About the project

Wildlife varies across the continent, depending on climate and vegetation. Tropical regions have the richest diversity of animal, bird and insect life.

The continent’s large mammals include the African elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, wildebeest and oryx (also known as the gnu). Predatory mammals include lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs. Africa’s savannahs are particularly known for their herds of zebras, giraffe and antelopes.

Africa has many species of monkey, particularly in the rainforests. They vary in size from gorillas, baboons and chimpanzees to smaller primates, such as the Colobus monkey (which is rarely seen on the ground), the Vervet monkey and the African Squirrel monkey.