Africa Reference Libraries
The dibatag (Ammodorcas clarkei), also known as Clarke's gazelle, is native to Somalia and Ethiopia. Its range is significantly smaller than it once was, and in many areas, populations are fragmented. In the region of Ogaden, where it was once abundant, the northern populations have dwindled due to human civilizations taking over. In southern Ogaden, it is still present in acceptable numbers,...
Preuss's red colobus (Procolobus preussi) is a primate that is native to the Cross-Sanaga Rivers ecoregion. It appears in many areas of this range, with perhaps the most important populations appearing in Korup National Park, Cameroon, and Southwest Province. Groups of this species occur in fragments, and can mostly be found near tourist areas. Other populations appear in Ebo forest, as well as...
The African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is thought to be similar to the West Indian manatee. Its other common names include the seacow and the West African manatee. It is native to Africa, specifically Senegal to Angola and West Africa. Its range also includes Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ghana, among other regions. They can live in many water habitats including...
The giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) is the only member in its genus and is native to Africa. It can be found in west and central Africa, in areas like the Rwenzori Mountains and as far east as Mount Kenya and the Ethiopian Highlands. However, it is mainly restricted to the Guinean and Congolian forests. This species was only classified in 1904, and was named after the man who sent...
The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is one of two species of cane rats found in Africa. They prefer to reside in reed beds or riverbanks south of the Saharan Desert. They have adapted well to urbanization and will also live on plantations. The nocturnal greater cane rat lives in small groups that are led by one alpha male and will make their burrows underground or in grasses. The...
The African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides) can be found in the sub-Saharan areas of Africa. This mouse, perhaps the smallest of all rodents, can also be found living as pets around the world. Being social creatures, African pygmy mice will live in colonies preferably around water in grassy areas. When kept as pets, the mice cannot be left alone. Although the underbelly of the African pygmy...
Homotherium, and extinct genus of machairodontine saber-toothed cats, was native to South America, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia during the Pliocene era to the Pleistocene era. Homotherium can also be called the scimitar-toothed cat. This cat lived for approximately five million years, most likely dying out around ten thousand years ago. In Africa, Homotherium became extinct around...
The Black Sea Cucumber (Holothuria atra), also known as the Lollyfish, is a species of marine invertebrate in the Holothuriidae family. It is found in the Indo-Pacific ocean region, extending from the Red Sea and East Africa to Australia. It is found on the seabed, in shallow waters on reefs and sand flats and in sea grass meadows at depths up to 66 feet. It prefers reef flats where it is...
The Maccoa Duck, (Oxyura maccoa), is a species of duck found in two main breeding areas: one in eastern Africa from Sudan and Ethiopia to Tanzania and west to eastern Zaire; and a second in southern Africa from Zimbabwe to Cape Province, South Africa. The breeding habitat is shallow fresh water. The winter habitat is brackish and saline lakes. This is a small species of stiff-tailed duck, 19...
The African Black Duck, (Anas sparsa), is a species of duck. Though it is a member of the genus Anas, it is genetically close in relation to the mallard group. Even with some peculiarities in behavior and plumage, it has been placed in the subgenus Melananas. It is found in central and southern Africa. It is also commonly known as the Black River Duck, West African Duck or Ethiopian Black Duck....
