Team+Africa

__**Welcome to: Africa's Wildlife** **Jungle!!!**__ = WELCOME TO AFRICA! = = YOUR JOURNEY STARTS NOW!!! =

=  = = = =  1.W e'll start with Africa's Geography!! = **Landscape... Did you know...**

Africa's Geography
Africa is the second largest continent in the world. It is 11.7 million square miles, or 30.2 million square kilometers across. It is approxamaetly 5,000 miles north to south, and 4,600 miles east to west. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, on the the southeast is the Indian Ocean. Africa has fifty-four states and a couple of disputed territories (Western Sahara and Somaliland). South Sudan is Africa's newest country, which was officially born on July 9, 2011. Africa also has some islands. The most famous is Madagascar, which is one of the largest islands in the world. The other islands are smaller and less significant.


 * Fasinating!!!**



2. Now let's check out some scenery!


There are many mountains in Africa. The tallest is Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania at a height of 19,340 feet. The second tallest is Mount Kenya, which is 17,057 feet tall. It is located in Central Kenya. The top ten mountains range from about 19,000 feet to as low as 14,00 feet. The lowest point in Africa is Lake Assal, in Djibouti, which lies at 515 feet, or 155 meters, below sea level. Everything there is crystalized salt, and it's very hot there. Talking about hot places, the largest desert in Africa is the Sahara Desert which spans almost 3.5 million square miles, or 9,000,000 square kilometers. It stretches across North Africa and makes up a large part of a dozen countries. It's very dry, with little vegetation. The Only big and stable river in the Sahara is the Nile River. Unlike the Nile, other rivers are seasonal.

= Here are some more Geography Facts!! = = Africa's Population =
 * **Longest river in Africa** - The Nile which is also the longest river in the world. It runs from [|Uganda] all the way to [|Egypt]for 4,132 miles (6650 km).
 * **Largest lake in Africa** - Lake Victoria in East Africa, bordering [|Uganda], [|Kenya] and [|Tanzania]. The Lake is the second largest in the world, at 26,560 square miles (68,800 square kilometres). It is the main source of the Nile River.
 * **Largest island in Africa** - [|Madagascar] off the East coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean is the largest island in Africa and the 4th largest island in the world. [|Madagascar]is just over 1000 miles (1580 km) long and 350 miles (570 km) wide.
 * **Largest waterfall in Africa** - [|The Victoria Falls] on the border of [|Zambia] and [|Zimbabwe]. The Victoria Falls are just over 1 mile wide (1.7 km) and 355 feet (108 m) high. During the wet season over 500 million liters (19 million cubic feet) of water plummets over the edge into the Zambezi River. The spray can be seen from over 30 miles away.
 * =3.Why don't we meet some people now!=

Africa is the second most populated continent, after Asia. It has about 15% of the worlds population, and as of 2009, and 1 billion people residing in it.


 * **Most populated country in Africa** - [|Nigeria] is the most populated country in Africa with an estimated population of 125 - 145 million people. (Population statistics are politically loaded and that's why these numbers vary so much). [|Egypt] is second with over 76 million people.
 * **Least populated country** - [|The Seychelles] has the lowest population of any country in Africa with around 80,000 people. But [|Namibia]is the least densely populated country in Africa.
 * **Most populated city in Africa** - [|Cairo] in [|Egypt]is Africa's most populated city with an estimated 17 million residents living in the metropolitan area.
 * **Least populated capital city in Africa**- Maseru, the capital of the Kingdom of Lesotho has a population of around 14,000.
 * **Number of Ethnic Groups (tribes) in Africa** - Difficult to estimate but there are at least 3,000 distinct ethnic groups in Africa. A large country like Nigeria has more than 370recognized tribes.
 * **Number of Languages Spoken in Africa** - There are over 2000 [|languages spoken in Africa]. Arabic (in various dialects) has the highest number of speakers with over 170 million speakers, mostly living in North Africa and the Horn of Africa.
 * **Africa's Capital Cities** - There are 52 official African capital cities. [|See list of Africa's capital cities].
 * **Number of Ethnic Groups (tribes) in Africa** - Difficult to estimate but there are at least 3,000 distinct ethnic groups in Africa. A large country like Nigeria has more than 370recognized tribes.
 * **Number of Languages Spoken in Africa** - There are over 2000 [|languages spoken in Africa]. Arabic (in various dialects) has the highest number of speakers with over 170 million speakers, mostly living in North Africa and the Horn of Africa.
 * **Africa's Capital Cities** - There are 52 official African capital cities. [|See list of Africa's capital cities].
 * **Number of Languages Spoken in Africa** - There are over 2000 [|languages spoken in Africa]. Arabic (in various dialects) has the highest number of speakers with over 170 million speakers, mostly living in North Africa and the Horn of Africa.
 * **Africa's Capital Cities** - There are 52 official African capital cities. [|See list of Africa's capital cities].
 * **Africa's Capital Cities** - There are 52 official African capital cities. [|See list of Africa's capital cities].

====

**4.Countries**
[] Check this out! The best way to learn about Africa!! (nitya) Here's a couple in case you can't acsess the website = Algeria = Algeria is the second-largest country in Africa and is situated in northwestern Africa, with the northern coastline running along the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered on the east by Tunisia and Libya, on the southeast and south by Niger, on the south and south west by Mali, on the west by Mauritania and on the west northwest by Morocco.The northern parallel mountain ranges of the Saharan Tell or Maritime Atlas, comprising coastal massifs and inland ranges, and the Saharan Atlas divide Algeria into three longitudinal zones running generally eastwest: the Mediterranean zone; the high plateaus; and the Sahara which covers some 85% of the entire area. About half of Algeria is 914 m (3,000 ft) or more above sea level, and about 70% of the area is from 762 m (2,500ft) to 1675m (5,500 ft) in elevation. The lowest point is Chott Melrhir -40m and the highest Tahat at 3,003m.Only the main rivers of the Tell have water all year round, and even then the summer flow is small. None of the rivers are navigable. The mountainous areas of the High Plateaus are poorly watered; most of the rivers and streams flow irregularly, since they depend an erratic rainfall for water. In the High Plateaus lie many salt marshes and dry or shallow lakes. Further south, the land becomes increasingly arid, merging into the completely dry Sahara desert. = Angola = Angola is situated on the west coast of Africa, and is bordered on the north by Congo and north and northeast by Dem. Rep. of Congo (formerly Zaire), on the Southeast by Zambia and on the south by Namibia and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean.The country's landscape consists mainly of broad tablelands varying from 3,000 to 5,000ft in altitude; a high plateau in the south ranges from 4,000 to 7,000 ft. The highest point in Angola is Mount Moco (8,569ft) in the Bengula region and Mount Navil (8,133ft) in the Cuanza Sul.
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=Gallery= =﻿=





