Origins of the African fauna
We can go back to the Mesozoic Era when the fragmentation of the Gondwana continent began, where the appearance of the first fossilized samples in Africa is evident, beginning the appearance of fauna.
After this separation in Gondwana, four to six groups of animals could be distinguished. Communication with other continents was scattered through less-traveled areas, resulting in a familiar, non-diverse fauna. During the Cretaceous Period, Madagascar separated from the African continent and was reunited during the Eocene Period.
During the Middle Miocene, the first genetic exchanges between North Africa and Europe took place, along with the introduction of animal groups from South Asia. During the Tertiary period, the fauna and flora of Africa bore a strong resemblance to those found in South Asia, as its African habitat featured dense forests inhabited by many African animal species.
These forests were destroyed by climate changes resulting from the Pliocene period. The heat and desert areas caused a shift to nearby areas. The connection with Asia caused species from the Asian plains to move to Africa.
In the Pleistocene period, forests regenerate, producing a division in the existing fauna; one group becomes isolated and the animals that previously inhabited these forests return to their place of origin, generating a double origin: those that were born and formed in their habitat and those that adapted, generating the union of these species and the formation and adaptation of other groups.
The formation of subspecies is closely linked to the changes resulting from the different stages and eras. The changes that this entailed led to coevolution of larger animals, a more stable climate, and better adaptation to the environment. In this last period, the changes were not as drastic.
We will learn a little about the diversity of species that make habitat throughout the African continent from invertebrates to large vertebrates where we will have an idea of the great diversity that exists.
invertebrates
There is little information on the existence of invertebrates in this region. In East Africa coral can be found with around 400 species observed, 400 species of echinoderms and 500 species of bryozoa, as well as one species of Cubozoa (Carybdea alata).
The nematode parasites of humans are Onchocerca volvulus, Necator americanus, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Dracunculus medinensis, and the crop parasites are Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Hirschmanniella, Radopholus, Scutellonema, and Helicotylenchus. Also found in Africa are Onychophora, Peripatus, Peripatopsis, and Opisthopatus.
In East Africa, a wide variety of freshwater mollusks can be found in the lakes. In the Western Indian Ocean, a great diversity of sea snails can be seen—more than 3.000 species of gastropods, with 81 species remaining. A smaller number can be seen on the Atlantic coast. Their diversity and number are such that natives often used them as currency.
The land snail is abundant in Afromontane zones. There are groups unique to the area, such as Actinidae and Chlamyde Phoridae. In tropical areas, Charopidae, Streptaxidae, Cyclophoridae, Subulinidae, Rhytididae, various species of tardigrades, and around 8000 species of arachnids can be found.
Among its fauna we can observe the African millipede considered one of the largest specimens in the world, as well as appreciate the variety of species that exist of the freshwater crab, more than 20 groups are known.
The studies carried out on the soils of Africa to know the existing fauna there, are very scarce, it is known that in West and South Africa they have been able to study earthworms.
Insects
It presents a great richness in insect species, there is talk of more than 100.000 cataloged species from sub-Saharan Africa, representing 20% of diversity worldwide despite the few existing studies, 15% of new information on insects comes from the tropics. Mantophasmatodea is the only species native to Africa.
They present accounted for about 875 species of dragonflies as well as termites that represent a large number of groups, being one of the largest in the world around 1.000 species.
One of the species that has caused great havoc and problems worldwide, not only in Africa, is the migratory locust and the desert locust, since it threatens the harvest and the economic instabilities of man.
The Diptera family comprises a considerable number of species, including flies and mosquitoes in Africa, a population of more than 17.000 species is estimated. Reference has been made in South Africa to a new group of Natalimyzidae flies of the acalyptratae species. These groups are important sources of serious diseases for man such as malaria, yellow fever, among others, caused by Anopheles gambiae, Aedes aegypti and the tsetse fly.
We found 1.600 groups of bees, 2.000 families of ants. Butterflies comprise more than 3.610 species. In the South African diet the caterpillars of the mopani moth are widely used. Beetles we can mention the sacred beetle, the rhinoceros beetle, the Manticore beetle and the Goliathus some among a large number of species.
