebeest.

12. Warthog

• Scientific Name: Phacochoerus africanus

The common warthog is a plump, hooved wild pig with little fur, a mane through the spine to the middle of its back, and upper tusks that protrude upwards from the mouth.

Warthogs, commonly called Pumba by many safari guides, are among Africa’s highly-watched safari animals.

They reside in grasslands, savannas, and woodlands in sub-Saharan Africa, across western, eastern, central, and southern Africa.

The Kruger National Park, South Africa, and Meru National Park, central Kenya, are famed for housing the warthog. 

13. Vulture

• Scientific Name: Accipitridae (Old World vultures); Cathartidae (New World vultures) 

About eleven vulture species from the Accipitridae and Cathartidae families reside in Africa, popular among many as a scavenger and keystone species in most of the continent’s ecosystem.

Sadly, about seven of eleven African vulture species are critically endangered, with West Africa losing about ninety percent of the native White-backed vulture. 4

However, vultures spread across the black continent in west, north, east, central, and southern African cliffs and tall trees.

The Kruger National Park in South Africa and Comoé National Park have vultures, and one might be fortunate to find one while visiting.

Also See: African Birds: 30 Amazing Safari Bird Species, With Pictures

14. Marabou Stork

• Scientific Name: Leptoptilos crumenifer

While most storks are beautiful, the marabou stork has a reputation for horror due to its black cloak, large, fleshy pouch, and featherless features.

However, even the world’s most unattractive creatures attract large fanbases, explaining why the marabou stork ranks among Africa’s safari animals you should see.

Marabou storks are also large birds, reaching four feet, eleven inches in height, and 6.5 feet in wingspan length.

The IUCN ranks these birds as ‘Least Concern,’ with a stable population to support their evaluation.

Therefore, one can find the marabou stork in the west, east, central, and southern Africa.

One can find the marabou stork in Ben Lavin Nature Reserve and the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary in South Africa. 

• Scientific name: Beatragus hunteri

The hirola is the world’s rarest antelope, native to Kenya and southwest Somalia.

White spectacles around its eyes, a white tail through to the hocks, and lyre-shaped horns are distinctive features that distinguish the hirola from other antelope species.

The hirola occupies parched environments with relatively low annual rainfall.

However, it is a primary grazer, enjoying grasses with more leaves than stems. Hirola populations exist in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya.

16. Giraffe

• Scientific Name: Giraffa camelopardalis
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable 

Everyone wants to watch the world’s tallest living terrestrial and largest ruminant creature.

Giraffes occupy semi-arid savannah and savannah woodlands and are highly distinguished by their extremely long necks and legs.

Some best places to find the Giraffe in its natural habitat include:

• Africa’s Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda
• Etosha National Park in Namibia
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Kouré in Niger

Also See: Amazing Long Neck Animals (List With Pictures)

• Scientific Name: Equus  

Three zebra species reside in Africa, but the common zebra is the most popular. They all share black-and-white striped coats, but patterns are unique to each species.

The common zebra ( Equus quagga ) occupies much of southern and eastern Africa, the mountain zebra ( Equus zebra ) in southern Africa, and the Grévy’s zebra ( Equus grevyi ) in east Africa.

Zebras are herbivores and inhabit grasslands, savannahs, shrublands, woodlands, and mountainous areas.

The best places to find Zebras in their natural habitats include:

• Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana
• Lewa Conservancy in Kenya
• Klein Karoo in South Africa

18. Hippopotamus

• Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippos are famed for their round and cute appearance and a fearsome reputation for being the world’s deadliest land mammal, killing an estimated 500 people annually in Africa.

They weigh up to 2,750kg, with large tusks and speeds reaching 30 km/h. Hippos are everywhere in the black continent, occurring in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa.

The hippo’s history with man implies that encountering it in the wrong place might not end well.

However, the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks in Zambia, Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Selous in Tanzania are among the best places to view the hippopotamus.

19. Common Ostrich

• Scientific Name: Struthio camelus

The common ostrich is the world’s largest and heaviest extant bird . However, such feats make the bird incapable of flight due to its immense weight.

However, the common ostrich makes up for its lack of light with speed, running up to forty-three kilometers per hour.

They are also impressive with using their long, powerful legs as defensive weapons.

A mature ostrich can grow to a height of nine feet and weigh up to 160 kilograms, a size worthy of ranking among African Safari animals one should see.

Many zoos feature ostriches in captivity, but the Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda and the Kruger National Park in South Africa are nice places to find the common ostrich in their natural settings. 

20. Shoebill

• Scientific Name: Balaeniceps rex

The bird’s large, striking shoe-shaped beak earns it the distinguished name. However, its enormous bill is just one of its features.

The shoebill is one of the world’s largest birds, growing up to four feet, eleven inches, thus becoming one of the five most captivating birds in Africa, according to birdwatchers.

The shoebill can be found in the Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, Kasanka National Park in Zambia, and a few wildlife centers in the continent present views of shoebill storks.

21. Leopard Tortoise

• Scientific Name: Stigmochelys pardalis

The leopard tortoise is one of the smallest wildlife Africa’s safari offers. However, the leopard markings on its shell account for the most prominent feature.

The leopard tortoise has populations scattered across Africa’s semi-arid shrubland of the Sahara, from Sudan to the cape of South Africa.

The tortoise’s leopard markings are not its only distinctive feature, but its ability to swim is unique as it is the only Testudinidae with such an ability.

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Mountain Zebra National Park in South Africa are wonderful destinations to find the leopard tortoise. 