6.Animals
Here are some animals that are native to Africa:





[[image:http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/zebra-camo.jpg caption="Two Zebras grazing"]]
=7. Culture=
 * **African Animal Picture** || **List of African Animals** || **African Name of the Animal** || **Description about the African Animal** ||
 * ? || Aardvark || Erdvark || This is a nocturnal animal, found all over Africa in dry and wet climates. Aardvark feeds on termites, thus it has a long sticky tongue. They have poor eyesight and large powerful claws on their feet for digging. They have an almost hairless body, short neck and short legs. ||
 * ? || Aardwolf || Aardwolf || This is a small mammal, that looks similar to the striped hyena. The only surviving species of the subfamily **Protelinae**, lives in the eastern and northeastern Africa. It feeds on __ [|insects] __ unlike hyenas. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/addax.jpg caption="Addax" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/addax.jpg"]] || Addax || ? || These are large antelopes that weigh up to 300 pounds. They have a sand colored coat in summer and grayish brown in winter. They are white colored on their legs, hips, belly, ears and facial markings. They have thin, back slanted horns with a spiral twist of up to three turns on both sexes. They are adapted to withstand extreme heat and drink very little water. They seem to draw water they need from the dew and the plants they eat. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/addra-gazelle.jpg caption="Addra Gazelle" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/addra-gazelle.jpg"]] || Addra Gazelle || ? || These gazelles take the crown for being the tallest and the largest gazelles in the world. They have a small head compared to their body, with narrow muzzle eyes. They have reddish-chestnut neck, back and flanks with distinctive white spot just below the throat. The horns are curved flat to the back with upturned tips in both sexes. They are natives of southern Morocco and are found from Senegal to Sudan. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/african-gray-parrot.jpg caption="African Gray Parrot" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/african-gray-parrot.jpg"]] || __ [|African Gray Parrot] __ || ? || These __ [|parrots] __ are very talkative, intelligent birds. They can easily learn hundreds of words and other sounds. They live in western and central Africa in lowland forests, clearings and savannas. They feed on seeds, berries, nuts and fruits. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/antelope.jpg caption="Antelope" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/antelope.jpg"]] || __ [|Antelope] __ || Rooibok || This is not a specific animal but a member of a family of grazing mammals like elands, impalas, kudus, etc. Know more on __ [|types of antelopes] __ ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/baboon.jpg caption="Baboon" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/baboon.jpg"]] || Baboon || Nyani || These are medium sized primates that are found in east Africa, generally in the forested area and commonly known to wander off to the African plains. These are ground dwelling monkeys and live together in troops. They have an omnivorous diet which is mainly vegetarian. They occasionally prey on insects, fish, shellfish, hares, birds monkeys and even small antelopes. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/bat-eared-fox.jpg caption="Bat-Eared Fox" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/bat-eared-fox.jpg"]] || Bat-Eared Fox || Mbweha masikio || These are small African __ [|foxes] __ that are known for their enormous ears. Their ears help shed the excessive heat and keep the fox cool. Bat-eared foxes are sandy gray in color with lighter fur on their belly and dark fur around the eyes, muzzle, back of the ears, feet and tail. They feed on harvester termites and insects like grasshoppers, scorpions, spiders, rodents, lizards, fruits and eggs. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/beisa-oryx.jpg caption="Beisa Oryx" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/beisa-oryx.jpg"]] || Beisa Oryx || Choroa || These are non-jumping antelopes, that are found in the arid areas of Somalia and eastern Africa. They can tolerate long periods of heat by raising their body temperatures to up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes the heat to leave their bodies for the surrounding cooler air. Thus, allowing minimum loss of water due to sweating or evaporation. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/blue-monkey.jpg caption="Blue Monkey" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/blue-monkey.jpg"]] || Blue Monkey || Choroa || These __ [|monkeys] __ are noticeably blue as suggested by their name. They have little hair on their face, that gives them the blue appearance sometimes. They are native to the central and east Africa, from the upper Congo basin to the Great Rift Valley. They are also found in Angola and Zambia. They eat fruits and leaves but will not shy away from eating slow moving invertebrates. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/bongo.jpg caption="Bongo" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/bongo.jpg"]] || Bongo || ? || These are nocturnal antelopes of reddish-orange color with white stripes running vertically along the body. This hoofed animal is the largest species of antelope and the only antelope species which has horns on both the males and females. They are found in central, east and west Africa, inhabiting the dense woodlands and also on mountains with altitudes up to 4,000 meters above the sea level. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/bonobo.jpg caption="Bonobo" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/bonobo.jpg"]] || Bonobo || ? || These are the largest primates found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are also known as pygmy chimpanzee and the dwarf chimpanzee as they are very closely related to the chimpanzee. The bonobo is known to share 98% of the DNA with humans. They are omnivorous animals that feed on fruits, leaves, flowers, beak and seeds mainly. If they get a chance, they also feed on honey, eggs, insects, small mammals and reptiles. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/bontebok.jpg caption="Bontebok" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/bontebok.jpg"]] || Bontebok || ? || These are medium sized antelopes. They have a convex forehead and an elongated muzzle. They have a level back and developed limbs. They have a glossy coat of chestnut brown, dark neck and hindquarters. There are purple-black blotches on their sides and upper limbs. Bontebok have 14-15 inches long horns in both sexes that are 'S' shaped, angular, curved and ringed, except for the tips. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/buffalo.jpg caption="Buffalo" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/buffalo.jpg"]] || Water Buffalo || ? || These are said to have originated in Asia and have been domesticated world wide. The wild Asian Buffalo is said to be an __ [|endangered animal] __. These are herbivores and spend most of their time submerged in water. There are large herds of water buffaloes found in Africa. Know more on__ [|water buffalo facts] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/zebra.jpg caption="Burchell's Zebra" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/zebra.jpg"]] || Burchell's Zebra || Bontsebra || __ [|Zebras] __ are common zebrid animals with black and white strips to confuse the predators. They are found to the north of Orange river system, southern Botswana, Etosha ad the Kaokoveld, Swaziland and Kwazulu-Natal. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/bushbaby.jpg caption="Bushbaby" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/bushbaby.jpg"]] || Bushbaby or Galago || Komba || These little night monkeys of Africa are native to continental Africa and can be seen exclusively in the night. They have good nigh vision and acute sense of hearing. They have strong hind limbs and long tails that help them provide balance. There second toe of the hind foot has a 'toilet' claw that helps in grooming. They feed on insects, small animals, fruits and tree gums. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/bushbuck.jpg caption="Bushbuck" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/bushbuck.jpg"]] || Bushbuck || Bosbok || These are pretty looking antelopes with striped back and spotted flanks. They have straight twisted horns that are brown to black and a white spot on the cheek and two patches on the neck and throat. They are found in the forest savanna mosaics and bush savanna forest and woodland. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/bushpig.jpg caption="Bushpig" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/bushpig.jpg"]] || Bushpig || Bosvark || These are pigs that live in the Somalia, eastern and southern former Zaire, Cape Province and Natal in __ [|South Africa] __. They have also been introduced in Madagascar, Comoro and Mayotte Islands. They resemble the domestic pigs and have small eyes, blunt snout and tufted ears. Their diet consists of roots, crops and even newborn lambs. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/camel.jpg caption="Camel" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/camel.jpg"]] || Camel || Ngamia || Undoubtedly known as the 'ship of the desert', these animals are anatomically made to survive for long periods in deserts. They have a hump on their back that helps them store water and food. They can run up to a speed of 25 mph for long stretches. They can survive without food and water for many days and drink over 100 liters of water in one go. Their body is also highly adaptable to the extremely hot climate during the day and the freezing temperatures of night in the deserts. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/caracal.jpg caption="Caracal" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/caracal.jpg"]] || Caracal || Rooikat || These are commonly known as the African Lynx, although, it is a fact that they are not a __ [|lynx cat] __. They are medium sized cats and can leap up into the air to successfully hunt down flying birds. These flying acrobats are dark red, gray or golden sand in color. Their ears are black with tufts. They hunt rodents, birds, including ostriches, antelopes, gazelles and rabbits. They are found in the African savannas and tropical grasslands and deserts. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/cheetah.jpg caption="Cheetah" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/cheetah.jpg"]] || Cheetah || Duma || These slender build, long spotted white tipped tail, spotted coat with single black spot carnivore is referred as the 'greyhound of cats'. These are the only members of the cat family with non-retractable claws. They have a characteristic 'tear mark' running from the inner corner of both their eyes. The smallest cat of Africa can reach a speed of 80 km/hour in less than 3 seconds. Cheetahs are classified as an endangered species due to their dwindling habitat and high mortality rate of the cubs. They are found only in the southern parts of Africa and are extinct outside the African land. Know more about cheetah in __ [|cheetah facts] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/african-chimpanzee.jpg caption="Chimpanzee" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/african-chimpanzee.jpg"]] || __ [|Chimpanzee] __ || Sokwe mtu || The chimps come under the group of some of the largest primates. They are closely related to humans, gorillas and the orangutans. They are highly intelligent and sophisticated primates and are known to make tools to help themselves gather food. They are omnivorous animals and can work together as a team when gathering or hunting food. ||