Butterflies
We can appreciate a considerable butterfly population in the Congo jungle, the jungle mosaic and Guinea in its savannahs these species their environment is these areas we can mention the Hamanumida daedalus, Precis and Eurema butterflies.
South Africa presents one of the largest groups of these species globally, being the lycaenid butterfly with a representation of (48%) of species exclusive to the area. In North Africa, being a Palearctic region, we locate a variety of species.
Among the species found in Africa we can mention Charaxes, Acraea, Colotis and Papilio, above all Papilio Antimaco and Papilio zalmoxis. Families typical of the area, the subfamily Lipteninae includes a variety of groups such as Ornipholidotos, Liptenara, Pentilä, Baliochila, Hypophytala, Teriomima, Deloneura and Mimacraea.
The endemic species of Africa are the Miletinae in specific Lachnocnema. Nymphalidae include Euphaedra, Bebearia, Precis, Pseudacraea, Bicyclus, and Euxanthe. Frequent Pieridae include Pseudopontia paradoxa and Mylothris. Endemic schemes enclose Sarangesa and Kedestes. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has one of the most complete and varied species, around 2.040 of which 180 are original to the area.
Fish
Africa has the largest reserve of freshwater fish, it is estimated that about 3.000 species can be found in the lakes of East Africa such as Victoria, Malawi and Tanganyika, sites that present a favorable biotope for the generation and maintenance of diversity of species such as the cichlids that represent more than 2/3 of the existing population are estimated to be around 2.000 species.
In its coastal rivers present in West Africa it hosts about 322 species. The central rivers have a population of 194 species of fish, of which 119 are typical of the area and 33 are found in small zones or areas. Where there is great marine plurality is around the coast of the Indian Ocean with 2.000 species.
Original fishes of the African fauna are Perciformes (Lates, tilapias, Dichistiidae, Anabantidae, Mudskippers, Parachanna, Acentrogobius, Croilia, Glossogobius, Hemichromis, Nanochromis, Oligolepis, Oreochromis, Redigobius, Sarotherodon, Stenogobius and others).
Gonorhynchiformes (Kneriidae, Phractolaemidae), Characiformes (Distichodontidae, Hepsetidae, Citharinidae, Alestiidae), Osteoglossiformes (Xenomystus nigri, Gymnarchidae, Mormyridae, Pantodontidae), Siluriformes (Amphiliidae, Anchariidae, Ariidae, Austroglanididae, Clariidae, Claroteidae, Malapteruridae, Mochokidae, Schilbeidae), Osmeriformes (Galaxiidae), Cyprinodontiformes (Aplocheilidae, Poeciliidae), and Cypriniformes (Labeobarbus, Pseudobarbus, Tanakia, and others).
Amphibians
Africa presents a great variety of amphibians, all typical of the region, presenting a variety of 238 species. They are the animals that present great variety on the planet, they prefer humid places and can be found from harmless green frogs to the most poisonous.
Among its diversity, we can highlight the largest goliath frog on earth that lives in West Africa. It is estimated that 50% of the species is in danger, of which 130 groups are in critical condition.
Some families of amphibians typical of Africa; Pipidae (Hymenochirus, Pseudhymenochirus, Xenopus) Arthroleptidae, Astylosternidae, Heleophrynidae, Hemisotidae, Hyperoliidae, Petropedetidae, Mantellidae, Bufonidae (Bufo, Churamiti, Capensibufo, Mertensophryne, Nectophryne, Nectophrynoides, Schismaderma, Stephopaedes, Werneria, Wolterstorffina), Rhacophoridae (Chistophoridae), Ranidae (Afrana, Amietia, Amnirana, Aubria, Conraua, Hildebrandtia, Lanzarana, Ptychadena, Strongylopus, Tomopterna), Microhylidae (Breviceps, Callulina, Probreviceps, Cophylinae, Dyscophus, Melanobatrachinae, Scaphiophryninae).
reptiles
In this region we can find a great plurality of chameleons, many of them are found in Madagascar. The lizards present 12 genera and 58 species among which we can mention; geckos (Phelsuma, Afroedura, Afrogecko, Colopus, Pachydactylus, Hemidactylus, Narudasia, Paroedura, Pristurus, Quedenfeldtia, Rhoptropus, Tropiocolotes, Uroplatus), Cordylidae, Lacertidae (Nucras, Lacerta, Mesalina, Acanthodactylus, Pedioplanis), Agamas, Gerrhosauridae, Scincidaes, Chirindia , Zygaspis, Monopeltis, Dalophia.
