South Africa Common Species
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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.You can also read