 * || Civet || Fungo || These are small arboreal animals found in the savannas, Madagascar in Africa. They have long bodies and a long furry tail. They have white muzzle with a black band around their, eyes like a mask. They secrete a musky odor. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/colobus-monkey.jpg caption="Colobus Monkey" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/colobus-monkey.jpg"]] || Colobus Monkey || Mbega || These old world monkeys are native to Africa. They are named 'colobus' as it is Greek for 'the cut short'. This is because they have a stump in place of their thumb. They are found in Kenya and inland high-country areas. They are basically leaf eaters and spend most of their time on the tree tops. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/crocodile.jpg caption="Crocodile" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/crocodile.jpg"]] || __ [|Crocodile] __ || Crocodile || These oldest surviving creatures that have outlived even dinosaurs are over 200 million years old. They inhabit the tropical waters of Africa. They feed on fish, reptiles and mammals and the size of their prey depends on the size of the crocodile. Crocodiles swallow stones from the banks of the river as it helps them in digestion, buoyancy in water and even helps them swim deeper. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out and can regrow new teeth quickly throughout its life! ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/dik-dik.jpg caption="Dik-Dik" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/dik-dik.jpg"]] || Dik-Dik || ? || These sweet looking small antelopes are found in east Africa, Angola and Namibia. They are so named because they make a sound 'dik dik' when alarmed. They have a gray or brownish coat and an elongated snout. They have hair on the crown, that form an upright tuft which conceals the short ringed horns of the male dik-dik. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/duiker.jpg caption="Duiker" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/duiker.jpg"]] || Duiker || Duiker || These are medium sized antelopes, that are found in sub-Saharan Africa and the Serengeti. They are solitary animals and very hard to spot. These elusive animals have slightly arched body and the front legs are shorter than the hind legs. They are browsers rather than grazers and eat leaves, shoots, seeds, buds and bark and also eat insects and carrion and are even known to stalk and capture rodents or small birds. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/eland.jpg caption="Eland" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/eland.jpg"]] || Eland || Eland || These heavy weight antelopes with a weight that can reach a ton, are found in the plains of east and south Africa. These heavy antelopes are excellent jumpers and can scale a height of up to 1.5 meters. They feed on grass, herbs, tree leaves, bushes and succulent fruits. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/african-elephant.jpg caption="African Elephant" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/african-elephant.jpg"]] || __ [|African Elephant] __ || Tembo || These largest mammals on earth have managed to survive after the world ban on ivory trade in 1989. There dwindling population has managed to stay afloat in the northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tanzania and Lake Manyara. These giants have excellent memory and intelligence. They are characterized by their large heads and two large ears that cover their shoulders to radiate heat. They have a large muscular tusk and prominent tusks developed in both sexes. It has been observed that the elephants, especially the males have some kind of aversion to rhinoceros. They are found to have murdered rhinoceros at first sight. Read more on __ [|African bush elephant] __ and __ [|facts about African elephants] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/fennec-fox.jpg caption="Fennec Fox" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/fennec-fox.jpg"]] || Fennec Fox || ? || These are small species of canine found in the Sahara desert. They have long ears, that can be half the size of their body! They have thick fur that keeps them cool during the day and warm in the nights. They are omnivorous feeding on rodents, insects, plants and fruits. They also eat small reptiles and eggs. Their sandy colored coat helps to keep them camouflaged during hunting. They are basically nocturnal animals. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/forest-hog.jpg caption="Forest Hog" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/forest-hog.jpg"]] || Forest Hog || ? || These are the largest members of the pig family. They live in the west and central Africa, Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kenya and the Ethiopian Highlands. These herbivores are nocturnal creatures. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/fossa.jpg caption="Fossa" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/fossa.jpg"]] || Fossa || ? || These look a little like a mix between a cat, monkey or mink. But the fossa is related to mongoose and civets. They are the most powerful predators of the Madagascar islands. They have a cat like body and a long tail. This helps them balance when jumping from one branch to another. These animals are very good runners too. Their diet basically consist of lemurs, but can hunt any thing from a small mouse to a wild pig. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/gecko.jpg caption="gecko" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/gecko.jpg"]] || Gecko || ? || These are lizards that are small to medium size and over 2000 different species are found all over the world. They are found in different habitats and are commonly found near the Equator, Southern hemisphere and warm regions in the North. Their diet consists of insects and worms. Larger gecko species hunt small birds, reptiles and small mammals like mice. Certain gecko species are known to eat small amount of plants like moss. Know more on __ [|leopard gecko] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/genet.jpg caption="Genet" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/genet.jpg"]] || Genet || Kanu || These are cat-like animals although, are not related to cats. They have pointed nose, banded tails, spotted coat, large ears and a small head. These carnivores emit a strong musky odor to mark their territory. These creatures are exclusively found in Africa and are nocturnal. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/gerbil.jpg caption="Gerbil" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/gerbil.jpg"]] || Gerbil || ? || These are small rodent like animals, similar to a mouse and the hamster. They have a long tail that can be shed if it gets trapped. This is a unique self-defense mechanism. They have sharp claws to dig underground tunnels and hide into the sand in case of emergency. They live underground mostly and come out for food and water. Read more on __ [|gerbils as pets] __ and __ [|gerbil care] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/gerenuk.jpg caption="Gerenuk" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/gerenuk.jpg"]] || Gerenuk or Wallers's Gazelle || Swala twiga || These are long-necked species of antelope that are the only members of the genus //Litocranius//. The Waller's Gazelle are found in the dry shrubs and steppe in East Africa. They have small heads with big eyes and ears. The males have horns and muscular necks. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/giraffe.jpg caption="Giraffe" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/giraffe.jpg"]] || __ [|Giraffe] __ || Twiga || These are the tallest mammals on earth. They have the longest neck with 7 vertebrates and has a 50 cm tongue. They have spots covering the entire body that help comouflage it in the African wilderness. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/gembsok-oryx.jpg caption="Gembsok Oryx" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/gembsok-oryx.jpg"]] || Gembsok Oryx || Choroa || These are large antelopes with striking black and white marks seen on their face and legs. They have balck stipes and a short powerful neck. They have a clipped mane and a horse like flowing tail. They have straight, long and lance-like horns that are ringed on the lower one third portion only. Both sexes have horns. They are found in a wide range of habitat in South Africa. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/gorilla.jpg caption="Gorilla" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/gorilla.jpg"]] || __ [|Gorilla] __ || Sokwe || These are largest primates in the world with the male silverback being twice the size of the female gorilla. There are two species of gorillas found in Africa. One species is found in the volcanic mountains of Virunga in Central Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The other mountain gorrila species is found in the Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Gorillas are listed as the critically endangered species, due to human encroachment and illegal poaching. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/kudu.jpg caption="Greater Kudu" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/kudu.jpg"]] || Greater Kudu || Tandala mkubwa || These are beige, orange colored gazelles with a white belly. They are found in northern Tanzania, southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenyan coast to Lake Victoria. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/gazelle.jpg caption="Grant's Gazelle" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/gazelle.jpg"]] || Grant's Gazelle || Swala granti || These are antelopes with spirally twisted horns and have 4 to 12 strips ruining vertically down the kudus body. They are found on the eastern and southern mixed shrub woodland and savanna plains of eastern and southern Africa. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/ground-squirrel.jpg caption="Ground Squirrel" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/ground-squirrel.jpg"]] || Ground Squirrel || Kindi || These __ [|squirrels] __ have the ability to rise up on their hind legs and stand erect. They live in large colonies and have a complex social structure. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/grysbok.jpg caption="Grysbok" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/grysbok.jpg"]] || Grysbok || Dondoro || These are shy and solitary antelopes that are found in eastern Africa, Transvaal. Caprivi Strip, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Lake Vitoria. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/hare.jpg caption="Hare" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/hare.jpg"]] || Hare || Sunguru || Hare or the Spring hare are currently listed on the most vulnerable animal list. These are the inhabitants of South Africa and are known as Springhass. They feed on plants and eat insects. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/hedgehog.jpg caption="Hedgehog" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/hedgehog.jpg"]] || __ [|Hedgehog] __ || Kalunguyeye || Hedgehogs have been known to be the oldest living mammals on earth and have changed very little genetically and physically over the years. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures and their bodies are covered with spikes. The hedgehog is known to curl up into a spiky ball that helps them scare off predators. Read more on __ [|African hedgehogs] __ and __ [|interesting facts about hedgehogs] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/hippopotamus.jpg caption="Hippopotamus" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/hippopotamus.jpg"]] || Hippopotamus || Kiboko || These heavy weight animals are a resident of the Serengeti rivers. Although, they look quiet and peaceful, these are one of the many dangerous animals of Africa. The white hippopotamus is known as the second largest mammal after elephant. Hippos are herbivorous animals found floating (actually standing or lying at the bottom) of shallow waters and water holes. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/honey-badger.jpg caption="Honey Badger" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/honey-badger.jpg"]] || Honey Badger || Nyegere || These are the only species of the genus Mellivora. The Guinness Book of Records have named the badger as the most fearless animal. A documentary by the National Geographic captured a badger on camera stealing the food off a puff adder's mouth and relishing the meal in front of the hissing snake! The badger then managed to kill the snake and began eating it too. But unfortunately collapsed, as it was bitten by the venomous adder. Amazingly, the badger came back to life after two hours miraculously and finished his leftover adder meal and went back on with his normal duties! ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/spotted-hyena.jpg caption="Hyenas (Spotted)" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/spotted-hyena.jpg"]] || Hyenas (Spotted) || Gevlekte hiёna || These scrawny looking animals are not scavengers. It is an old misconception, when in fact, these are intelligent creatures that hunt down prey in very organized and cooperative packs. These highly successful predators that can even bring down a buffalo, turn into scavengers only when absolutely necessary. They are found in the savannas and deserts of Africa. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/striped-hyena.jpg caption="Hyenas (Striped)" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/striped-hyena.jpg"]] || Hyenas (Striped) || Fisi || These relatives of the spotted hyenas are mostly scavengers. These are not very social animals but follow some social norms. They are found in the tropical savanna, grasslands, semi-deserts, scrub-lands and woodlands of Africa. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/hyrax.jpg caption="Hyrax" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/hyrax.jpg"]] || Hyrax || Pimbi || These shy, nocturnal creatures are the closest living relatives of the elephant. They look a bit like guinea pigs and a little like rabbit. But they have their teeth, toes and skull structure that matches the elephant. If you catch a glimpse of the hyrax, watch out for the grooming claw on the inner back feet. It is helpful for picking through its hair and even scratching an itch! ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/impala.jpg caption="Impala" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/impala.jpg"]] || Impala || Swala pala || These are world champions that may give high-jump champions a run for their money in the Olympics. These natural jumpers can jump up to 10 meters long. These are the top fairer in the list of most beautiful and graceful antelopes list. These gregarious creatures are found in herds and are reddish brown in color with lighter flanks and a white underbelly. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/jackal.jpg caption="Jackal" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/jackal.jpg"]] || Jackal || Bweha || The black-backed jackal is so named due to the black and silver fur on its back. They are found in the woodlands, scrub lands, savanna and bushes all over Africa. They have an omnivorous diet that includes impala, antelopes, fir seal cubs, gazelle, guinea fowl, insects, rodents, lizards, snakes, fruits. Berries and even goats and carrion. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/klipspringer.jpg caption="Klipspringer" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/klipspringer.jpg"]] || Klipspringer || Mbuzi Mawe || The 'rock jumper' in Afrikaans, is a small antelope living in the Cape of Good Hope, East Africa and Ethiopia. They have a thick 'salt and pepper' patterned coat with a shade of olive. They never drink water as they feed on succulent plants that provide them with water to survive. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/lechwe-antelope.jpg caption="Lechwe Antelope" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/lechwe-antelope.jpg"]] || Lechwe Antelope || ? || These are semi-aquatic antelopes that are found in a herd of several hundred. They graze in knee deep water of the flood plains. They are found in Botswana, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Africa, Namibia, Angola, Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/lemur.jpg caption="Lemur" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/lemur.jpg"]] || Lemur || ? || These are natives of Madagascar islands in the east coast of Africa. They have large reflective eyes, furry, pointed ears and long tails. They are known for their wailing screams. They have a diet consisting of berries, nuts, leaves, inspects and spiders. Know more on __ [|lemurs facts] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/leopard.jpg caption="Leopard" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/leopard.jpg"]] || __ [|Leopard] __ || Chui || These solitary and highly cautious predators are natives of the Serengeti. They are nocturnal, arboreal and highly skilled climbers. These predators are very successful hunters and can reach the neck of their prey before the prey realizes what struck it. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/lesser-kudu.jpg caption="Lesser Kudu" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/lesser-kudu.jpg"]] || Lesser Kudu || Tandala Ndogo || These are forest antelopes where the males are gray brown in color and the females are chestnut in color. They are found in East Africa. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/hartebeest.jpg caption="Lichtenstein's Hartebeest" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/hartebeest.jpg"]] || Lichtenstein's Hartebeest || Kongoni || These are found in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. The males have a dark brown color and the females are yellow brown in color. They have horns in both sexes that curve outwards and then forwards and finally ending in the backward direction. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/lion.jpg caption="African Lion" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/lion.jpg"]] || __ [|African Lion] __ || Simba || Undoubtedly the king of the jungle, they are the pride of African wilderness. They are seen in the Serengeti region of Africa. The male lions are known for their magnificent manes that truly make them the kings of the jungle. They have the best night vision and hunt at nights. Most of the hunts are carried out by the lioness in the pride and the male lion, enjoys the hard-earned meal of the lioness. Read more __ [|lion habitat] __ and __ [|African lion facts] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/madagascar-cockroach.jpg caption="Madagascar Cockroach" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/madagascar-cockroach.jpg"]] || Madagascar Cockroach || ? || Also known as the hissing cockroach, is found on the island of Madagascar in the eastern coast of Africa. These are wingless cockroaches and are in no way similar to their other relative cockroaches. These feed on vegetative material on the forest floor and are very popular as pets. Know more on __ [|madagaskar hissing cockroaches] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/mamba.jpg caption="Mamba" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/mamba.jpg"]] || Mamba || ? || The black mamba is one of the most venomous snakes and is ranked at number 42 in the list of world's most dangerous snakes. It can reach a speed of 20 km/h and stick a person with it poisonous neurotoxins. A bite from the mamba can kill a full grown man in just 20 minutes. But, fortunately there are very few incidences of black mamba strikes in the Africa. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/mandrill.jpg caption="Mandrill" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/mandrill.jpg"]] || Mandrill || ? || The worlds largest monkey is found in western central Africa, southern Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. They have brightly colored face which is the distinctive feature of this monkey. The nose and the nostrils are red in color, the cheeks are wide blue in color and have six longitudinal grooves that are purple in color on each side. The rump has a similar color pattern. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/meerkat.jpg caption="Meerkats" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/meerkat.jpg"]] || Meerkats || ? || The famous character from the animated kid movie "The Lion King", meerkats were made world famous by the character Timon. Meerkats actually spend most of their time underground, in large burrows. They live in a large group called as a 'mob' or 'gang'. They love grooming and spend time playing among the family. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/mongoose.jpg caption="Mongoose" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/mongoose.jpg"]] || Mongoose || Nguchiro || These are small rodent-like mammals that looks like a meerkat or weasel. They are known to eat both animals and plants. They are known to be immune to the venom of snakes and are thought to fight fierce battles with snakes. They have a long face, long body, short legs and little round ears. They live in burrows that is dug up by themselves or abandoned by other small burrowing animals. Know more on __ [|mongoose facts] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/monitor-lizard.jpg caption="Monitor Lizard" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/monitor-lizard.jpg"]] || Monitor Lizard || ? || These lizards are also known as bayawak or goanna. These are carnivorous lizards and feed on eggs, small reptiles, fish, birds and small mammals. There are some monitor lizard species that are known to eat fruits and vegetation. Monitor lizards are thought to be very intelligent with some experts claiming that they can recognize numbers up to 6! ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/nyala.jpg caption="Nyala" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/nyala.jpg"]] || Nyala || Njala || These are medium sized antelopes with 3 to 14 vertical stripes on their body sides. The males or rams have a fringe of long hair known as 'dewlap' hanging from its under body. The horns of the ram are slightly spiral, curving outward after the first turn. The horns end with a white tip. The females too have vertical stripes on a chestnut colored body. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/okapi.jpg caption="Okapi" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/okapi.jpg"]] || Okapi || ? || These are the last surviving relatives of giraffe. These elusive animals look more like a zebra than a giraffe. They are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These herbivores have red-brown coat of fur. They have white stripes on their legs. These animals are diurnal and forage through the forest searching for food. These animals are highly alert and will run away when they hear a human approaching. They are so secretive that they were not not known to the world till the 1900. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/oribi.jpg caption="Oribi" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/oribi.jpg"]] || Oribi || Taya || These are small and graceful antelopes found in the sub-Saharan Africa. Their back and upper chest is yellow to orange brown in color. They have white chest, throat, belly, chin and rump. They can be easily distinguished with the white crescent-shaped band of fur above their eye. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/ostrich.jpg caption="Ostrich" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/ostrich.jpg"]] || Ostrich || Mbuni || These are the largest and the heaviest birds on earth. They also take away the title of fastest birds in the world. But these are wingless and flightless birds and run when chased or threatened. They weigh more than 100 kg, thus adding another reason for not being able to fly. They have a very powerful kick that can prove to be deadly for many mammals. They have an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, grass, seeds, roots, flowers,berries, insects and an occasional small mammal or reptile. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/otter.jpg caption="Otter" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/otter.jpg"]] || Otter || Fisi Maji || These are small mammals found in North Africa and can live in both land and water. They mainly eat plankton and fish and can hunt for amphibians, birds and small mammals. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/pangolin.jpg caption="Pangolin" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/pangolin.jpg"]] || Pangolin || Kakakuona || These are ant eaters and have a long sticky tongue to catch ants. They have no teeth. There body is covered with large scales that turns into an armor when they roll into a ball for protection against predators. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/patas.jpg caption="Patas" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/patas.jpg"]] || Patas || Kima || These are ground dwelling monkeys found in parts of West Africa and East Africa. They live mostly in the open savannas and semi-deserts. They have a tail that reaches a length of 75 cm and can run up to speeds of 55 km/h. Thus, making patas the fastest primates. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/porcupine.jpg caption="Porcupine" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/porcupine.jpg"]] || __ [|Porcupine] __ || Nunlgununlgu || These take away the crown for the worlds largest rodents. They are thought to be from the same family of hedgehogs, but their DNA is found to be not as old as the hedgehogs. They are found in parts of Africa and feed on insects, small reptiles and eggs. They have a coat of long spikes that helps protect in times of danger. Their spikes are longer than the hedgehog and are known to be poisonous. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/puff-adder.jpg caption="Puff Adder" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/puff-adder.jpg"]] || Puff Adder || Ubululu || This is another very poisonous snake of Africa. The puff adder is responsible for the most number of casualties due to snake bites. These snakes do not normally move away when someone passes by, and the bites result due to unknowing stepping over on the snake. Know more on __ [|types of snakes with pictures] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/puku.jpg caption="Puku" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/puku.jpg"]] || Puku || ? || These are furry orange colored antelopes are found in the Zambezi Valley and isolated pockets of Tanzania. They have thick, heavily ringed 'V' shaped horns. They are grazing species and are gregarious in nature. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/pulcu.jpg caption="Pulcu" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/pulcu.jpg"]] || Pulcu || ? || These are antelopes with lyre-shaped spiral horns. These are very rare antelopes species. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/rattlesnake.jpg caption="Rattlesnake" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/rattlesnake.jpg"]] || Rattlesnake || ? || These venomous snakes belong to the subfamily of snakes commonly known as 'pit vipers'. They have a hemotoxic venom that attacks the tissues destroying them. The Mojave rattlesnake is known to have a neurotoxin in its venom, making it the most dangerous species of rattlesnakes. They track their prey using their heat signatures. They have a distinguishing rattle at the end of their tail, that is heard when the snake is irritated and ready to strike. Know more __ [|diamond rattlesnakes] __. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/redbuck.jpg caption="Reedbuck" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/redbuck.jpg"]] || Reedbuck || Tohe || These are shy and elusive antelopes. They have a tendency to hide in a squatting position when they are in danger. They bolt out at the last minute when danger approaches. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/black-rhino.jpg caption="Rhinoceros" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/black-rhino.jpg"]] || __ [|Rhinoceros] __ || Kifaru || These are large mammals that are native to Africa and even Asia. There are five species of rhinos. Three of the rhino species are critically endangered species. The __ [|white rhinocerous] __ is the largest species of rhinos and the black rhinos are native to Africa. They are herbivores and eat grass, shoots, buds, fruits and leaves. They are extensively poached for their horns that is made up of keratin. Both the African rhino spices and the Sumatran rhino have two horns. They are known for their aggressive nature and are often seen charging towards oncoming danger. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/roan.jpg caption="Roan" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/roan.jpg"]] || Roan || Bastergemsbok || These are the second largest antelopes of Africa. They have back-curved horns in both sexes. They avoid short grass and prefer open to lightly wooded grasslands. These animals have a horse-like appearance and black and white facial pattern with grayish brown to reddish ting of coat. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/sable-antelope.jpg caption="Sable Antelope" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/sable-antelope.jpg"]] || Sable Antelope || Swartwitpens || These are handsome looking antelopes with shiny black upper coat and white under body and thighs. They have black and white facial markings. They have a long, erect mane that runs from the top of the neck to the shoulder. There are transversely ridged and backward curving having long narrow horns in both sexes. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/serval.jpg caption="Serval" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/serval.jpg"]] || Serval || Mondo || These are medium sized cats that are natives of central and southern Africa. They have a spotted pelt like a cheetah and fan-like sharp ears. These ears also help servals sense vibrations. They were excessively hunted for their fur and many species have become extinct. Servals have a diet of hares, birds, reptiles, __ [|frogs] __, fish and insects. They can leap very well and catch a bird in flight. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/cape-elephant-shrew.jpg caption="Cape Elephant Shrew" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/cape-elephant-shrew.jpg"]] || Cape Elephant Shrew || ? || These look like small long-nosed mouse, but are not rodents or even related to rodents. These are true shrews classified under order**Soricomorpha**. They have five toes, whereas rodents have four toes. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/sitatunga.jpg caption="Sitatunga" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/sitatunga.jpg"]] || Sitatunga || Nzohe || These are small aquatic antelopes. They are very good swimmers and can hide underwater with their nostrils above the water surface. These nocturnal creatures have white bands on their body, with shaggy reddish-brown hair and long spiral horns only in males. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/steenbok.jpg caption="Stienbok" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/steenbok.jpg"]] || Steinbok || ? || These are also known as 'Steenbok' or 'Steinbuck'. They are small antelopes found in southern and eastern Africa. They look similar to Oribis. These antelopes have coat shade ranging from fawn to rufous or typically orange. They have white undersides, throat and chin. They have white ring around the eye. A black crescent shape is seen between the ears. ||
 * || Suni || Paa || These are very small species of antelopes. They are found in south-east Africa. They are reddish brown in color with a darker colored coat on their sides and legs. The coat on their belly, chin, throat and inner sides of legs is white. They have black rings around the eyes and above the hooves. They make barking and whistling sounds. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/thomsons-gazelle.jpg caption="Thomson's Gazelle" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thomsons-gazelle.jpg"]] || Thomson's Gazelle || Swala Tomi || These are small gazelles inhabiting the Serengeti. They are named after an explorer, //James Thomson//. They have light brown coats and white undersides. They have a distinctive black stripe on their sides. They are known to display a bounding leap, known as 'slotting' or 'pronking'. This unusual behavior helps startle predators and show off strength. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/topi-antelope.jpg caption="Topi" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/topi-antelope.jpg"]] || Topi || Nyamera || These are short black tailed antelopes known to be the fastest of their kind. They are found in the Savannah and the floodplains of __ [|Sudan] __, Chad,__ [|Kenya] __, Tanzania and Southern Africa. They are famous for their solitary sentinel position. The animal stands for hours on a termite mound surveying the surrounding territory in this position. The Topi, Impalas and the Giraffes are the only animals that are not found on the Ngorongoro Crater. They have a rusty red color coat. Their legs and chest are black in color with a black strip running from the forehead to the tip of their nose. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/vervet-monkey.jpg caption="Vervet Monkey" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/vervet-monkey.jpg"]] || Vervet Monkey || Blou-aap || These are monkeys with gray coat having a yellow tinge. They have black face, hands, toes and tail tips. These agile climbers are forever foraging the forest for food. They are herbivores with a diet of fruits, flowers, seeds and leaves. They may sometimes eat spiders, grubs and locusts. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/warthog.jpg caption="Warthog" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/warthog.jpg"]] || Warthog || Vlakvark || The 'bestest best friend' of the meerkat //Timon// in the movie "The Lion King', famously known as //Pumba//, warthogs are a large species of pigs. They are found in the deserts and shrub-lands of Africa. They have two sets of tusks on their face. It helps them fight off predators and other warthog competitions. They have a diet of grass, fruit, berries, roots and insects. They may sometimes eat small mammals, birds and reptiles. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/waterbuck.jpg caption="Waterbuck" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/waterbuck.jpg"]] || Waterbuck || Waterbok || These are big antelopes found in the western, eastern, central and southern Africa. These diurnal animals are so named due to their sweat glands that produce a waterproof fluid, that coats its body. They have a reddish brown coat that darkens as the animal ages. They have a 'bib' under their throat and white ring on their rumps. Although named waterbucks, these aimals are not very keen about entering the water. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/wild-ass.jpg caption="Wild Ass" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/wild-ass.jpg"]] || Wild Ass || ? || These are members of the horse family **Equidae**. They are found in the deserts and arid areas of northeastern Africa, Ethiopia and Somalia. They are thought to be the ancestors of the domestic donkeys. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/wild-dog.jpg caption="African Wild Dog" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/wild-dog.jpg"]] || __ [|African Wild Dog] __ || Mbwa mwitu || These are the __ [|endangered species] __ of dogs found in Botswana and the Zambezi valley. They are known to be very intelligent and social animals. They use their sense of sight and not smell to catch prey. They pay no attention to the wind direction while hunting and use no cover. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/wildcat.jpg caption="Wild Cat" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/wildcat.jpg"]] || Wild Cat || Vaalbokat || These are small, nocturnal cats that hunt small mammals, birds and other small creatures. The wild cat is extremely timid and lives a solitary life. ||
 * [[image:http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/thumbnails/wildebeest.jpg caption="Wildebeest" link="@http://www.buzzle.com/images/african-animals/wildebeest.jpg"]] || Wildebeest or Gnu || Nyumbu || These animals have a population of about 1.7 to 2 million. They are found all over the Serengeti ecosystem. These large bearded antelopes are weird looking and thought to be a cross between a cow, horse and a goat! The Great Migration of the wildebeest has made Serengeti world famous. ||