22. Meerkat

• Scientific Name: Suricata suricatta

Mongooses are popular for killing snakes, and here is the meerkat, an animal belonging to the same family — Herpestidae.

The meerkat is a small mongoose native to Southern Africa, inhabiting arid, open habitats containing little woody vegetation in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.

Mongooses have a distinctive banded pattern, big eye circles, thin tails, and sharp, curved foreclaws that support digging.

They dig burrows in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa.

• Scientific Name: Tragelaphus
• Conservation Status: Least Concern 

The kudus are two large-sized antelope species found in East and Southern Africa.

The most distinctive feature differentiating both species is size, with the greater kudu measuring over five feet and the lesser kudu within the four-foot range.

They inhabit savanna near Acacia and Commiphora shrubs, relying on thickets for protection.

Therefore, these antelopes are found in the Addo Elephant National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Etosha National Park in Namibia.

• Scientific Name: Canis aureus

Jackals are dog relatives of the genus Canis. Three jackal species exist — black-backed, golden, and side-striped, all occurring in different parts of Africa, especially the eastern and southern countries.

The black-backed jackal inhabits savannas and wooded areas; the golden jackal occupies dry environments, including deserts, open savannas, and arid grasslands.

The side-striped jackal lives in damp savannas, marshes, bushlands, and mountains.

Visiting the Kruger National Park, Shongweni Resources Reserve, and the wildlife parks offers the intriguing sights of jackals in South Africa.

The Tsavo West National Park in Kenya, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Etosha National Park in Namibia are other nice places to find a jackal.

25. Cheetah

• Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus

Watching the world’s fastest land animal stalk its prey and initiate its signature high-speed chase is a dream sight to anyone willing to enjoy the untamed beauty of the African safari.

Therefore, some of the best places to watch a cheetah in your next safari escapade include:

• Okavango Delta in Botswana
• Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa
• Phinda Private Game Reserve in Tanzania
• Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda
• Kafue National Park in Zambia
• Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus

The Impala is one of the most elegant antelope species, featuring a graceful stride, plush, glossy, reddish brown coat, and slender, curved horns.

While you might love to admire them, it will be more thrilling to watch them jump clear of obstacles, leaping up to ten meters long and three meters high.

Such a sight lies in the Lake Mburo National Park and Katonga Wildlife Reserve in Uganda, Kruger National Park, Hluleka Nature Reserve in South Africa, and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. 

27. Waterbuck

• Scientific Name: Kobus ellipsiprymnus

It would help if You never get tired of seeing antelopes if you visit Africa for its safari.

The waterbuck is among the many antelope species you may find, especially if you cruise through Chobe National Park in Botswana, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, or Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya.

Waterbucks are large, robust antelopes with reddish-brown to shaggy gray coats that become darker with age.

As the name suggests, the waterbuck depends on water, thus inhabiting areas close to water sources.

28. Kori Bustard

• Scientific Name: Ardeotis kori
• Conservation status: Near Threatened

Kori bustards are very large birds — the heaviest flying bird native to Africa. Male kori bustards weigh between seven and eighteen kilograms.

The male kori bustard’s wingspan ranges from seven feet seven inches to nine feet.

Even though they have large wings, they do not frequently fly unless necessary.

Therefore, there is much to admire in this feathered giant, bringing you to the Etosha National Park in Namibia and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, where it occupies sparsely wooded savannas and open grasslands. 

29. Nile crocodile

• Scientific Name: Crocodylus niloticus
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Some insects and amphibians might be insignificant during a safari escapade, but not large reptiles and apex predators like the Nile crocodile.

The crocodile occupies various habitats, including rivers, lakes, and marshes, and earns a fearsome reputation for its size, fearlessness, and extremely powerful bite.

One can find the Nile crocodile in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, among others. 

30. Grey-crowned Crane

• Scientific Name: Balearica regulorum
• Conservation status: Endangered

The large, attractive bird, growing over three feet in height, with plush blueish-gray plumes and a golden crest, would be one of the most majestic creatures to see on one’s African safari.

The grey-crowned crane primarily inhabits dry savannas in Sub-Saharan Africa but could occur in cultivated areas and grassy flatlands in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.

The Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Also See: Beautiful Birds With Mohawks (With Pictures)

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals feature on africa’s top safari.

Africa’s safari features several animals, but lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, and buffalos are the continent’s top-five safari animals.

Some of the world’s most popular animals, including zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, and antelopes, also feature on an African safari. 

Would you see a tiger on an African safari? 

While Africa is home to some of the world’s largest wild cats, including lions and cheetahs, it is very unlikely to find a tiger that is not in captivity in Africa.

However, one can find the tiger in a zoo or special reserve; the Laohu Valley Reserve, Tiger Canyon, Jugomaro Predator Park, and Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa are some places to find the world’s largest wild cat.

What is the most common animal on the safari?

The lion tops most people’s wishlists of animals to find on a safari. Without a doubt, it is one animal almost everyone coming on a safari would want to see, thanks to the beast’s title as the king of the jungle and the continent’s top carnivore. 

What is the largest safari animal?

Lions, giraffes, hippos, and buffalos are in contention for Africa’s largest safari animals, but they do little to match the African bush elephant ( Loxodonta africana ).

The mammal can grow up to 13 feet and weigh almost 23,000 pounds, more than any other safari animal.

What African habitats support wildlife?

Most African habitats support wildlife, including savannas, rainforests, semi-deserts, wooded grasslands, deserts, and plains, because they have the perfect climate and terrains to support specific animals.

