Wildlife in Africa is plentiful and a lot of it you may never see. The animals act as living ambassadors, documenting their environments and helping us understand the uniqueness of this vast continent. Africa is a continent rich in wildlife. More than 10,000 species of animals call the wild areas home—including lions and cheetahs but also rhinos, elephants and zebras.
It is estimated that there are 600 species of birds, 1,500 butterflies and more than 5,000 plant species. The continent is home to the world’s largest land mammal, the African elephant. It also boasts one of its smallest mammals: the pygmy shrew. It is estimated that there are 600 species of birds, 1,500 butterflies and more than 5,000 plant species. The continent is home to the world’s largest land mammal, the African elephant. It also boasts one of its smallest mammals: the pygmy shrew. It is estimated that there are 600 species of birds, 1,500 butterflies and more than 5,000 plant species.
The Nile River is home to more than 500 species of fish. The Congo River is the world’s second-longest river, after the Amazon River. It is also one of the most biologically diverse rivers on Earth, with more than 1,000 fish species and many other aquatic creatures.
Nile crocodiles are among the largest crocodiles in the world, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet. They can weigh more than 1.5 tons and are often seen near riverbanks in East Africa. Nile crocodiles have a very diverse diet, eating everything from fish and birds to mammals and reptiles.