A Review of Wild Animal Habitat Types in Africa

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume IV, Issue X, October 2020|ISSN 2454-6186

Okeke, A.N.1*, Ijeomah H.M2 1Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State Nigeria 2Dept of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Corresponding Author*

Abstract: This review aims to give a comprehensive summary of wildlife species for the basic requirements of food, water, wild animal habitats found in Africa. IUCN in their report reproduction (nesting), and protection against predators and observed how important habitat is and emphasized that the competitors (cover). Habitat provides the space requirements worst threat to a wild animal is the loss of habitat. Habitat of that allow wildlife to occupy, move around, and generally wild animals requires four basic components which are food, survive and cope with climatic extremes (Morrison, 2012). cover, water, and space for reproduction (nesting), protection against predators, and competitors. When these components The concept of wild animal habitat varies according to the were in good proportion and well distributed, it can meet the needs of each species, and for the world conservationist needs of wild animals. Any wild animal that is outside its habitat (IUCN, 2018), the concept may be simplified further to finds it difficult to adapt, survive, and reproduce. This work include a description of those areas that are best suited for a reviews types of habitats found in Africa as well as adaptive wild species to successfully nest, roost, forage, and reproduce. animals that inhabit them. Some of these wild animal’s habitats Given the wide diversity of wild animals within and across include savanna, mountain, and rocks, tropical rain forest, continents of Africa, the needs of a particular wild animal desert, aquatic (Wetland), caves and holes, arboreal, grassland, species will vary greatly; however, all terrestrial species and coral reefs. Each wild animal also possesses adaptive require food, cover, water, and space (Yarrow and Yarrow features that enable it to survive in a specific habitat. 1999). It is generally accepted that increases in the diversity of Keywords: Adaptive features, Conservationist, Food, Space, vegetation across a landscape will lead to increases in the Water value of the landscape as a habitat for a variety of species I. INTRODUCTION (Vavra, 2005). As a result, since the late twentieth century, many professionals have shifted their focus from a narrow ild animal habitat is the type of natural environment in view that is guided by the habitat value of one or a few Wwhich a particular species of organism lives (Oates, et individual species to a broader view that recognizes the al, 2018). Each habitat has a unique type of requirements that multiple values that wild animal habitat can provide for a will sustain a particular species of organism. Every species wider mix of species. One important aspect of understanding adapts to a particular environment where it can find food, whether sufficient wild animal habitat is available in Africa water, shelter, and space that animals need to live (Desbiez, involves understanding the needs and requirements of a 2007). Africa has a wide variety of Wildlife habitats which species throughout its life cycle. In many cases, healthy and differs according to the species diversity and richness (NEA, bountiful wild animal populations are dependent on a mosaic 2002). Three geographical categories of wild animal habitat of different habitats across Africa. To complicate matters a include terrestrial, aquatic and arboreal habitats. Terrestrial bit, habitat requirements may vary by the season of the year, wild animals live on land; arboreal animals live on top of trees as some species (particularly birds) may migrate thousands of while aquatic animals live on the water. Terrestrial habitats miles for breeding and favorable grounds. include savanna, mountain, grassland, tropical rain forest, desert, rock, and caves. Arboreal animals spend most of their FOOD: The availability of food is the most important habitat time on the trees, depending on the degree of adaptation and requirement to which we can all relate. The availability of the climbing ability (Cumming and Cumming, 2013). For food plays a critical role in allowing a species to live, grow, example, climbers like monkeys can inhabit the top of the reproduce, and survive (Erickson, 2012) The consumption of trees, fewer climbers can boreholes and live on the trunk of food allows wildlife species to generate energy, which is trees while others can inhabit branches of the understory. critical since they need the energy to reproduce and to escape Aquatic animals include all animals that live on wetland like predators (Garshelis, 2000). Food is also important for rivers, freshwater, lakes, oceans, swamps, ponds, and predators since they need the energy to hunt prey in the first marine habitats, including salt marshes, the coast, the place. Not having enough food weakens a species’ ability to intertidal zone, estuaries, reefs, bays, the open sea, the sea move and to avoid being consumed by other predators. A lack bed, deep water, and submarine vents. (Manu, 2000). of food can also weaken a wildlife species’ ability to ward off disease, which can then make it vulnerable to a variety of II. WHAT ARE WILD ANIMAL HABITATS other threats (Keay, 2009). Wild animal habitats are areas distributed horizontally and Not all food sources are of the same quality. All wildlife vertically across the globe that fulfill the needs of a specific species, as well as humans, have their preferred suite of foods.

