South Africa Common Species Mammals African Elephant Loxodonta africana The iconic African mammal, and the main focus of the surveys Operation Wallacea are conducting in South Africa. Some areas suffer from an overpopu- lation, whereas elsewhere their populations have been decimated by environmental issues and poaching. Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius Surprisingly to some people, one of the more dan- gerous creatures in the African bush, but only when you’re between them and safety (water). They’re grazers that come out at night and can roam very large distances looking for the perfect grass. White Rhino Ceratotherium simum IUCN rated as not threatened, although their popu- lations are still low and poaching is a huge issue. Game rangers typically ensure they are scared of vehicles to reduce likelihood of poachers finding them - so rare to see. Black Rhino Diceros bicornis IUCN rated as a critically endangered species. To differentiate between the species look at their lips as black rhinos are more hooked. They’re also generally smaller and have a darker coloration. Less than 5,000 estimated remaining. Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis Well known for being the world’s tallest mammal, a group of Giraffe is also commonly referred to as a tower. Iconic in their own way, they’re also usually fairly relaxed around humans which means they’re easy to see. South Africa Common Species Mammals Leopard Panthera pardus Extremely elusive species that’s typically only active at night, Leopard are usually solitary creatures. They have a very distinctive vocalization, which means they’re usually easy to hear when they’re in the area, but very difficult to see. Lion Panthera leo Arguably Africa’s second most iconic animal, Lions are the second largest cat species in the world. Surprisingly fast for their size, they can reach speeds of up to 50mph but tire easily. They spend around 20 hours of every day relaxing. Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta Unlikely to be spotted during the daytime, you are very likely to hear them at night thanks to their dis- tinctive calls. African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus An incredibly rare species, the “painted dog” is one of Africa’s most endangered species. Persecution by humans has driven them to the edge of extinction, along with encounters with domestic animals pass- ing on diseases. A very special animal if you ever see one. Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus Baboons are seen throughout southern Africa, so keep an eye out on your transfers as well as in the reserves. In general this species is not threatened, although conflicts with humans is starting to affect their populations. South Africa Common Species Mammals Vervet Monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus Impala Aepyceros melampus Probably the most common species you’ll see, Impala are frequently referred to as being the McDonalds of the bush. They’re everywhere, fast food, and have a distinctive M shape on their rump. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros Nyala Nyala angasii or Tragelaphus angasii Water Buck Kobus ellipsiprymnus Distinctive ellipse shaped white ring on their rump. Males are typically larger with long horns that sweep slightly backwards. South Africa Common Species Mammals Common Duiker Sylvicapra Grimmia Also known as the grey or bush duiker, this small antelopes name comes from the word diver in Afri- kaans, which refers to their distinctive bounding movement. Bushbuck Tragelaphus sylvaticus Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus Plains Zebra Equus quagga Warthog Phacochoerus africanus South Africa Common Species Mammals & Others Buffalo Syncerus caffer Another iconic African species, buffalo are one of the “big 5” due to how dangerous they can get. The older males break off from the main herds as they get older, as they can’t keep up. These small herds of old males are short tempered and the most dan- gerous of all. Bush Babies Otolemur crassicaudatus Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus South Africa Common Species Birds Fork Tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Red Billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus Chinspot Batis Batis molitor African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer White Backed Vulture Gyps africanus South Africa Common Species Birds Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii Black Collared Barbet Lybius torquatus Lilac Breasted Roller Coracias caudatus South Africa Common Species Birds Grey Go-Away-Bird Corythaixoides concolor Yellow-Billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas Red-Billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus Glossy Starling Genus Lamprotornis, but most commonly cape starling— Lamprotornis nitens Natal Francolin Pternistis natalensis Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris South Africa Common Species Marine Megafauna Whale Shark Rhincodon typus The largest fish—with the average adult estimated to be over 9m long and over 9 tonnes. They are occasionally seen in the waters around Sodwana bay, hopefully you’ll get a chance to see one. Dolphins Delphinidae There’s a few different types in and around Sodwana, proba- bly the most common of which is the bottlenosed (picture) Sharks Again, there’s quite a few types in the area around Sodwana. White Tip and Black Tip reef sharks are small species that are reasonably common - however like most sharks they tend to avoid divers. The area around Sodwana is also known for Ragged-Tooth sharks. Rays Mantas are the largest rays in the world, reaching over 5 meters from tip to tip in adulthood. They are seen around Sodwana, but you’re more likely to see their smaller cousins the Blue-Spotted Ray. Turtles While not technically megafauna, there’s a few species that appear in South Africa. Most commonly the Green Turtle. South Africa Common Species Marine Megafauna Angelfish Pomacanthidae Probably the most common and conspicuous reef fish, the angelfish family contains 86 different species. Parrotfish Scaridae Sometimes considered part of the Wrasse (Labridae) family, parrotfish are known for their distinct “beak” that they use to eat algae off of the surface of coral. Butterflyfish Chaetodontidae Around 120 species, one of the more famous of which is the Moorish Idol, who typically form pairs. Damselfish/Clownfish Pomacentridae Around 360 species, the most famous of which are the Ane- nome fish (popularised as clownfish thanks to Finding Nemo) Wrasse Labridae The Wrasse family has over 600 species and is incredibly diverse, being one of the most common families. .