The Most Endangered Animals in Africa

Africa is blessed with a stunning variety of wildlife – it has more species of interesting megafauna (larger animals) than any other continent. Sadly, however, more and more species are becoming endangered (facing a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild). This is due to constantly expanding human populations and their increasing demand for land, food and water, and is made worse by poaching. Thanks to the foresight of conservationists past and present though, many of the most endangered animals in Africa are being protected in reserves and national parks. Below is a list of some of the most endangered species in Africa and where you can potentially see them.

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1. Ethiopian Wolf

The Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore and the continent’s only wolf species. It is a handsome, rusty-red jackal-like dog and, as the name suggests, it is endemic to Ethiopia (i.e. it only occurs naturally in Ethiopia and nowhere else in the world). It is endangered due to loss of habitat to farmland and due to diseases caught from domestic dogs.

Best place to see Ethiopian wolf: Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

2. Pangolin

The poor pangolin has the doubtful honor of being the most illegally trafficked species in Africa, as its scales are used in traditional medicine in Asia. Most people have never heard of pangolins, let alone seen one, and sadly it is feared they are on a fast track to extinction. Pangolins are now one of the most endangered animals in Africa. These delightful, gentle creatures are armor-plated and roll into a ball to defend themselves – unfortunately a poor defence against humans.

Pangolins feed on ants and termites with their long sticky tongues, and the mother carries her young on her back. They are the most sought after wildlife sighting for many tourists and, indeed, safari guides, such is their rarity. If you do see a pangolin in the wild, don’t be surprised if you’re moved to tears – not just from joy but also sadness at just how vulnerable they are.

Best place to see pangolin: in winter at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

3. Black Rhino

Black rhinos are actually gray in color and are distinguished from white rhinos by their pointed, prehensile (hooked) upper lip (white rhinos have square lips). Another difference is that black rhino calves usually follow their mother, whereas white rhino calves often trot along in front. Black rhinos are largely solitary and are browsers (i.e. they eat from high-growing plants) rather than grazers – hence their hooked lip. Sadly, they have been severely reduced in number due to poaching for their horn.

The good news is that black rhino numbers are actually increasing thanks to consistent conservation efforts. The most recent estimate is over 6,700. However, they are still classified as Critically Endangered (facing the highest risk of becoming extinct in the wild) by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).

Best places to see black rhino:

• Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Damaraland, Namibia
• Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

4. White Rhino

It is sad that, after successful conservation efforts increased their numbers dramatically in the 1960s, once again, the white rhino has become one of the most endangered animals in Africa. This is due to poaching to satisfy the increased demand for their horn by Asian markets. Determined conservation efforts are once again underway to save white rhinos, and South Africa is home to the majority of them. The white rhino is larger than the black rhino and has square lips for grazing.

Best places to see white rhino:

• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• uMkhuze Game Reserve, South Africa
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
• Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

5. Mountain Gorilla

Although mountain gorillas are still considered one of the most endangered animals in Africa, the good news is that their numbers are actually increasing. An encounter with mountain gorillas should be on everyone’s bucket list. Although it is an expensive trip, it is worth every dollar! You will never forget the time you spend with these gentle giants. It is your tourist dollars that are helping to protect and conserve the mountain gorillas and their forests – another reason to visit!

Best place to see mountain gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

6. African Wild Dog

Previously viewed as vermin, thankfully the African wild dog has had a very good public relations makeover recently and has now become one of the most wished-for safari sightings. Sightings are often by chance, as the dogs cover huge distances in search of prey, and it is only when they are denning (usually the Dry season months) that they remain in the same place for a few weeks.

It is a privilege to watch their frenzied ‘greeting ceremony’, when they are getting ready to hunt. They are such sociable carnivores, making all sorts of un-dog-like chittering and chirping noises. African wild dogs require huge ranges and consequently habitat fragmentation has caused their decline. Other threats include diseases from domestic dogs, persecution by livestock farmers, road accidents and accidental snaring.

Best places to see African wild dog:

• Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
• Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
• Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
• Linyanti Concession, Botswana
• Selinda Concession, Botswana

7. African Penguin

For visitors to Cape Town, it is hard to imagine that the African penguin is one of the most endangered species in Africa. They are easy to see at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula, where there is a visitor center and boardwalk past their nests. However, sadly, African penguin numbers have decreased a great deal in recent years due to depleted fish stocks from overfishing and fish stocks moving further west because of climate change. The African penguin is also at risk from oil spills.

This is the only penguin species breeding in Africa. The penguins are easily recognisable by their dapper black-and-white feathers and jackass braying call.

Best place to see African penguins: Boulders Beach, near Cape Point, South Africa

8. Rothschild’s Giraffe

The giraffe is one of Africa’s most recognizable and iconic animals and the tallest land mammal. While giraffes are commonly seen on safari, people are unaware that the numbers of these majestic animals are decreasing dramatically outside of protected areas due to habitat loss, illegal hunting and human-wildlife conflict. There are four giraffe species and seven subspecies, each confined to specific regions of Africa.

Rothschild’s giraffe is found in western Kenya and eastern Uganda. It has broader dividing white lines than the reticulated giraffe and no spotting below the knees. It is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only around 1,400 animals left in the wild.

Best places to see Rothschild’s giraffes:

• Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
• Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
• Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
• Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

9. Hooded Vulture

Vultures are a critical component in the African landscape but their numbers are decreasing rapidly due to increased, often unintentional poisoning, among other things. Without vultures clearing carcasses, there is a risk of increasing disease. This happened in India in the 1990s, when the vulture population declined by more than 95% due to the increase in use of an anti-inflammatory drug for cattle. The hooded vulture is one of the most endangered species in Africa and is listed as Critically Endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are easy to distinguish from other vultures by their small size and thin hooked bill.

Best places to see hooded vultures:

• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

10. Chimpanzee

When you look into the eyes of a wild chimpanzee, it is easy to understand that this is our closest relative – humans and chimps share a large number of the same genes. Chimpanzees’ behavior is distinctively human-like too. Tracking chimpanzees in the wild is one of the most exciting safari activities – it really does feel like you are in the middle of your very own wildlife documentary. Chimpanzees are classified as one of the most endangered animals in Africa – the biggest threat to their survival is habitat loss and an increasing demand for bushmeat.

Best places to see chimpanzees:

• Gombe National Park, Tanzania
• Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
• Kibale National Park, Uganda

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By Harriet Nimmo

ZA

Harriet is a zoologist with more than 20 years’ experience. She has the privilege of working with the world’s top wildlife photographers and photo-guides.

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