African Safari Animals

1. Project about African Safari Animals African Birds African Plants Presented by LEON

2. African Safari Animals About Africa has diverse climates. There are rain forests, savannas and deserts, all of which are home to animals big and small. Some, such as lions and elephants, are well-known while others, like the bat-eared fox, are among the unsung critters on the world's second largest continent.

3. CHEETAHS The fastest land animal in the world. The cheetah's slender, long-legged body is built for speed. Cheetahs are tan in color with black spots all over their bodies. They can also be distinguished from other big cats by their smaller size, spotted coats, small heads and ears and distinctive "tear stripes" that stretch from the corner of the eye to the side of the nose. Cheetahs were found throughout Africa and Asia from South Africa to India. When cheetahs are running, they use their tails to help them steer and turn in the direction they want to go, like the rudder of a boat. A cheetah has amazing eyesight during the day and can spot prey from 5 km away. Cheetahs knock their prey to the ground and kill with a suffocating bite to the neck. 

4. LION Lions are the second largest big cat species in the world (behind tigers). Renowned for its majesty and nicknamed "the king of the jungle," the lion possesses both beauty and strength. Lions vary in color but typically sport light yellow-brown coats. Mature male lions are unique among big cats due the thick brown or black manes that encircle their necks and protect them while fighting. Though lions used to live in most parts of Africa, they are now found only in the south Sahara desert and in parts of southern and eastern Africa.  If lions roar, that roar can be heard over five miles away Lions consume a wide variety of prey, from wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and wild hogs to sometimes rhinos and hippos. They will also feed on smaller animals such as hares, birds and reptiles. Lions are also known to attack elephants when food is scarce

5. Giraffes Giraffes are the tallest land animals on earth thanks in part to their typical necks which alone can reach almost 2 meters in height. Its has long legs, long neck, and typical spotted pattern, many people first believed the giraffe was a cross between a leopard and a camel, which is reflected in its scientific name, Giraffa camelopardalis. Giraffes live primarily in savanna areas in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Their extreme height allows them to eat leaves and shoots located much higher than other animals can reach. In particular, they seek out acacia trees. Their long tongues are helpful in eating because they help pull leaves from the trees. Giraffes sleep less than two hours a day. When giraffes walk, they move both legs on one side of their body and then both legs on the other side; this is unique to giraffes.

6. mountain gorilla The mountain gorilla, a large, strong ape inhabiting Africa’s volcanic slopes, has few natural predators. Gorillas are closest living relatives of humans . The mountain gorilla has become the most endangered type of gorilla, with only around 700 mountain gorillas living in the world Like all great apes, gorillas have arms that are longer than their legs and tend to walk on all four limbs at certain times – a movement that is called knuckle walking. . Mountain gorillas are as shy as they are strong. But when in danger, they can be aggressive. They beat their chests and let out angry grunts and roars. Group leaders will charge at the threat. Mothers will fight to the death to protect their young. Mountain gorillas live in groups of up to 30. The group, or troop, is led by a single alpha male, an older silverback. These males are called silverbacks because of the silver stripe they develop on their backs when they mature. These troops also include several younger males, adult and juvenile females, and infants. In addition to providing protection to group members, silverbacks maintain order and decide all activities within their troop. They schedule feeding trips, resting time, and travel. Gorillas eat leaves, shoots, roots, vines and fruits.

7. African Elephant The African elephant is the world’s largest land mammal. It is characterized by its highly dexterous trunk, long curved tusks, and massive ears . A combination of the upper lip and nose, an African elephant’s trunk is extremely versatile. Elephants use their trunk for smelling, breathing, detecting vibrations, caressing their young, sucking up water, and grasping objects. Tusks are present at birth, the “baby tusks” fall out after a year, and permanent ones replace them. These tusks will continue to grow throughout the elephant’s life. Similar to the trunk, elephant tusks are utilized in a wide range of activities. They are used for digging, foraging, and fighting. At times, they also act as a resting place for the elephant’s very heavy trunk. An African elephant’s large ears also serve many purposes. The ears’ large surface area helps radiate excess heat under the harsh African sun. The ears are also often used to communicate visually. Flapping their ears can signify either aggression or joy. elephant’s can hear sounds over long distances. On average, an elephant can hear another elephant’s call at 4 km away. Under ideal conditions, their range of hearing can be increased to 10 km (6.2 mi.). Aside from their ability to learn through watching and mimicking, African elephants also possess other very human qualities. The African elephant plays a vital role in maintaining ecological harmony.

8. WILDEBEEST • Wildebeests weigh an average of 400 pounds. They stand about 55 inches tall, and live in grassy plains or light forest. They move frequently in search of greener grass or fresh water. • Wildebeest can run 50 m.p.h. • There are 2 types of wildebeest: • black wildebeest • blue wildebeest

9. African Bird Africa has one of the most diverse ranges of bird species in the world. There are 3 major categories of birds, namely seed-eaters, nectar-feeders and predatory raptors.