In the group of snakes you can see different species such as the western green mamba and pythons (Python), Typhlopidae (Typhlops), Leptotyphlopidae (Leptotyphlops, Rhinoleptus) atractaspidids, elapids (cobras, Aspidelaps, Boulengerina, Dendroaspis, Elapsoidea, Hemachatus, Homoroselaps and Paranaja), causines, viperines (Adenorhinos, Atheris, Bitis, Cerastes, Echis, Macrovipera, Montatheris, Proatheris, Vipera), garter snakes (Dendrolycus, Dispholidus, Gonionotophis, Grayia, Hormonotus, Lamprophis, Psammophis, Leioheterodon, Madagascarophis, Poecilopholis, Dasypeltis).
Land turtles include genera such as Kinixys, Pelusios, Psammobates, Geochelone, Homopus, Chersina, and tortoises (Pelomedusidae, Cyclanorbis, Cycloderma, and Erymnochelys). Among crocodiles, three species can be observed: the Nile crocodile, the African slender-snouted crocodile, and the dwarf crocodile. Around 3 species of reptiles can be found on the African continent.
Birds
Among the African fauna, the variety of birds that inhabit this region stands out, many can be found seasonally and others permanently in the area, it can be said that there are around 1500 species on this continent, of which 115 species are in danger.
In the Palearctic belt located between Europe and Asia there are 589 bird species, of which 40% migrate in winter, a high percentage of these birds and head to southern Africa. The permanent birds of the continent are ostriches (Struthionidae), Mesitornítidas, sun birds, secretary birds, guinea fowl (Numididae), and buzzards. In the Afrotropical area we can find Chaetopidae, Malaconotidae, Platysteiridae and Picathartidae.
We were also able to find other species of birds such as parrots (Poicephalus, Psittacus), various Gruidae (Balearica, Anthropoides paradisea, Bugeranus carunculatus), Ciconiidae (Egretta vinaceigula, Egretta ardesiaca, Leptoptilos crumeniferus, Ciconia abdimii, Balaeniceps rex), great bustards (Ardeotis kori, Neotis, Eupodotis, Lissotis), sandgrouse (Pterocles), Coraciiformes (Meropidaes, Tockus, Ceratogymna), Phasianidae (Francolinus, Afropavo congensis, Excalfactoria adansonii, Coturnix delegorguei, Madagascar Partridge).
The woodpecker can be found in the Indicatoridae, Lybiidae, Sasia africana, Dendropicos, and Campethera. Among the birds of prey, there are the falcon, Circus (genus), Terathopius ecaudatus, Circaetus, Melierax, and others. The Trognids are represented by one genus (Apaloderma). The African penguin is unique in its species. An extinct species that was found in Madagascar is the elephant bird.
We can observe the crows Corvus albus, Corvus albicollis, Corvus crassirostris, Black Crow among others, other species of birds to mention Passeri (Anthus, oriolids, Parmoptila, brubrus, cisticolas, Nigrita, Pytilias, Mandingoa nitidula, Cryptospiza, Pyrenestes, Spermophaga, Lagonosticta, waxbills, amandava, munias, Ploceidae, Tit-hylia, Amadina, Anthoscopus, Mirafra, Hypargos, Eremomela, Euschistospiza, Erythrocercus, Malimbus, Pitta, Uraeginthus. The Quelea quelea represents the largest group of birds on the planet.
