Herbivores
Even-toed Ungulates
 
Odd-toed Ungulates

 

 

 Carnivores                                                                                                                                                      Primates
 Cat Family
Bear Family
Dog Family
Colobus Monkey

Endangered species labels: CR — Critically Endangered; VU — Vulnerable; EN — Endangered;  NT — Near Threatened
IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature
FWS = US Fish and Wildlife Service

 

HERBIVORES

Even-toed Ungulates

 

AddaxAddax nasomaculatus- (CR-IUCN) The Addax are well adapted to life in the desert, where there is virtually no vegetation. They survive on the sparse growth that occurs in the desert after rare, meager rainfalls. They may survive for long periods without drinking water. They primarily inhabit the Sahara Desert.

 

Pronghorn AntelopeAntilocapra americana – (EN-FWS) exterminated in the 19th century, this beautiful animal is unique in the Americas, because it is the only antelope. Thanks to careful and intelligent conservation practices, the herds are once again more numerous from New Mexico to Montana though two subspecies are endangered in Arizona and Mexico.

 

Roan AntelopeHippotragus equines - The second largest antelope, 5 feet high and the shoulders and weighing over 600 pounds, they are a close relative of the Sable. Seldom seen in herds larger than 40, they feed on grasses and herbs during the early morning hours or late at night. They are compatible with many other game animals while grazing, but when pursued by a predator, they are among the very few horned ungulates who stand their ground and defend themselves with their 30-40 inch horns. They are found in South Africa and in the Sudan.

 

Water BuffaloBubalus bubalis (EN-IUCN) The water buffalo is the common name of the Asian Buffalo. A native bovine in India and southeast Asia, they live in small family groups, and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. They are good swimmers and are never far from water. Their sweeping horns are separate and do not grow to form a “helmet” like their African cousins.

 

BlesbokDamaliscus dorcas- The Blesbok, which loves the open country, used to inhabit the Republic of South Africa in the millions. Poachers shot them senselessly not only for meat but for their hide and brought almost to the point of extinction. At the turn of the century, only about 2000 existed. Since then they have recovered.

 

BushbuckTragelaphus scriptus - Bushbucks are small antelope with spirally twisted horns 12-20 inches in length. They are usually under 3 feet high at the shoulders, with chestnut-brown coats, white flanks, and white face marking. Their extensive range includes most of Africa except treeless plains and deserts. There are about twenty-four recognized sub-species, including the “typical” Scriptus species.

Bushbuck - Female Bushbuck - Male

 

 

Arusi BushbuckMelelik Bushbuck - The Arusi Busbuck live in the forest and heavy brush, only coming out in to the open to feed in the evening and early morning. They live in pairs. The female has no horns and the male, who has a mane of long hair that extends along in back from the shoulders to his bushy tail, has horns that are usually only 12 inches long.

 

BongoBoocerus eurycerus- This shy and elusive member of the antelope family may grow to weigh 500 pounds. Despite their size the bongo is remarkably agile when moving through the dense undergrowth they inhabit. Their diet consists of tree bark, roots, leaves, young shoots and flowering plants.

 

African BuffaloSyncerus caffer - Both bulls and cows have horns, although a large bull’s horns are heavier, with a

African Buffalo
bigger downsweep and can measure 64 inches across. They graze the veldt in herds of up to 100 members, eating grass almost exclusively. They like to stay cool by wallowing in shallow pools or mud baths and are never far from water. With a shoulder height of 67 inches (average), a bull can weigh 1,200 pounds. They range from Mozambique to Botswana and South Africa.

 

ChamoisApennine chamois – (EN-FWS) The Chamois lived in small family groups in the highest mountain reaches, although they will venture down below the tree line in the winter. This animal was transplanted to New Zealand from Italy around 1900. They are endangered in Europe. In their countries of origin, the young are prey to their natural enemy, the eagle.

 

Axis Deer (Chital Deer) Axis axis - The Chital deer, or Indian spotted deer is generally light fawn in color with a black muzzle. The male has horns with a brow tine and terminal fork. They are found throughout open country in India and Ceylon. Bengal tigers feed on the Axis Deer.