African Art and Crafts
Africa has a rich tradition of arts and crafts. African arts and crafts find expression in a variety of [|woodcarvings], [|brass] and [|leather] art works. African arts and crafts also include [|sculpture], [|paintings] , [|pottery] , [|ceremonial] and [|religious] [|headgear] and [|dress]. [|Maulana Karenga] states that in African art, the object was not as important as the soul force behind the creation of the object. He also states that All art must be revolutionary and in being revolutionary it must be collective, committing, and functional, this is echoed by [|Shahadah] who states "in Africa all art is socially functional." African culture has always placed emphasis on personal appearance and [|jewelry] has remained an important personal [|accessory]. Many pieces of such jewellery are made of [|cowry] shells and similar materials. Similarly, [|masks] are made with elaborate designs and are important part of African culture. Masks are used in various ceremonies depicting ancestors and spirits, mythological characters and deities. In most of traditional art and craft of Africa, certain themes significant to African culture recur, including a couple, a woman with a child, a male with a weapon or animal, and an outsider or a stranger. Couples may represent ancestors, community founder, married couple or twins. The couple theme rarely exhibit intimacy of men and women. The mother with the child or children reveals intense desire of the African women to have children. The theme is also representative of mother mars and the people as her children. The man with the weapon or animal theme symbolizes honor and power. A stranger may be from some other tribe or someone from a different country, and more distorted portrayal of the stranger indicates proportionately greater gap from the stranger.