One might never get enough of Africa’s scenic terrains and the breathtaking explorations of its safari.

However, various challenges, including habitat degradation, human activities, and climate change, pose considerable threats to the survival of several African safari animals, driving some of these species to extinction.

Therefore, it will be more helpful for all to support conservation efforts to ensure the continuity of the continent’s beauty of undomesticated animals.

References & Notes

• Bauer H., Chapron G., et al. 2015. Lion (Panthera leo) populations are declining rapidly across Africa, except in intensively managed areas . PNAS.
• Alexis Valdes. 2018. Painted Ferocity: The Social Behaviors of African Wild Dogs, Threats to Survival, and Resulting Conservation Initiatives [pdf] . Liberty University.
• Binder W., Valkenburgh V. B. 2000. Development of bite strength and feeding behavior in juvenile spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) . Journal of Zoology.
• White-backed Vulture  Gyps africanus . BirdLife International.

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Jake Wilson

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SAFARI ANIMALS Crossword Clue

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An Introduction to Africa's Big Five Safari Animals

 TripSavvy / Vin Ganapathy 

If you're planning an African safari , you'll know that the term 'Big Five' is one of the most commonly used marketing slogans in the safari industry. Game reserves that host the Big Five will usually use this fact as their most significant selling point—but what does it mean? In the game reserves and national parks of Southern Africa , the Big Five represents safari royalty: the African lion, the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the rhino (either white or black).

The phrase was initially coined by early game hunters who recognized that these species were the most challenging and most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. This made them the biggest prizes, hence, the Big Five. Today, the phrase has come to represent the most sought-after safari sightings—although, in reality, this is a matter of personal preference. Some of the most endangered, beautiful, or charismatic African animals don't feature on the Big Five list, including the cheetah , the African wild dog, the giraffe, and the hippo.

African Elephant

The African elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) is the world's largest and heaviest land animal, with the biggest individual on record weighing in at over 10 tons/22,000 pounds. They are found in 37 sub-Saharan countries and can survive in a wide range of different habitats, from lush wetlands to arid deserts.

African elephants are supremely well adapted to their environment, from their inch-thick skin (which protects them from the sharp thorns of the bush) to their enormous ears (which help to disperse heat and regulate body temperature). They can consume up to 50 gallons of water and 375 pounds of vegetation every day.

Elephants are very social animals. They live in matriarch-led groups that often number more than 100 individuals and communicate using a variety of low-frequency rumbles that can travel for many miles. Female calves usually stay with the herd throughout their life, while young males leave to form bachelor groups and eventually create herds of their own.

In the 1970s and '80s, the global demand for ivory led to a dramatic decrease in elephant numbers. A ban on all ivory trade has helped stabilize the population to around 600,000 in the last decade. However, poaching is still a major issue, especially in parts of Africa where there is political instability. The African elephant is listed as Vulnerable on the  IUCN Red List .

Where to See Elephants:   Chobe National Park , Botswana; Addo Elephant National Park , South Africa; Hwange National Park , Zimbabwe; South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

African Lion

The African lion ( Panthera leo ) is the undisputed king of the sub-Saharan savannah and is the world's second-largest cat after the tiger. Although lions sometimes hunt during the day, they are typically more active at night which is why most daytime safari sightings are of cats sleeping in the shade. Lions can sleep for up to 20 hours a day.

Unlike other cats, lions are very social animals. They live in prides, usually consisting of one (or sometimes two) males, several females, and their cubs. Lionesses typically do the hard graft when hunting, often working together to bring down larger prey. They are ambush hunters, using their tawny coloring as effective camouflage.

In the wild, lions can live to around 14 years, although most prides experience a high rate of cub mortality, while males often die while fighting to protect their territory. Female lions can synchronize the birth of their cubs to help each other raise them. Cubs are born with rosette markings that fade over time.

Lions have few natural predators, although buffalo will often trample cubs. Predictably, man is the species' biggest threat.  Traditional hunting customs , big game hunters, and large-scale habitat loss have contributed to declining lion populations in Africa. The lion is also classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Where to See Lion: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa; Okavango Delta , Botswana; Maasai Mara National Reserve , Kenya, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.

African Leopard

The African leopard ( Panthera pardus ) is the most elusive of the Big Five animals. Naturally shy and exclusively nocturnal, leopards spend the daylight hours hidden from view. They are excellent climbers, using trees to scan for prey and store fresh kills away from scavengers like lions and hyenas. If you're looking for a leopard, remember to look up.

Leopards are superbly camouflaged with a series of black spots or rosettes. They have large territories and seldom stay in the same area for more than a few days. Males range more widely than females and mark their presence by urinating and leaving claw marks. They are powerful and can take down prey much larger than themselves.

Their hunting prowess relies on their ability to run at speeds of over 35 miles per hour. They can also jump over 10 feet into the air and are excellent swimmers. Leopards are distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa and are one of the few big game species still found outside national parks.

White spots on the tip of their tails and the back of their ears make mothers visible to their cubs even in the long grass. As with the other Big Five species, leopards are threatened by humans. Encroaching farmlands have reduced their habitat, while farmers often shoot them to stop them from killing their livestock. They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Where to See Leopard: Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa; Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana; South Luangwa National Park , Zambia; Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Cape Buffalo

Cape buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ) are found in water-rich game reserves and national parks throughout sub-Saharan Africa. There are four sub-species of Cape buffalo, the largest of which is the one most commonly seen in East and Southern Africa.