 

Fallow Deer Dama mesopotamica (EN-IUCN) The Fallow deer from Iran and Iraq is 4 feet at the shoulders and weighs 180 pounds. Their color is a red, dappled coat with pale spots and pale underneath. They have pointed antlers which are palmate in the male and a relatively long tail. They live in large herds. Their call is a harsh bark or a rattling groan

 

Fang Deer (Barking Deer)Muntiacus muntjak - This type of deer is found in central and northeastern Asia from China to Manchuria and Korea. A small deer without antlers, they present a startling appearance with their long canine teeth growing to 8 inches long.

 

Dik DikMadoqua kirkii- Full grown African Dik Dik are no bigger than a small domestic dog. Upon maturity, in fact,

Dik Dik
they stand no taller than 12 inches, and only weigh 7-11 pounds. With their long snout and tiny hooves, Dik-Diks can be identified by their sharp bird-like whistle. A nocturnal animal, they may live alone or in pairs. They live back in the bush and are rarely observed. They can live without water for a long period of time. They eat leaves, berries and roots. They usually deposit their dung in one place, which forms a large mound.

 

Grey Duiker (Bush Duiker)Sylvicapra grimmia - These animals feed on fruits, leaves and pods, and live in the bush, where they may quickly disappear if necessary. They inhabit almost all of Africa, south of the Sahara.

 

Selous DuikerCephalophinae- (EN-IUCN) the duikers (from the Dutch “diver” – they plunge into thick cover when disturbed) are a sub-family of small antelopes. Four subspecies are endangered. Their distinguishing characteristics are straight horns, never longer than the length of the head, and the long tuft of hair growing between the horns, sometimes entirely concealing them. The duikers are the most widely distributed of all African antelopes, and are found throughout the whole continent south of the Sahara Desert. Four subspecies are endangered.

 

Lord Derby’s Eland (Giant Eland)Taurotragus derbianus – (EN-FWS) Found from Senegal to Uganda, the Giant Eland are becoming increasingly rare. Weighing in at 1,600 pounds, their twisted spiral horns can grow from 47-48 inches in length. They run in herds and live in thick brush, feeding on tree leaves, flower bulbs and aloes. They thrive on poor soil and will eat a wide range of natural food including grass. Extremely wary, they travel long distances at a long walk, browsing as they go. They low and lick their tails like cattle.

 

Dama or Addra Gazelle Gazella dama – (CR-IUCN; EN-FWS) The Dama Gazelle prefers life on the edge of the desert. There was a time when this diurnal gazelle could be seen in the herds numbering as many as 500. Presently, because of illegal poaching, the number has been reduced to as few as 15 to 20 animals per herd. This gazelle once

Gazelle
lived in the Sahara Desert region.

 

Grant’s GazelleNanger granti- These gazelle are named for Scottish explorer James Grant, who in 1862 helped discover the source of the Nile River. Both sexes of this gazelle bear horns. They are found on the plains and are primarily a grazer.

 

Soemmerring’s Gazelle Nanger soemmerringii- – (VU-IUCN) - These animals, with their heavy herds and short necks, are known for their great speed if disturbed. They inhabit grassy plains or light brush and may be seen from the African Red Sea coast to Ethiopia and Somalia. This species was taken from the Sudan.

 

GemsbuckArtiodactyla- The Gemsbuck, a member of the Oryx family, can be easily identified by their three well-defined black and white facial stripes. Their straight horns, which serve as excellent weapons, average about 76cm (30”) in length. They feed on grass and leaves and can survive long periods without drinking water. They live in the savannas or plains and may be found in South Africa.

 

Gerenuk Litocranius walleri –(NT-IUCN) Gemsbuck from East Africa, not only can stand on their hind legs, they can walk on them while feeding on leaves, shoots and fruits from trees. They were first introduced to the modern world in 1878, but have been found depicted on Egyptian carvings from approximately 5,600 BC.