10. Plum Coloured Starling They weigh 45 g and the sexes are dimorphic in plumage. The males upperparts, including the chin, throat and wings are iridescent purple. The under parts are pure white. The coloration varies from dark to rosy depending on the light. The bill and legs of the male are black, the eyes has a yellow outer ring around a brown centre. The plum coloured starling are found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.

11. White-fronted Plover The male has a more conspicuous black line behind eye and usually small dark patches on sides of breast. The birds from the western Cape are white below and grey-brown above. Two races are recognized. Eyes brown, bill and legs black. A species mainly coastal, but also recorded from the larger rivers and inland lakes…

12. Giant Eagle Owl The Giant Eagle Owl is the largest owl in the world. As the biggest of all the Owls the Eagle owl is easily recognised by its huge size and wingspan. They are light grey in colour, finely bared blackish above and below but no heavy blotching. The face is pale, boldly outlined in black, eyes look black at a distance and they have distinctive pink eyelids, which makes them very identifiable. Very similar to a huge Long Eared owl. The Eagle Owl is a pale sand colour underneath with streaks of dark Brown or grey. Greyish head with a large powerful beak and large orange or yellow eyes and two ear tufts extending from over the eyes. They have huge powerful feet and talons. They are found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and northern South Africa

13. African Fish Eagle African Fish Eagle is a fairly large eagle. Its is a distinctive black, brown, and white plumage. Although, as its name suggests, it feeds extensively on fish.

14. African Penguin When you think of penguins, you may picture them surrounded by snow and ice. However, this penguins that is acclimated to warmer climates. African penguins live in colonies on the coast and islands of southern Africa. Also called jackass penguins, they make donkey-like braying sounds to communicate. They can dive under water for up to 2.5 minutes while trying to catch small fish such as anchovies and sardines. They may also eat squid and crustaceans. The African penguin averages about 60 cm (2 ft.) tall and weighs up to 3.6 kg (8 lb.). Their short tails and flipper-like wings that help them navigate in the water, while their webbed feet help propel them. To keep dry and insulated in cold water, African penguins are covered in dense, water-proof feathers.

15. Lilac Breasted Roller Rollers get their name from their impressive courtship flight, a fast, shallow dive from considerable elevation with a rolling or fast rocking motion, accompanied by loud raucous calls. Heir call is a loud harsh squawk, 'zaaak'. This bird is seen eastern and southern Africa. The washed green head is large, the neck is short, the greenish yellow legs are rather short and the feet are small. The beak is strong, arched and hooked-tipped. The tail is narrow and of medium length. The back and scapulars are brown. The shoulder of the wing, outer webs of the flight feathers and the rump are all violet. The bases of the primaries and their coverts are pale greenish blue and the outer tail feathers are elongated and blackish. The chin is whitish, shading to rich lilac of the breast. The underparts are greenish blue. The bill is black and the eyes are brown. It has large wings and strong flight.

16. Marabou Stork The Marabou stork has a long, reddish pouch hanging from its neck. This pouch is used in courtship rituals. Marabou storks have hollow toe bones. They mainly feed on carrion and scraps. Africa south of the Sahara

17. AFRICAN TREES & PLANTS

18. Acacias There are about 700 species of acacia in Africa. Acacia trees are adapted to hot and dry climates, and they grow over much of sub-Saharan Africa. Since they grow in dry landscapes, their edible leaves are often the only available greenery, and so acacias have developed thorns to keep away most animals. Exceptions are giraffes and insects which are unaffected by the thorns. As part of the legume family, these trees improve soil fertility because nitrogen is fixed to soil particles by microbial activity on the tree's roots. Acacia wood is also an effective burning fuel for cooking and other heating requirements.

19. Aloes Many different species of aloe grow on the African landscape, including the most famous of these, Aloe vera. Aloes are succulent plants with sweet nectar that attract many birds and contain many medicinal and therapeutic properties. Aloe gel, made from the inner flesh of aloe leaves, is used in moisturizers and conditioners to help keep skin hydrated. According to Stephanie Rose Bird, when the plant resin is eaten it can act as a laxative to treat stomach problems. In addition to their practical uses, many aloes are used for decoration because they flower in vibrant reds against the dull landscape during the cold winter months in southern Africa.

20. Baobab Tree .These trees may be the oldest living things on the continent, with some measured at over 3,000 years old. They flower at night hoping to attract bats, and many small animals and insects make their entire living in the trunks of baobab trees.

21. Fig Trees Fig trees can be found sparsely in many African landscapes, providing abundant fruit for animals and humans alike.

22. Marula Tree MARULA FRUIT The marula tree is another tree in Africa which typically prefers to grow in wooded savanna regions. Among many uses in nature, marula trees are used to make jams, jellies, wines and beers.