Animal Care
Wildlife Conservation

Fascinating facts about Africa’s endangered animals

Posted: June 18, 2021

Africa is home to some of the world’s most endangered wildlife. To make a meaningful contribution to their conservation, we need to learn all we can about these animals. So why not start with some fascinating facts about Africa’s endangered animals?

Let’s start with the answer to the question: “Why are African animals endangered?” African animals are endangered for reasons including: conflict with humans, habitat loss and poaching. We’ve compiled a list of fascinating facts about some of Africa’s most endangered animals that will inspire your conservation efforts – great or small!

The long and short of the Rothschild’s giraffe

Of the nine giraffe subspecies in the world, the Rothschild’s giraffe is one of the most endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are only 1,399 of these tall mammals remaining in the wild.

They’re easy to tell apart from other giraffes because the Rothschild’s giraffe is the only one with white “stockings” on its legs. Their legs are completely white from the knees down.

Like other giraffes, both male and female Rothschild’s giraffes are born with horn-like”, but these bony protrusions aren’t fused to the skull at first to avoid injury during birth. And, like other giraffes, they only drink water once every few days, even when there’s plenty of water around.

Rothschild’s giraffes can be found in Kenya and Uganda in East Africa, but have already become extinct in Sudan and many other African countries.

a rothschild giraffe roaming in the grass.

Original photo: “Rothschild’s Giraffe, Uganda” by Rod Waddington is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Pygmy hippo facts

The pygmy hippopotamus lives in the forests of West Africa, and because they’re nocturnal, they can’t usually be spotted during day-time excursions.

There are between 2,000 and 2,500 pygmy hippos left in the wild.

Here are some things you probably never knew about the pygmy hippo:

Pygmy hippos are not tiny versions of the common hippo. In fact, they differ from the common hippo in a number of significant ways. For example, they have longer legs and less webbing between their toes. So, they’re actually classified as a separate species.
These creatures have smooth, thin skin, which is great for keeping them cool, but not so great when it comes to preventing sunburn. Because of this, pygmy hippos secrete a substance called “blood sweat” – an oily, pink fluid – from their skin. This moisturises their skin and protects it from the sun.

A pygmy hippo looking for food while in the water.

Original photo: “Hungry Pygmy Hippo” by Eric Kilby is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The alpha and omega of African wild dogs

Did you know that the African wild dog – also known as the painted hunting dog – hunts in packs of up to 40 dogs?

The largest groups of hounds are found in Southern Africa: in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

And the dominant male and female – known as the alpha pair – are the only ones within the pack that will reproduce. Interesting, right?

With around 1,400 African wild dogs left in the wild, they’re Africa’s second-most endangered carnivores – with the Ethiopian wolf being first on the list. And the number of these social animals keeps declining each year.

An african wild dog roaming.

Original photo:“African wild dog” by TheGirlsNY is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Facts about the African lion

The world’s second-largest big cat, the lion, was once found in Africa, Asia and even Europe. Today, most lions live in Africa, with a small number found in just one location in India – Gir National Park.

Here are some interesting facts about the big cat known as the king of the jungle:

Lions don’t actually live in the jungle. They prefer grasslands and plains. They were probably called the “king of the jungle” because of an incorrect association between Africa and jungles. Many people thought that Africa was covered in jungle terrain.

A lion’s roar can be heard up to eight kilometres away.
You can tell if one male lion is older than another by comparing how dark and full their manes are. Older lions have darker and fuller manes than younger lions.

GVI wildlife conservation participants collect data on lions and other big cats in Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Their contributions to conservation research help to inform the decisions of authorities around maintaining the ecosystems in the reserve.

Further reading: Conserving wildlife: a tail of four big cats

A mother and her cub are bonding in the grasslands.

Riveting rhino facts

There are five rhino species found around the world:

the black rhino
the greater one-horned rhino
the Javan rhino
the Sumatran rhino
the white rhino.

A black rhino walking around.

Original photo: “AFRICAN BLACK RHINO” by cuatrok77 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

All of these species are threatened. There are just over 3,000 black rhinos in existence today. And, although the southern white rhino is the least endangered rhino, there are only two – yes two – northern white rhinos left in the world.

The word rhinoceros means “nose horn”. Take a look at some interesting facts about this distinctive rhino feature:

Rhino horns are made up of keratin – the same protein that our nails are made from – and their horns continue to grow throughout their lives.
The longest rhino horn ever recorded was more than one metre long.
Rhinos have been around since prehistoric times. The only major difference between rhinos then and now, is that prehistoric rhinos had fur covering their skin, and they didn’t have horns!

You can join GVI participants who work on rhino poaching awareness programs in Limpopo, South Africa.

Further reading: What does rhino conservation mean today?

Contribute to the conservation of Africa’s endangered animals

These facts about African animals may make you want to race out and help protect these creatures as soon as you can. That’s why getting involved in conservation-focused activities is the best way to make a positive impact.

You can contribute to wildlife conservation in Africa by taking part in one of GVI’s programs that focus on Africa’s endangered animals.

Sign up to volunteer and find out more fascinating facts about Africa’s endangered animals for yourself. Take a look at GVI’s award-winning wildlife volunteer programs in Africa.

Get a grant of up to 80% on conservation programs!

are now available for conservation programs. Apply by 30 Nov to get up to GBP 5,000 off.

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