 

Bridled Gnu (black-tailed gnu or wildebeest) Connochaetes taurinus These savage ox-like gnu have a longer snout than the white-tailed, and their horns are slightly different. Typically, these herds are found in South Africa.

 

Nyasaland Gnu Connochaetes taurinus johnstoni- These gnu are characterized by their smaller size (42-45” at the shoulder) and their black beard.

 

Whitetail GnuConnochaetes gnou – Once known as “the old fool of the veldt,” this aggressive antelope was named

Wildebeest (Gnu)
gnu for the raucous snorting sound it bellows. Their curious looks are enhanced by their odd behavior. Gnus are known to jump wild leaps, run in circles and perform similar antics which are perhaps due to trying to free themselves from a parasite which commonly live in their nostrils. These animals are from South Africa.

 

Coke’s Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii- This is the best known and most abundant of East African game. These plains animals are picky grazers who are discriminating in their choice of grasses. In addition to Kenya, they may be found in Tanzania.

 

Jackson’s Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus major. He hartebeest is an antelope which has a uniform brownish sandy coat. They stand 48 to 54 inches high at the shoulder and weigh 280-300 pounds. They inhabit the light bush and rarely wander into the forest. Their range is from Senegal east through the Northern ivory Coast, Chad, and the Central African Empire.

 

Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest Alclaphus lichtenstein – The horns of these hartebeest differ from all others in that they

Hartebeest
are relatively short, thick and have a double “s” curve. They live in the tall grasses of Eastern Africa.

 

Red Cape Hartebeest Alcelaphus caama - The original hartebeest, this species differs from others in the enormous height in front. The miserable appearance, which is characteristic of hartebeest, is an indication of their fleetness of foot and their ability to maintain speed. They may be found in plains and mountains from the Cape to Botswana to southwest Africa.

 

Swayes HartebeestAlceiphus bucelaphus swaynei- At the shoulder this hartebeest stands about 52 inches high and weighs 300 to 400 pounds. The body is a deep reddish chocolate brown. The adult specimen has white tips on its coat which gives it a silver look. Herds of 1000 Swaynes hartebeests may be found grazing the veldt in Somalia.

 

Iranian Ibex (Pasang) Capra aegagrus - The Iranian Ibex are found in the high mountains of Northern Iran near the Black Sea. They are very shy and always extremely alert. They live in small herds of 5-15 animals on steep, rocky and inaccessible mountain faces.

 

Mongolian Ibex (Siberian Ibex)Capra sibirica - The Mongolian Ibex are members of the goat family. They are found in the Altai Mountains of Northwestern Mongolia. These mountains reach from the Gobi Desert in China, north across Mongolia to the Russian border. Ibex usually live in small herds of up to 15 animals, and stay in the rocky and more precipitous areas of the mountains.

 

Pakistani or Nubian Ibex Capra nubiana (VU-IUCN) They live in the granite heights of the Sinai Mountains and the chalk cliffs near the Dead Sea at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet.

Pyrenean or Spanish IbexCapra pyrenaica pyrenaica – (EN-FWS) The Spanish Ibex are at this time greatly endangered. They are found only five places in the Serria Morena Mountains of Spain. They live in high and remote mountain regions that offer only sparse plant growth and feed in small family groups, mainly on grasses, herbs and lichen.

East African Impala
Aepyceros melampus – When in flight, this remarkably fast, graceful antelope may leap up to 30

Impala
feet for no apparent reason. Their speed is helpful when they are preyed upon by the leopard, cheetah or wild dogs. They live in the wooded African savannah south of the equator.

 

Southern ImpalaAepycros melampus (one of six subspecies). A close cousin to the gazelles, Impala are spectacular jumpers, easily clearing 8 foot high fences. Impala herd in groups of 50 to 200, he males and females in separate herds. Only males have horns which can grow to 3 feet in length with a graceful lyre shape configuration. Found in park lands, dry forests and open plain, form South Angola to South Africa, they eat grasses and leaves from shrubs and small trees.