Folklore and Religion
Like all human cultures, African folklore and religion represents a variety of social facets of African culture. Like almost all civilizations and cultures, flood myths have been circulating in different parts of Africa. Culture and religion share space and are deeply intertwined in African cultures. In Ethiopia Christianity and Islam form the core aspects of Ethiopian culture and inform dietary customs as well as rituals and rites. According to a [|Pygmy] myth, Chameleon hearing a strange noise in a tree cut open its trunk and water came out in a great flood that spread all over the land. The first human couple emerged with the water. Similarly, a mythological story from [|Côte d'Ivoire] states that a charitable man gave away everything he had. The God //Ouende// rewarded him with riches, advised him to leave the area, and sent six months of rains to destroy his selfish neighbors. Africa is a huge continent and the food and drink of Africa reflect local influences, as also glimpses of [|colonial] food traditions, including use of food products like [|peppers], [|peanuts] and [|maize] introduced by the colonizers. The African [|cuisine] is a combination of traditional [|fruits] and [|vegetables], [|milk] and [|meat] products. The African village diet is often milk, [|curds] and [|whey]. Exotic game and fish are gathered from Africa's vast area.

Cuisine
Traditional African cuisine in most of Africa is characterized by use of [|starch] as a focus, accompanied by stew containing meat or vegetables, or both. [|Cassava] and [|yams] are the main [|root vegetables]. Africans also use steamed [|greens] with hot [|spices]. Dishes of steamed or boiled green vegetables, [|peas], [|beans] and [|cereals] , starchy cassava, yams and sweet potatoes are widely consumed. In each African locality, there are numerous wild fruits and vegetables which are used as food. [|Watermelon], [|banana] and [|plantain] are some of the more familiar fruits. Differences are also noticeable in eating and drinking habits across the continent of Africa. Thus, North Africa, along the [|Mediterranean] from [|Morocco] to [|Egypt] has different food habits than Saharan Africans who consume subsistence diet. Nigeria and coastal parts of West Africa love chilies in food. The non-Muslim population of Africa uses [|alcoholic] [|beverages], which go well with most African cuisine. The most familiar alcoholic drink in the interior Africa is the Ethiopian honey wine called //Tej//. Cooking techniques of West Africa often combine fish and meat, including dried fish. The cuisine of South Africa and neighboring countries have largely become polyglot cuisines, having influences of several immigrants which include [|Indians] who brought lentil soups (//dals//) and curries, [|Malays] who came with their curries with spices, and Europeans with "mixed grills" that now include African game meats. Traditionally, East African cuisine is distinctive in the sense that meat products are generally absent. [|Cattle], [|sheep] and [|goats] were regarded as a form of [|currency] , and are not generally consumed as food. Arabic influences are also reflected in East African cuisine – rice cooked with spices in style, use of [|cloves], [|cinnamons] , several other spices, and juice. [|Ethiopians] lay claim to first regular cultivation of [|coffee], and they have a sort of coffee ceremony, like [|Japanese tea ceremony]. From Ethiopia, coffee spread to [|Yemen], from there it spread to Arabia, and from there to the rest of the World.