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International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume IV, Issue X, October 2020|ISSN 2454-6186

In the world of wildlife, food preferences are also observable for regulating body temperature, metabolism, and digestion, for each species. For instance, elephants are herbivores and and for facilitating the removal of metabolic wastes. Some prefer to consume a wide variety of leaves from bushes and wildlife species, such as roadrunners e.g. horny toads tender branches of favorite trees. Other wildlife species, such (Phrynosoma platyrrhines) have adapted to arid areas with as the gray wolf is a carnivore and prefer to consume low amounts of annual rainfall, while other species require ungulates such as antelope, elk, caribou, or moose, but they sufficient water e.g. red salamanders (Pseudotriton ruber). will also consume smaller animals, such as hares, badgers, They need landscapes or habitat that contain digressional squirrels, and mice, as well as lizards, snakes, and frogs when wetlands, ponds, and other hydrologic features (Hoffmann and larger prey is in short supply. Baattrup, 2007). Even though wildlife species express food preferences, they SPACE: Enough space should be provided for wild animals will typically consume whatever is available to generate the within and inside their habitat and ecological niche. This is energy needed to reproduce and to survive. Like humans, they associated with the carrying capacity of a habitat, especially would prefer to simply consume certain types of food, but when inhabited animals are more prolific. Space is a basic generally cannot because a limitless supply of the preferred requirement for all wildlife to forage, seek cover, protect their food is usually unavailable. In many cases, this does not hurt young, and have access to diverse habitat conditions (Campos, wildlife species' health (Chandler and Johansson, 2014). 2013). Habitat can provide food, water, and shelter but limited Unfortunately, if a particular habitat only provides low-quality space can affect the wildlife population negatively. Space food sources, then the health and vigor of a particular wildlife inside habitats may change over time due to population species could be adversely affected. Low-quality food increase. Other causes of change may come as a direct result supplies could lead to weak individuals and potentially affect of human activities such as deforestation and bush burning. or inhibit reproduction processes (Ogunjemite et al, 2005). The size of habitat depends on the size of wildlife. Large mammals occupy large space in their ecological niche, while COVER: Another key requirement of wildlife habitat is the small wildlife species occupy lesser (Gustavvson et al 2012). cover that exists within a landscape or forest. The cover is The niche of an organism within an ecosystem depends on used by different species of wildlife for many purposes such how the organism responds and reacts to the distribution and as nesting, breeding, roosting, rearing young, and escaping abundance of other factors, and in turn how it alters the predators. Predators use cover as a venue for creeping up on factors. For example, when resources are abundant, and stalking potential prey. The cover may also be used as a population grows, although by growing, the population thermal protection during extremely hot or cold periods. The provides more resources for predators and less space for the cover requirements of different wildlife species can vary species. Mortality may occur in a situation where there is a greatly. For instance, African elephants in the wild commonly growing population in a limited space (Mitsch, 2015). bed down (sleep) in dense coniferous or deciduous forests or in places that contain a dense collection of understory III. TYPES OF WILD ANIMAL HABITAT IN AFRICA vegetation. In west Africa, it is not uncommon to find Savanna: A savanna is a rolling grassland scattered with antelope in coniferous stands of trees in the rainy season shrubs and isolated trees, which can be found between a because these types of forests exclude colder than do pure tropical rainforest and desert biome (Salami, 2007). Savannas deciduous stands of trees. Antelopes, however, will venture are also known as tropical grassland and in Nigeria, savanna out into open areas such as clear-cuts, fields, or suburban habitat has warm temperature year-round because of direct backyards to forage on the various grasses, forbs, shrubs, or sunlight which is characterized by grasses, small or dispersed herbaceous plants located there. Calenge, (2006) suggest that, trees that do not form a close canopy, allowing sunlight to when frightened, antelope will flee to a wooded area and reach the ground. The savanna is home for many large land quickly stop running because they feel more secure within the mammals, including elephants, giraffes, zebra rhinoceroses, cover of the surrounding vegetation. Squirrels will bore a hole buffalo, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Other animals include to take cover as well as general rodents. Snakes can creep into antelopes, ants, termites, ostriches, and snakes. Figure 1 below already made holes by another animal to hide and take cover. is an example of savanna habitat. Birds make a nest, especially during the breeding season to lay their eggs. Cover can be located inside a habitat, where Mountain and Rocks: According to Oxford learner’s species of wild animals prefer to hide, roost and breed. dictionary, mountain is a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level while rock WATER: The third requirement of wildlife habitat involves is the solid mineral material that form part of the earth the availability of water especially for aquatic lives. As with surface. Temperature and rainfall vary greatly according to the humans, all wildlife species require some level of water season of the year. These habitats are home to a great deal of consumption to survive and reproduce. Besides, bodies of wildlife from herbivores, such as elk, moose, mule water can be the specific places where birds, mammals, or deer, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep. Other wild animals other species, such as monkeys can locate the water that they that inhabit mountains include black bear, coyote, fox, and a prefer to drink. Perhaps these are the only areas where the great variety of small mammals. The Rockies habitat can sources of water that they drink exist. Water is very critical