Cape buffalo are formidable creatures and have earned themselves a reputation as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. They are often bad-tempered, especially when threatened, and are equipped with a fused set of deadly curved horns. Male buffalo can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds.

Despite their fierce reputation, buffalo are relatively peaceable with one another, sometimes congregating on the open grasslands in herds of over a thousand individuals. They are protective of their weaker members, often forming a defensive circle around sick or young animals when under attack from prowling lions.

Cape buffalo need to drink every day and are often found close to water. They eat tall, coarse grass and bushes, and as such cannot live in the desert. Cape buffalo continue to be one of the most sought-after trophy animals for big game hunters. They are exceptionally susceptible to domestic cattle diseases like rinderpest and bovine tuberculosis.

Where to see Cape Buffalo: Kruger National Park, South Africa; Chobe National Park, Botswana; Katavi National Park , Tanzania; Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.

White and Black Rhino

There are two rhino species in Africa: the black rhino ( Diceros bicornis ) and the white rhino ( Ceratotherium simum ). Both are at risk of extinction due to the poaching epidemic caused by the demand for rhino horns in Asian cultures. It is estimated that there are around 5,000 black rhinos and 20,000 white rhinos left in the wild.

Three subspecies of black rhino have been declared extinct, while the northern white rhino is now extinct in the wild. Conservationists are working tirelessly to protect the remaining sub-species, but their futures are far from secure. The black rhino is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Despite their names, there is no difference in color between the black and the white rhino. The easiest way to tell the species apart is to look at their lips—the black rhino's are pointed and prehensile, while the white rhino's are flat and wide. The Dutch word for "wide" is "wijd," and it is a mispronunciation of this word that gives the white rhino its name.

Black rhinos are usually solitary and have a reputation for being bad-tempered, while white rhinos often live in pairs. Black rhinos prefer desert and scrubland areas and are herbivorous browsers, while white rhinos graze on open savannah areas. It is thought that rhinos have roamed the African plains for 50 million years.

Where to See Rhino: Etosha National Park , Namibia; Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, South Africa; Lewa Wildlife Conservancy , Kenya; Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania

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List of African animals beginning with letters A to Z

Africa Nature Travel

Africa is home to some of the most well-known, loved and feared animals in the world! There are so many wonderful creatures to see, but where to start? We’ve made an A to Z list of African animals to look out for on your next trip to Africa.

Keep reading and find out just how fascinating Africa’s wildlife really is!

And if you’re a real animal lover, take a look at these beaches that are inhabited by unusual animals and you might just find your next bucket list destination!

African animal beginning with A

This medium-sized nocturnal mammal, native to Africa, only eats ants, termites and one type of cucumber, called Aardvark cucumber. It is believed by African magicians to have magical powers.

African animal beginning with B

These monkeys are furry and noisy, but very caring for their young. They are omnivore foragers, but are also known to eat sheep, goats and small antelopes. In Egyptian folklore, Baboons were considered sacred animals.

African animal beginning with C

This large feline is the fastest animal on land running with a speed of up to 120 km/hour in short 500 meter bursts. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hour in 3 seconds. They have non-retractable claws so they can’t climb tall trees.

African animal beginning with D

Desert warthog.

While some say this is not the prettiest pig relative out there, we just can’t ignore his resemblance to Pumba (the Lion King character). We think it’s quite a character with its huge tusks and unwavering care for it’s young.

African animal beginning with E

With elephants being the largest creatures on land at the moment, it’s no wonder the elephant babies weight 100 kilograms at birth. But did you know the gestation period lasts for 22 months?

African animal beginning with F

With a total body length between 24 and 40 cm, this big eared guy is the smallest fox there is. Their ears help them detect insects and rodents hiding underground.

African animal beginning with G

With it long neck the giraffe can reach the tallest and tastiest leaves in the savanna and also engage in “neckings”, a type of male combat in which the neck is used as a weapon. Vulnerable to predators as an adult, calf giraffes are hunted by lions, leopard and hyenas. Did you know there’s a special hotel in Kenya where you can feed giraffes  from your hotel room window?!

African animal beginning with H

Hippos are large, mostly herbivorous,  semi-aquatic mammals. Despite their pig-like appearance their closest relatives are whales, from which they diverged some 55 millions of years ago.

African animal beginning with I

One of the most abundant antelopes in Africa, the impalas, can grow up to 95 cm tall. Only the males have horns, which they use in territorial battles.

African animal beginning with J

These far away relatives of the wolves are crepuscular, being most active at dawn and dusk. They are scavengers and hunters of small animals. In oriental mythology jackals are clever sorcerers, while in Egyptian religion they are Gods of the afterlife.

African animal beginning with K

Klipspringer.

These half meter tall antelopes can fit all four hooves onto a piece of cliff the size of a coin and never have to drink water, since the succulent plant they forage on provides them with sufficient water.

African animal beginning with L

The King of the Jungle, the second largest feline after the Tiger, the Lion is today considered a vulnerable species, with its population decline of thirty to fifty percent in the last 20 years.

African animal beginning with M

Magpies are easy to spot thanks to their black and white colourings. Normally, they collect objects found such as jewels or plastics and save them in their nest. Their diet includes seeds, eggs, nuts, insects, and fruits.

African animal beginning with N

This medium sized antelope prefers a deep forest to any plain there is in Africa. While the females are warm brown and horn-less as the nyala pictured below, the males are dark skinned with long spiraled horns and a woolly fringe on their belly.