Mammals
The variety of African animals belonging to this line are many, there are animals that are unique in their kind, it is believed that more than 1100 species have their home on the African continent. The plains of East Africa are home to a variety of large and colorful animals. The vast majority of these animals are in danger of extinction and are currently in a protected area.
In its extensive lands we can find the Tubulidentata (anteater), Afrosoricida (Tenrecidae and golden moles) and Macroscelidea (elephant shrew), hedgehogs, rodents where we can find Paraxerus, African ground squirrel, Funisciurus, gerbils, Thryonomys, Thallomys paedulcus, Nesomyidae, springhare, Spalacidae, hyrax, Lemniscomys, Heliosciurus, Thamnomys, Hystricidae, Stochomys longicaudatus, crested rat, Deomyinae, Aethomys, Arvicanthis, Colomys, Dasymys, Dephomys, Epixerus, Grammomys, Graphiurus, Hybomys, Hylomyscus, Malacomys, Mastomys, Mus, Mylomys, Myomyscus, Oenomys, Otomys, Parotomys, Pelomys, Praomys, Rhabdomys, Stenocephalemys.
Rabbits and hares are represented by the riverine rabbit, Bunyoro rabbit, Cape hare, bush hare, Lepus starcki, Lepus microtis, Abyssinian hare, and some families of Pronolagus. Among the carnivores, there are 60 identified species, including hyenas, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and servals; as well as the bat-eared fox, Ictonyx striatus, African striped weasel, caracal, honey badger, spotted-necked otter, various mongooses, jackals, the civet, and others.
Among the marine variety we can find various species of dolphins, two species of seals and sirenia. Dromedary camels and pachyderms occupy a large area of land on the African continent.
Among the bovids of Africa we have African buffalo, duikers, impala, rhebok, Reduncinae, oryx, dik-dik, klipspringer, oribi, gerenuk, true gazelles, hartebeest, wildebeest, dibatag, eland, Tragelaphus, Hippotragus, Neotragus, Raphicerus, Damaliscus.
We also find giraffes, hippos, warthogs, giant forest hogs, red river hogs, and river hogs, zebras, African wild asses, black and white rhinos, and four species of pangolins. In these expanses of land, we can find the largest mammals, the African bush elephant and the African forest elephant. Lemurs and aye-ayes are species native to Madagascar.
Among the primates, 64 species are observed, including four species of great apes (Hominidae) that are common in Africa: the two species of gorillas (western gorilla, Gorilla gorilla, and the eastern gorilla, Gorilla beringei) and two species of chimpanzee (common chimpanzee). , Pan troglodytes, and bonobo, Pan paniscus).
Other primates include the Colobinae, baboons, geladas, green cercopithecus, Cercopithecus, macaques, baboons, Lophocebus, Cercocebus, Rungwecebus kipunji, Allen's monkey, Patas monkey, and Miopithecus.
Most of the African jungle animals are characterized by their large size and agility for hunting. We can find the African elephant, the cape buffalo, the leopard, the black rhinoceros, the lion, the wildebeest, the warthog, the cheetah.
featured animals of africa
African animals are characterized by their variability and, in many cases, exotic beauty. This continent boasts among its lists the fastest, tallest, largest, heaviest, and best-camouflaged animals. This group of animals, with a wide variety of species, has struggled to survive and survive.
The African Elephant
It is the largest terrestrial animal on earth, it presents a great difference between genders, the male being larger and heavier than the female, the male has a height of 3 meters and a weight of 5000 to 6000 kg, the females measure a little less and have half the weight of the male.
They have long ivory tusks, their ears are unlike those of other elephants on other continents, and their upper lip and nose are used for communication and manipulating objects. They are enthusiastic about rivers and lakes, where they delight in showering with their trunks.
The chameleon
There are more than 170 species, all of which can be observed in different sizes and colors. Among their most notable characteristics are their eyes, which allow for nearly 360-degree vision and can move independently; their long, sticky, and quick tongue, which can be longer than the entire body of a chameleon, which they use for hunting; their tail and legs, which provide grip; and their most distinctive feature, which is their ability to change colors.