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International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume IV, Issue X, October 2020|ISSN 2454-6186

inhabit snakes, scorpions, ants, and other animals that develop Aquatic habitat: Aquatic habitats comprise of habitat within their adaptive structures to live in the rock. Figure 1 and 2 the water bodies, including wetland, which is a distinct below are examples of savanna and mountain/rock habitats. ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally (Mitsch, 2015) These include all types of water bodies like estuaries, rivers, freshwater, lake, oceans, swamp, and ponds. Wetlands and estuaries have a big effect on land areas and serve as important habitat for some wildlife species. Swamps and marshes are wetlands areas along the inland stream that provide a habitat for many kinds of waterfowl. Wildlife in these areas can tolerate freshwater and brackish water. Some wildlife that can adapt to freshwater may not be able to adapt to salty water. Adaptation of wildlife to the Figure 1: Savanna (Giraffa) Figure 2: Mountain/rocks (Ovis canadensis) aquatic environment varies according on their type, features Source: NEA, (2002) Source: Manu, (2000) and species. Some can tolerate salty water while others cannot but generally, they share common water habitat. Some Tropical Rain Forest: A Rainforest can be described as a organisms that can adapt to the aquatic ecosystem include habitat characterized by tall broad-leaved trees, shrubs, fishes, whales, hippopotamus, snakes, turtles, amphibians, and climbers of different strata. It is a dense jungle that contains Dolphins. different varieties of tree species. The reason it is called a "rain" forest is because of the high amount of rainfall it gets Caves and holes: This is a hollow habitat made mostly for per year, from March to September. The climate of a rain nocturnal animals and to escape from predators. Caves can be forest is very cold and humid and wild animals that exist there made on the soil, base of the mountain, or rocks. It can be big must adapt to this climate. This habitat contains thick layers of or smaller, depending on the size of the animals. Some caves quickly decaying plants and animals’ debris on the can be formed by the weathering of rock and often extend ground. The types of wild animals that inhabit rain forests deep underground. Animals that can live in a cave include include monkeys, elephants, rodents, antelopes, and different python, black bear, bats, and rodents. Also, animals that have types of reptiles. completely adapted to water cave life include cavefish, cave crayfish, cave shrimp, isopods, Deserts: This is a habitat that has little or no precipitation per amphipods, millipedes, some cave salamanders, and insects. year, and can be hot or cold depending on the time of the day. Figure 5 and 6 below are examples of tropical rain forest and It is an arid or semi-arid land that was degraded. It is a fragile desert habitats. ecosystem that contains a lot of sandy dunes. Desert is believed to cause by climatic variations in negative human activities (Borrow and Demey, 2012). The four types of deserts are hot and dry, semiarid, coastal, and cold (Thiollay, 2005). Desert wild animals can live with little water. More water evaporates from desert regions from the ground which makes it extremely hot. Desert animals include xerocole, camels, and kangaroo. Animals and other organisms that live in deserts have evolved to survive harsh conditions, scarcity of water, and barren landscapes. Desert animals have Figure 5: Aquatic (Enhydra lutris) Figure 6: Holes (Paridae spp) adapted