African Music
Traditional Sub-Saharan African music is as diverse as the region's various populations. The common perception of Sub-Saharan African music is that it is rhythmic music centered around the drums. It is partially true. A large part of Sub-Saharan music, mainly among [|Niger–Congo] linguistic groups is rhythmic and centered around the drum. Sub-Saharan music is polyrhythmic, usually consisting of multiple rhythms in one composition. Dance involves moving multiple body parts. These aspect of Sub-Saharan music has been transferred to the new world by enslaved Sub-Saharan Africans and can be seen in its influence on music forms as [|Samba], [|Jazz] , [|Rhythm and Blues] , [|Rock & Roll] , [|Salsa] , and [|Rap] music.But Sub-Saharan music involves a lot of music with strings, horns, and very little poly-rhythms. Music from the eastern sahel and along the nile, among the [|Nilo-Saharan], made extensive use of strings and horns in ancient times. Among the [|Afro-Asiatics], we see extensive use of string instruments. Dancing involve swaying body movements and footwork. Among the [|Khoisans] extensive use of string instruments with emphasis on footwork. Modern Sub-Saharan African music has been influence by music from the New World (Jazz, Salsa, Rhythm and Blues etc.) vice-versa being influenced by enslaved Sub-Saharan Africans. Popular styles are [|Mbalax] in [|Senegal] and [|Gambia], [|Highlife] in [|Ghana] , [|Zoblazo] in [|Ivory Coast] , [|Makossa] in [|Cameroon] , [|Soukous] in the [|Democratic Republic of Congo] , [|Kizomba] in [|Angola] , and [|Mbaqanga] in [|South Africa]. New World styles like Salsa, R&B/Rap, Reggae, and Zouk also have widespread popularity.

Languages
The main ethno-linguistic divisions are [|Afro-Asiatic] (North Africa, Chad, Horn of Africa), [|Niger–Congo] (mostly [|Bantu] ) in most of Sub-Saharan Africa, [|Nilo-Saharan] in parts of the [|Sahara] and the [|Sahel] and parts of [|Eastern Africa], and [|Khoisan] (indigenous minorities of [|Southern Africa] . The continent of Africa speaks hundreds of languages, and if dialects spoken by various ethnic groups are also included, the number is much higher. These languages and dialects do not have the same importance: some are spoken by only few hundred persons, others are spoken by millions. Among the most prominent languages spoken are [|Arabic], [|Swahili] and [|Hausa]. Very few countries of Africa use any single language and for this reason several official languages coexist, African and European. Some Africans may also speak different languages such as Malagasy, English, French, Spanish, Bambara, Sotho, and many more.

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