Animal Book – Safari Navigator

All images and facts are contributed by users. Want to contribute or have spotted an error? Email us at [email protected]. Image rights belong to the original contributors. Search by: Animal (e.g., Giraffe, Eagle), Category (e.g., Big, Special), or Conservation Status (e.g., Endangered, Vulnerable)

Search: Rhino, Big, Ugly, Endangered...

Egyptian Goose

SWAHILI NAME: Bata Bukini wa Misri
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Ducks, Geese
DISTINGUISHED BY: Reddish-brown eye patches and pink legs
1. More closely related to ducks than to true geese. Seen in ancient Egyptian artwork.
2. Sometimes perch on hippos to feed on stirred-up plants and animals.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Eland

SWAHILI NAME: Pofu
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Kudu
DISTINGUISHED BY: Large size and twisted horns
1. Largest antelope species in the world
2. Can jump over 6 feet from a standstill
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Elephant

SWAHILI NAME: Tembo/Ndovu
CATEGORY: Big 5
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: N/A in Africa
DISTINGUISHED BY: Massive size, trunk, and tusks
1. Two species: savanna elephants (larger with outward-curving tusks) and forest elephants (darker with straight, downward-pointing tusks)
2. Calves can stand within 20 minutes of birth and walk within 1 hour
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Flamingo

SWAHILI NAME: Heroe
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: None (distinctive)
DISTINGUISHED BY: Pink feathers and long legs
1. Greater flamingos are larger with pale pink plumage and a pink bill with a black tip, while lesser flamingos are smaller, deeper pink, and have a darker bill with a red base and black tip.
2. Their pink color comes from carotenoid pigments in algae and shrimp, which are absorbed and stored in their feathers, skin, and beaks. Without this diet, they would be pale or white.
PHOTO CREDIT: Erasti Photography

Fox, Bat-eared

SWAHILI NAME: Bweha Masigio
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Jackal, Other foxes
DISTINGUISHED BY: Large bat-like ears, raccoon-like face mask
1. Their large ears detect insects underground, even larvae hatching from dung balls.
2. A single bat-eared fox can consume over one million termites annually.
PHOTO CREDIT: Erasti Photography

Gazelle, Grants

SWAHILI NAME: Swala Granti
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Thomson’s Gazelle, Impala
DISTINGUISHED BY: Larger size, long curved horns, and a light-colored coat without a strong black stripe.
1. Can survive in dry areas with little water, relying on moisture from food.
2. Built for endurance, it can sustain high speeds over long distances.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bonface Mwangi

Gazelle, Thomsons

SWAHILI NAME: Swala Tomi
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Grant’s Gazelle, Impala
DISTINGUISHED BY: Smaller size, a bold black stripe on its side, and a darker lower body.
1. Known for “pronking” (high, stiff-legged jumps) to confuse predators.
2. One of the fastest antelopes, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
PHOTO CREDIT: Luvai Gohar

Gerenuk

SWAHILI NAME: Swala Twiga
CATEGORY: Special 5
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Impala
DISTINGUISHED BY: Long neck
1. Feeds on high branches that other antelopes can’t reach by standing on its hind legs.
2. Rarely drinks water, obtaining moisture from plants, which enables it to thrive in harsh, arid environments.
PHOTO CREDIT: Luvai Gohar

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