to get water from the food they eat and to conserve Source: Mitsch, 2015 Source: Petit et al, (2009) water. They often come out only at night to avoid the worst of Arboreal habitat: Arboreal animals are creatures that spend the heat. The main challenges they must overcome are lack of the majority of their lives on trees. They eat, sleep, and play in water and excessive heat. Figure 3 and 4 below are examples of tropical rain forest and desert habitats. the tree canopy. There are thousands of species that live on trees, including monkeys, koalas, possums, sloths, various rodents, parrots, chameleons, geckos, tree snakes, and a variety of insects. An arboreal habitat provides adapters with adequate food, shelter, and other conditions so they can thrive and reproduce. Woodpeckers can make holes on the trunk of the tree, especially during the breeding period. Wherever there are trees, there's likely an organism filling the arboreal habitat. This can include the canopy, leaves, the branches, inside of Figure 3 Figure 4 the trunk, and even the roots of the tree. Tropical rain forest (Gorilla gorilla) Desert (Camelus dromedaries) Grassland habitats: This is an area where vegetation is Source: Ogunjemite et al, (2005) Source: Vavra, (2005) dominated mostly by grasses. It is a place that receives more

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International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume IV, Issue X, October 2020|ISSN 2454-6186

rain but less precipitation because of grasses that cover the ground. This cover includes legumes and herbs which grow naturally. Grassland can exist as habitats that are frequently disturbed by grazing animals or fire; as such disturbance prevents the encroachment of woody species. Animals that adapted to grassland habitat don’t have many places to hide from predators; therefore, they make homes in the ground as a hiding place. Grasslands can be good for growing Figure7 Figure 8 crops and feeding livestock but can inhabit wild animals like Arboreal (Muscardinusavellanarius) Grassland (Grus Canadensis) ants, snakes, rodents and snails, creepy crawlies deep in the Source: Sutherland (2009) Source: Ron, (2008). soil, reptiles, birds, and small burrowing mammals.

Figure 9: Map of Africa showing habitat types. Source: www.africanconservation.org

The map above shows the types of wild animal habitats and IV. CONCLUSION how they are distributed in Africa. Tropical rain forest are Wild animal habitats are very important, especially in mostly found in countries located in West Africa where the conservation, because good habitats prevent waste of amount of rainfall is the high. Arboreal habitats were rampant resources. Quality habitats prevent wild animal species from with countries located in East Africa while mountainous being endangered and extinction. Poor habitats can be habitats are found mostly in countries located in North Africa. modified by planting of required tree species that will provide Desert habitats are found in boundaries while savanna, the basic needs of wild animal species. Also, there is need to aquatic, grasslands and caves/holes habitats spread across assess long-term management effects of habitat on wild other parts of Africa but less in Northern Africa. animals because habitat dynamics under various natural and anthropogenic disturbances can reduce the animal populations. A rich habitat like vegetation abundance, quality,

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International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume IV, Issue X, October 2020|ISSN 2454-6186

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