African animal beginning with O

Otters are semi-aquatic mammals which feed on fish, birds and small mammals. They are also the best swimming teachers out there.

African animal beginning with P

Porcupines are rounded, large, slow rodents. Their body is covered with large, pointy spines. Porcupines are salt lickers and will lick and eat anything that is covered in salt, from household items such as tables or clothes to vehicle tires coated in road salt.

African animal beginning with Q

Quelea quelea.

Also known as Red-billed Quelea or Red-billed weaver, is a small bird from the weaver family. It can be found in the Sub-Saharan Africa and is considered one of the most plentiful wild bird breed in the world.

African animal beginning with R

Rhinoceros are large plant eating mammals which are able to reach more than a tonne in weight. They have thick armor like skin, small brains that can weight less than a kilogram and no knees.

African animal beginning with S

Sable bull (sable antelope).

These antelopes can reach a height of up to 140 cm and their horns can be as long as 110 cm. When fighting, male sable bulls drop to their knees and use their horns to fight.

African animal beginning with T

Topis are some of the fastest antelopes, reaching a speed of up to 70 km/hour when pressed. The Maasai describes them as wearing a suede jacket, blue jeans and yellow boots.

African animal beginning with U

These animals are spiny-tailed lizards found in Africa and are active during daylight time. Usually, Uromastyx eat plants or seeds.

African animal beginning with V

These small birds from Africa varies in color and size. Tend to nest in pairs and like to eat earthworms, insects, and lizards.

African animal beginning with W

Wildebeest (also called a gnu).

A relative of the bull, the wildebeest or the Gnu is a large game animal. Wildebeest are killed for food, especially for making the Southern African delicacy biltong (dried game meat).

African animal beginning with X

Xeruses are ground squirrels that live in rocky deserts around Africa. This African animal is well-known for being social and living in groups.

African animal beginning with Y

Yellow mongoose.

Close relatives of Meerkats, Yellow Mongooses are very attentive little creatures, also using a sentinel to keep eye on eventual predators, such as birds of prey. They eat insects, small rodents and birds.

African animal beginning with Z

Relatives of the most common horse, zebras are very unpredictable animals and don’t cope well with stress, the reason for which they could never be domesticated. Their famous stripes are different and unique to each individual, just like a human fingerprint.

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4 responses to “ List of African animals beginning with letters A to Z ”

mmhmm.. really interesting

Africa is like nothing without her Animals, probably the only thing that the world knows about her >> http://www.africanzeal.com/most-endangered-animals-in-africa/

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• Crossword Tips

Clue: Safari animals

Referring crossword puzzle answers, likely related crossword puzzle clues.

• Zoo attractions
• Safari sights
• Safari sightings
• Small antelopes
• Horned heavyweights
• Horny beasts
• Safari herbivores
• Large-horned mammals
• Thick-skinned herbivores
• They're thick-skinned

Recent usage in crossword puzzles:

• WSJ Daily - Dec. 30, 2019
• New York Times - March 9, 2001

Safari Animals

A guide to african safari wildlife.

Enjoying a game drive in Africa to take in a variety of safari animals must be hands down one of the most thrilling natural attractions in the world.

Sub-saharan Africa – and Southern and East Africa in particular – provides an infinite opportunity for incredible wildlife sightings, with a very broad cast of characters. Over 1,100 mammal species live in Africa, 2,600 bird species spend part of all of their lives in Africa, and the African rivers  and great lakes are home to around 3,000 species of fish.

Along with the diversity of wildlife, Africa is a continent where wildlife can be showered with the most superlatives – the biggest animals , the  most dangerous animals , the  fastest animals , the strongest animals , the largest herds , the longest migrations , and so on.

With this breadth and variety in mind we’ve put together the below list of the 15 most iconic African safari animals to roam the continent, along with the best places to spot each of them:

Iconic safari animals list

A pair of lions – the ultimate African safari animals

Leaping in at first place is the lion, also known as the king of the jungle. Lions are the largest and most sociable of Africa’s cats . At up to 225 kg, the lion  ( Panthera leo ) really is the king of all savanna animals (not jungle!).

These big cats live in prides of up to 40 lions, and it’s the lionesses who do all the hunting, usually sharing their catches with the males of a pride. Lions are very territorial, and the females generally spend most of their lives within their home ranges.

When you hear them roaring during the night, or the day, you’ll be amazed at how loud and powerful they actually are – don’t worry about not hearing the lions snarls or roars, as they can be heard from up to 8 kilometers away. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see lions hunting, or lion cubs playing with each other (but watch out for those man-eating lions !).

Best places to see Lion: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa , Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya , Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Tanzania , Okavango Delta , Botswana .

2. African Elephant

An African elephant – one of the iconic African animals

The African elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) is the largest land mammal and heaviest land animal in the world , weighing up to 6 tonnes. You will be stunned by the sheer size and presence of these creatures, not only on the first time you see one, but each and every time. The good news is, they’re fairly easy to spot!

Elephants play a vital role in the survival of other species by digging waterholes in dry riverbeds, spreading seeds through theirs faecal matter, and creating natural fire breaks in the landscape with their trails, and they do all this on only 2 hours sleep in a 24 hour period!

Best places to see African Elephant: Addo Elephant Park, South Africa,   Chobe National Park , Botswana , Etosha, Namibia , Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

A beautiful leopard doing what it does best… lounging in a tree

The elusive leopard is one of the shyest and least sociable animals in Africa (though not one of the ‘shy five’ ), but are still opportunistic hunters and are highly adaptable. Watching a leopard carry its prey up a tree is a fantastic sight and one of the best African safari sightings you could hope for.

