This blog focusses on seven lesser-known animals that you could get the chance to see on safari. It is common knowledge that if you book a safari you are likely to see lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffe and zebra but there are also a number of rare animals that you may get the opportunity to see if you are exceptionally lucky.
African wild dog
Also known as the painted wolf this unusual looking animal is now considered to be one of the world’s most endangered mammals. The largest populations are found in Southern Africa and South East Africa and there are most frequent sightings in parts of Botswana.
With both local domestic farmers hunting them as well as their natural habitat being slowly but surely taken away by humans their population is decreasing. These dogs are highly sociable animals and gather in packs of between 10 and 40 dogs. They are also highly intelligent and the way in which they communicate with each other is incredible.
A sighting of Wild dog is both rare and special.
The Honey Badger
The Honey Badger is, despite its size, known for being Africa’s most fearless animal. It has even earned the title of being the “most fearless animal in the world” according to the Guinness Book of Records.
They live up to their reputation by aggressively standing their ground should any other species, from hyenas, lions and leopards, pick a fight with them. Their sharp teeth and long claws are formidable weapons. They have an extremely wide diet from scorpions to rodents and birds. Honey Badgers have a striking colour pattern being black with a grey back which makes them easily recognisable.
They are generally nocturnal and therefore sightings can be rare. Ironically you may be more likely see them in camp than on safari, as their digging skills are phenomenal if they think they can get access to the food store!
African serval
The African serval is a wild cat, which is mainly identified by its small head relative to its body size, incredibly long legs and dispersed pattern of spots on its fur. They can normally be found in most parts of Africa, from areas of dry grassland to areas around the equatorial rainforests to woodland savanna.
The servals are successful predators with their long legs and big ears and prey on small creatures from rodents and birds to reptiles. The serval is often preyed on by leopards and other large cats as it is so easy to catch and unfortunately, they have been hunted in the past for their fur. This cat has a widespread population and is one of the most beautiful animals you will most likely get the chance to see on your next safari trip.
Bat-eared fox
The bat-eared fox is an adorable little animal known for its enormous ears and zig-zag running patterns. Bat-eared foxes can often be found in the short-grass savannas and scrublands in eastern and southern Africa. They can often be found with others of their species as, unlike other dog species they are happy to share territory.
Around 70% of the bat-eared fox’s diet is made up of termites and they can hear them crawling around as their large ears gives them excellent hearing. Hyenas, jackals and eagles are the main predators for bat-eared foxes. They build dens within their territory that they burrow using their strong claws and they are well protected from predators. This is a cute little animal and is definitely an entertaining one to watch.
The Hyena
Hyenas are an intelligent predator which are known for their interesting dynamics within their clans, with the females outranking the males. They often hunt together and are considered to be bold and dangerous animals who often pick on a wide range of different animals as prey.
Hyenas are also very effective scavengers, and it is said they can smell dead/rotting carcasses up to 4km away. There is a little waste when a hyena eats. Their teeth are the sharpest in the safari world and can effortlessly bite through bones. As a result, their droppings are instantly recognisable due to the chalky white deposits.
The Caracal
The caracal is another wild cat that is one you will be fortunate to catch a glimpse of on your next safari trip. You won’t mistake the caracal for any other wild cat species as with its strange pointed ears and its black and white facial markings it is very distinctive. They live in drier savanna regions and the woodland areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
Caracals are by nature solitary animals, so the only time you might see them together is when a female has kittens. They prey on a variety of different mammals and are not afraid of taking on animals bigger than themselves such as springbok. These are interesting looking cats and one to look out for.
The Pangolin
Last, but certainly not least is the pangolin which is, unfortunately, considered to be the world’s most hunted animal. They are nocturnal animals and well-disguised when they are curled up in a ball on the ground or hanging in trees.
When they are being hunted they will use their sharp scales on their back to lash out to protect themselves. This usually works with the big cats that try and prey on them as they cannot bite through the scales. They are critically endangered and it is very rare for them to be spotted. After 20 years of safari’s, I am still hopeful to see my first one!
Hazel has 20 years of travel experience focussing on Africa, an area she is hugely passionate about.
Having spent 9 years living in South Africa, she was fortunate enough to travel extensively in the region and has visited Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Seychelles amongst others.
COMMENTS