The ostrich
Large bird, its name is of Greek origin that symbolizes "sparrow as big as a camel". Due to its size and weight, this bird cannot fly but it has great speed when running, it is considered the fastest animal on two legs, it can reach 70 km per hour, the combination of its legs and wings that give it the push and momentum while running.
It has brownish and coppery plumage, and its neck is pink and elongated. Its eggs are large, weighing 1 to 2 kilograms and measuring 25 centimeters. Its habitat is variable and it is highly adaptable, but it is predisposed to the warm climates, savannas, and arid lands of Africa.
The Nile Crocodile
It is the second largest species on the planet, measuring 6 meters long and weighing 730 kilos. It inhabits freshwater rivers and lakes throughout Africa. They have a large colony in Lake Nasser and the Nile River.
The giraffe
It is the tallest animal on earth, it measures up to 6 meters, it has a long neck that allows it to eat the most tender leaves of the trees, it is also used to monitor and protect itself from the presence of other hungry animals such as lions, tigers, hyenas.
Its fur is mottled with patterns in shades of gold and light brown, each with a distinctive appearance that allows it to conceal itself among trees. It can be seen in savannas, forests, grasslands, and dry plains of Africa. There are eight subspecies.
the hoopoe
A migratory bird, they have a fan-like tuft of feathers on their heads. Their habitat is dry regions, open forests, and orchards. As migratory birds, they are considered heavenly messengers, as their return signals the imminent arrival of spring in the East. They live in Africa but fly to Europe and Asia during certain months of the year.
The zebra
Equestrian animal with unique black and white striped fur on each of them. They measure 2,5 meters in length and 1,5 meters high from the back area, their weight is 385 kilos.
It is an animal of great beauty and of great fame in Africa. It can be seen in the grasslands and forests of East and South Africa, its gallop can reach 65 km per hour and semi-desert areas. They live in herds and are herbivores, associating with other herbivores on their travels.
The lion
A large feline, it is considered the second largest after the tiger. It is a carnivorous animal that lives in the savannas, can weigh up to 250 kg and can reach speeds of about 60 km/h. Males are distinguished by their mane, which has given them the title of "King of the Jungle." Females are stealthy and hunt, preferring the nighttime hours for this purpose.
warthog
This wild boar lives south of the Sahara and its diet is based on tubers; they live in burrows that they find abandoned.
The gorilla
Within the primates it is one of the largest. They usually form groups that present great organization in their structure, the adults assume the commitment of the security and well-being of the group. They are very territorial when challenging the alpha male, he will seek to intimidate his opponent with a display of physical power. Males older than 12 years develop a patch of silvery hair on their back.
They can be found in Central and Eastern Africa to the mountain gorilla that prefers rugged and volcanic regions and in West Africa to the lowland gorilla that lives in dense forests.
The leopard
A highly skilled feline, they have light skin and spots on their fur; they are very elegant and are the smallest in size of the Four Felines group (the tiger, the lion, the jaguar).
It lives in forests, jungles, and savannas. Among its qualities are its excellent climber, its master stalker, its excellent hunter, and its territorial nature. It loves to play in the treetops during the day. They communicate well with each other, expressing their mood.
The hippo
Its name means "River Horse", it is one of the most impressive animals in nature, it is semi-aquatic, you can see them during the day in the water and at night they come out to eat, it lives in lakes and rivers, the sub-Saharan hippopotamus despite appearing harmless can become quite dangerous and aggressive.
Hyena
Carnivorous animal with characteristic howls similar to human laughter, this sound is intended to keep the herd together and scare away other animals.
The African Eagle
Large bird that lives near the rivers and lakes of Africa, its diet is based on fish. It has brown plumage, its head and chest are white and its beak is yellow. The female is larger than the male, the distance from wing to wing is 2 meters and a half.
The rhinoceros
Its name means horned nose, the African species has two horns on its nose, it has a great sense of smell and its hearing system is very sensitive, its sense of sight is very poor. It presents two species of rhinoceros, the black and white. Its great presence and strength is contradictory and it presents a scary character. It can be seen in the shade or bathing in muddy pools to cool off.
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