Slightly smaller than their lion cousins, leopards ( Panthera pardus ) are less rare than you might think, but rely on camouflage and being active at night to stay hidden.

Leopards are solitary, independent creatures, and rarely seen together except during mating, or a mother with cubs. As such they are totally self-reliant, and expert hunters – sometimes killing prey up to twice their size. During the daytime they often lounge around in trees and come to the ground after dark to hunt, taking their prey up into a tree to eat at their leisure.

Best places to see Leopard: Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa , Moremi Game Reserve , Botswana , Samburu National Park Kenya , South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

4. Rhinocerous

The most elusive of the big five animals?

Rhinos are something you just need to see in real life to understand how impressive they really are.

Once widespread through sub-Saharan Africa, the rhino has been hunted to the brink of extinction, and is probably the hardest of the big five animals to spot in the wild. There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa – the black rhino ( Diceros bicornis ) and the white rhino ( Ceratotherium simum ).

Whilst white rhinos have made a comeback through conservation efforts across the continent, black rhinos are still very much one of Africa’s most endangered animals , and hardest safari animals to spot. The fundamental differences between the white and black rhino are not color, but rather size, temperament, food preference, and mouth shape.

Best places to see Rhinoceros: Etosha National Park , Namibia ,Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, South Africa , Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya , Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania .

5. Cape Buffalo

Cape buffalo – the grumpiest of all safari animals!

Weighing in at not too far short of a ton, the African buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ) has a reputation for being bad-tempered and dangerous. Whilst solitary buffaloes can be unpredictable (and dangerous, hence their inclusion in the big five animals), they are usually a docile beast when in a herd… aside from their tendency to stampede en masse when alarmed.

Not sure about the differences between a bison and buffalo ?

Best places to see Cape Buffalo: Chobe National Park , Botswana , Katavi National Park, Tanzania , Kruger National Park, South Africa , Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.

Cheetah -the fastest land animal

The cheetah is famous for being the  world’s fastest land animals , reaching speeds of 120 kilometers per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 95 kilometers in just three seconds. These cats need land and space, and seeing one running at full speed is the highlight of any animal safari. But there is more to this cat than just speed; it is beautiful and graceful, and sadly, it’s endangered.

For an animal that hunts during the day, good eyesight, stealth, a spotted coat, and top-notch speed are crucial for survival. The tear marks are among the top distinctive features used to tell the cheetah and the leopard apart .

Best places to see cheetahs: Etosha National Park, Namibia , Okavango Delta, Botswana , Savuti, Botswana , Ruaha, Tanzania.

A cute hyena strolling…

There are four species in the hyena family , varying in size and shape.

Hyenas are unique and vital components of most African ecosystems, both taking advantage of other animals’ kills for easy meals and hunting themselves. The size of a hyena kill or scavenge is generally determined by the size of the hyena’s clan, which can run to dozens. They often hide extra food in watering holes, since nothing is wasted. Hyenas eat every part of an animal, including bones and hooves.

Best place to see hyenas:  Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania , Serengeti National Park in Tanzania , Masai Mara in Kenya , Chobe National Park in Botswana .

Giraffe mother with two young

Perhaps the ultimate icon of the African savanna , the giraffe is an unmistakable land mammal known for their long necks and spotted coat (and super-weird giraffe tongue !). They were known by Arab prophets as the ‘queen of the beasts’ because of their delicate features and graceful poise.

With nine subspecies sharing its distinctive characteristics, this African safari animal is the tallest in the world by some way, and amongst the heaviest and largest animals anywhere . The giraffe’s coat is characterized by dark blotches on lighter hair. With age, male giraffes may become darker, and while calves inherit spot patterns from their mothers, each giraffe has a unique coat pattern that sets it apart.

Giraffes have a sharp sense of hearing and smell, another defense against predators, while it can close its nostrils during sandstorms and against ants.

Best places to see giraffe:   Etosha National Park in Namibia, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Zebras at a waterhole

Zebra are perhaps the most stylish of African animals, with their characteristically stunning coats of black and white stripes. These distant relatives of the horse are a frequent sight on any African safari and consist of three different species.

There are many theories about why zebras have stripes , and it seems that perhaps the most likely answer is that the stripes function as a way to deter biting insects like tsetse flies and mosquitos.

Plains zebras play a particularly interesting role in the ecosystem, as they are pioneer gazers, nibbling and feeding on the top-most layer of grass, thereby opening up the grassland for more specialized grazers looking for the short grasses tucked below.

Best places to see zebra: Etosha National Park, Namibia, Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, Masai Mara in Kenya, Okavango Delta in Botswana, Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

A hippo – one of Africa’s most dangerous animals

Spending most of their days keeping cool in the water or mud, hippos are semi-aquatic safari animals. They resemble large pigs but are in fact related to the whale species, and despite their large, cumbersome appearance can easily outrun a human, and are known as one of Africa’s most dangerous animals .

Best place to see hippos: Hluhluwe National Park & Kruger National Park in South Africa, Kazinga Channel in Uganda, Liwonde National Park in Malawi, Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Okavango Delta, Botswana.

11. African Wild Dog

An African wild dog litter

African wild dogs live in packs of around 6-20 and are highly intelligent and sociable. One of the most fascinating sights when watching African wild dogs is the bond they display before a hunt; the wild dogs begin mingling within the group, vocalising and touching each other, working each other up into a frenzy of excitement. Sadly, these animals are highly endangered

Best places to see wild dogs: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve and Kruger National Park in South Africa, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Niassa National Reserve in Mozambique, Kwando, Selinda & Linyanti in Botswana.

12. Crocodile

Nile crocodile on the banks of an African river

Truly prehistoric animals are a wonderful thing to witness, so why would you want to miss out on one of the most prehistoric-looking animals on the planet? Despite this ancient appearance they are biologically complex and have a cerebral cortex a four-chambered heart and a functional diaphragm.

One amazing experience, although tense, is watching as they ambush and catch their prey, their powerful gnashing jaws pulling their victims underwater, yes this may seem tragic, but it definitely is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Best places to see crocodiles: Mara River in Tanzania and Kenya, Kruger National Park in South Africa.

13. Wildebeest

Is the wildebeest one of the world’s ugliest animals ?

Wildebeest are primarily grazers, enjoying grass and the occasional shrub and herbs, living in herds of between ten and many thousands. They’re characterized by a long black mane and a beard of hair hanging from the throat and neck, along with their short curved horns, with males weighing up to 250kg.

Best places to see wildebeest: Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya.

The majestic male kudu

The kudu is one of the most spectacular African antelopes to be seen on safari. It has been described as one of the most handsome of the antelope family, due to the male’s unique large, corkscrew horns.

The name found its way into the English language courtesy of the Afrikaans of South Africa. The Afrikaans term ‘koedoe’ is a combination of both of zebra and deer.

Best places to see kudu: Across Southern Africa, but particularly likely to spot in Kruger National Park in South Africa, Etosha National Park in Namibia and all the major Zambian parks.

15. Warthhog

The much-maligned warthog, in long grass

Warthogs are normally found in family groups, where they spend most of their time either looking for food or wallowing in the mud at waterholes. At night they shelter in burrows, entering tail first. Warthogs have a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with a preference for open woodland and savannahs, and are not endangered.

Best places to see warthogs: Found in all national parks and reserves throughout Southern and East Africa.

So there you have our take on the 15 most iconic safari animals you should be looking out for on your next game drive. What do you think – any controversial picks… or African safari animals that are missing from the list? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you’re looking for more in-depth information on any of these – or other – African animals, you can access this via the links in the sidebar on this page, or check out our animal lists or animal comparisons .

Discover more of our wildlife posts…

What sound does a zebra make, the fastest birds in the world – air, land & sea, biggest animals in the world, what are ‘the ugly five’ animals, top 7 countries for safaris with kids, what are the most dangerous animals in africa, 30 funny animal names, cheetah vs leopard, which is which, the smallest animals in the world, top countries for safaris.

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• 3 years ago by Claire Trickett

90 words to use on your next safari

From aardvark to zebra, each grouping or ‘family’ of animals has its own collective noun….

A safari is at the top of many a bucket list. And for good reason. Whether it’s your first game drive or your 100th, each and every one is an adventure; a true broadening of horizons; an education for the mind; and a rejuvenation of the soul.

Fully kitted out in brand new khakis, with cameras and binoculars at the ready, wildlife and nature enthusiasts from around the world eagerly clamber up onto the rugged Landcruiser. Barely able to contain their childlike excitement, they embark on a safari into the unknown.

For the next few hours, or days, they will be captivated by nature’s beauty, mesmerised by the most fascinating facts and regaled with stories (and safari words) they’ll continue to tell their own friends and families for years to come.

While on a safari, you get to do things you’ve only ever dreamed of. Like listening to the grunting gnus of the Great Migration as they traverse the mighty plains of East Africa. Or riding a horse in the African wilderness alongside curious zebra and giraffe (image © Kaskazi Horse Safaris).

Perhaps you’ll take to the sky in a hot air balloon and float peacefully over the world-famous Mara River or the equally renowned Namib Desert. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the Big Five , perhaps catch a fleeting glimpse of one of the Elusive Eleven , or you might even witness a kill, like something straight out of a wildlife documentary.

Going on a safari with an expert &Beyond guide is like stepping into a real-life encyclopaedia that is filled with countless unexpected (and often unbelievable) facts about the most curious of creatures, both big and small.

You’ll learn all sorts of wildlife trivia, like how the chameleon changes colour, what makes the flamingo pink, why the dung beetle spends its day rolling around in dung, and why lions have black tufts on fur on their tails and the backs of their ears.

You’ll watch in awe as the golden orb spider effortlessly spins its silky, golden web. If you’re patient, you’ll likely see one or two of the Little Five , the pint-sized namesakes of their more widely known Big Five counterparts. You might even learn some age-old bush survival skills, like how to make a fire using sticks , or how to make a toothbrush out of a twig and toothpaste out of ash and water.

The more inquisitive and adventurous safari goers often end up doing things they never even thought imaginable, like sticking their fingers in (dry) elephant dung to determine the gentle giant’s diet or taking part in a highly competitive and always entertaining dung-spitting competition.

Yes, you read that correctly. Known as bokdrol spoeg in Afrikaans, this is the comical sport of spitting small, hard pellets of impala or giraffe dung. The farthest flung dung determines the overall dung-spitting champion. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! What happens on a safari, stays on safari.

Perhaps one of the most popular “safari classroom” lessons is the ever amusing collective noun discussion. Did you know that each grouping or ‘family’ of animals, from the tawny tiger and the leaping lemur, to the sluggish sloth and the hefty hippo, has its own, often rather charming, collective noun?

Here are 90 words to use on your next safari … or journey (after all, safari is the Swahili word for journey). Whether you’re exploring the plains of Africa, the jungles of Asia, or the timeless landscapes of South America, these safari words often weave their way into discussions amongst wildlife lovers. While some are bonafide terms widely accepted in the industry, some are just tongue-in-cheek and meant for a smile.

And if you’re looking for some expert advice (and a few more safari words), our Safari 101: a beginner’s guide sheds light on some more game drive lingo and how to get the most out of your luxury safari adventure.

As they say in Swahili, safari njema or have a good trip. Don’t forget to pack your sense of humour and a keenness for adventure, and join us for a dazzling journey [pun(s) intended].

1. An armoury of aardvarks 2. A colony of ants 3. A shrewdness of apes 4. A troop of baboons 5. A cloud of bats 6. A skulk or leash of bat-eared foxes 7. A sloth of bears 8. A hive of bees 9. A herd or obstinacy of buffaloes 10. A kaleidoscope of butterflies

11. A caravan of camels 12. A chain of caracals 13. An army of caterpillars 14. A glaring of cats 15. A coalition of cheetahs 16. A cartload of chimpanzees 17. A quiver of cobras 18. An intrusion of cockroaches 19. A consortium of crabs 20. A bask or float of crocodiles

21. A murder of crows 22. A pod of dolphins 23. A cluster or flight of dragonflies 24. A paddling of ducks 25. A herd of dugongs 26. A convocation of eagles 27. A herd, memory or parade of elephants 28. A school of fish 29. A flamboyance of flamingoes 30. A chorus or army of frogs

31. A gaggle of geese 32. A journey of giraffes (on the move) 33. A tower of giraffes (standing still) 34. A charm of goldfinches 35. A band of gorillas 36. A cloud of grasshoppers 37. A confusion of guinea fowl 38. An array of hedgehogs 39. A bloat of hippos 40. A colony of honey badgers

41. A charm of hummingbirds 42. A clan or cackle of hyenas 43. A mess of iguanas 44. A prowl or shadow of jaguars 45. A smack or brood of jellyfish 46. 47. A conspiracy of lemurs 47. A leap of leopards 48. A pride of lions 49. A lounge of lizards 50. A herd of llamas

51. A plague of locusts 52. A labour of moles 53. A business of mongooses 54. A swarm or scourge of mosquitoes 55. A consortium of octopus 56. A parliament of owls 57. A bamboo or embarrassment of pandas 58. A pandemonium of parrots 59. An ostentation of peacocks 60. A waddle or convent of penguins

61. A prickle of porcupines 62. A rhumba of rattlesnakes 63. An unkindness of ravens 64. A crash of rhinoceroses 65. A round of robins 66. A bed of scorpions 67. A sluthe of servals 68. A shiver of sharks 69. A stench of skunks 70. A bed or snuggle of sloths

71. A knot of snakes 72. A clutter of spiders 73. A scurry of squirrels 74. A murmuration of starlings 75. A fever of stingrays 76. A streak or ambush of tigers 77. A knot of toads 78. A bale of turtles 79. A posse of vicuñas 80. A venue or committee of vultures

81. A kettle of vultures (when flying overhead) 82. A boil of vultures (when coming down to land) 83. A sounder of warthogs 84. A pack of wild dogs 85. A litter of wild dog pups 86. A confusion of wildebeest 87. A dazzle of zebras

And, finally, just for a laugh…

88. A safari of people 89. An ingratitude of children 90. A randy of rangers (as coined by the late Bob Griffin, a dear friend of &Beyond )

NB: there is no official collective noun for pangolins because they are solitary; some say predicament; I prefer perfection.

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Letter: Why highlight only meat-serving restaurants in an “Earth Day” story?

Salt lake city is home to many other wonderful all-vegan establishments..

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Lil Lotus, a vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Sugar House, Salt Lake City is shown on Tuesday Dec. 11, 2018.

Animal agriculture is an environmental disaster. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 14.5% of all harmful greenhouse gas emissions is due to raising animals for food — a greater share than the amount contributed by all of our personal automobiles put together. The Great Salt Lake is disappearing because water is being diverted to grow alfalfa , a thirsty crop being grown in the desert. Alfalfa is produced only for animal feed.

Wild spaces throughout the U.S. and beyond are depopulated of indigenous species, especially predators, to transform the landscape to accommodate grazing livestock. Large-scale deforestation, particularly in regions like the Amazon rainforest, is similarly driven by the expansion of pastureland and cultivation of feed crops like soybeans for livestock.

Animal agriculture also threatens the globe with another deadly pandemic, due to the misuse of antibiotics as a growth promoter and the extreme overcrowding that exists on modern cruel factory farms.

Given this, I was surprised and disappointed to see that The Salt Lake Tribune highlighted only meat-serving restaurants in its recent “Earth Day” restaurant feature . Salt Lake City is home to many other wonderful all-vegan establishments, owned and managed by people who are trying to feed our community the best food while causing the least harm. This includes two restaurants I own and manage, Buds and Monkeywrench, which are proudly and forever vegan due to our ethical commitment to both the planet and the animals. I hope The Tribune will consider a follow-up piece that highlights some of our amazing vegan establishments in Salt Lake City.

This could also provide readers with important information about how animal agriculture causes profound harm and practical tips on how we can all help be part of the solution by choosing to eat vegan.

Roxy Carlson, Salt Lake City

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