 

Marsprat KlipspringerOreotragus oreotragus- The name is derived from the Dutch word meaning “cliff jumper.” These antelope live only in mountains and rocky districts, skipping from cliff to cliff in an extremely agile manner. Their voices are said to sound like toy trumpets. They will grow 20-22 inches tall and weigh 40 pounds. They are found in regions of South Africa.

 

Common KobKobus kob This Kob’s horns are identified by strong rings and a modified “s” shape. An average kob stands 3 feet high and weighs about 155 pounds. They graze in herds of 20 to several hundred, near bodies of water. They live in the Central African Republic.

 

White Eared KobK. Kob leucotis- At the shoulders, the kob stands about 3 feet high and weighs approximately 180 pounds. They range between the southern Sudan, from Bahr-el-Ghazal in the west and along the Sobat to Ethiopia and south to Bor.

 

Uganda Kob (Thomas’ Kob)K. Kob thomasi- these animals may be identified by white rings around the eyes, in addition to Uganda, they may be found in Kenya, the Semlike Plains, and Lake Albert and Lake Edward.

 

Western Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros – Plentiful in Ethiopia, this western Greater Kudu was taken in /South Africa. They Herd in groups of six to twenty animals. Foliage feeders, they prefer to eat all night or at dawn. The kudu was admired by the early explorers of South Africa and described as one of the most beautiful animals in the world. The magnificent horns, born by the male only, are spread in graceful open spirals. They have remarkably keen hearing and sense of smell. If they are disturbed, they move into the shrub, tilting their heads so that the horns lie horizontally along the back.

 

Lesser Kudu Tragelaphus imberbis — (NT-IUCN) This elegant antelope has a loud bark and when disturbed bounds away in great leaps, clearing bushes up to six feet high. They may be found in semi-arid country, from South Ethiopia and Somalia through Kenya to Tanzania. They hid themselves in thick brush and browse near streams.

 

Nile Lechwe Kobus megaceros- (EN-IUCN) These acquatic animals, which live near rivers and lakes in Ethiopia and Sudan, and are good swimmers. If threatened, they run and take refuge in the water. Once numerous, they have had their numbers reduced to just a few thousand, living mainly in national parks.

 

Red LechweK. Leche leche- Like the Nile Lechwe, the red Lechwe are water lovers. They live in the shallows of flooded plains, feasting on grass, roots and water plants.

 

Mountain NyalaTragelaphus buxtoni- (EN-IUCN) These animals were discovered in the Ethopian highlands in 1908. They stand about 53 inches tall and weigh up to 500 pounds. They prefer live above 9,000 feet altitude, where trees become more abundant.

 

OribiOurebia ourebi- This pygmy antelope only grows to a height of about 2 feet They are known for their shrill

Oribi
whistle and graceful speed if pursued. As the most abundant of the African antelopes, they can be seen in the grass country of the south and in central, east and west Africa.

 

OryxOryx leucoryx – (EN-IUCN) - This animal is found from the Kalahori to Ethiopia and East Africa. They have extremely long (up to 4 feet) horns, may stand 48 inches at the shoulder and weigh 450 pounds. Other members of the Oryx family include: Arabian, Beisa, Gemsbuck, Fringe-eared, and White Oryx.

 

Beisa OryxOryx beisa- (NT-IUCN) Severe fights often break out between bulls in these herds. These males have developed an extraordinary skin thickness around neck and shoulders to help protect them.

 

Fringed Eared Oryx (Kenya)Oryginae – This heavy and sometimes clumsy animal can survive in intense heat and desert sands because they carry a water reserve in their stomach at all times. Their wide flat hooves allow them to adapt to unstable ground. The Oryx is found in the Sarah Desert, Northern Chad, Libya and Northern Sudan.

 

Ovis Ammon or Argali Ovis ammon (EN-FWS) The Ovis Ammon are the original sheep, from which all other species of sheep are descended. Weighing around 500 pounds, the big rams are twice the size of the average North American wild sheep. They range from Afghanistan to India and inhabit the Altai Mountains of Eastern Mongolia at altitudes of 10,000 12,000 feet

 

Bohor ReedbuckRedunca redunca - This animal lives from West Africa to the Sudan and Tanzania. They are 25 inches in height and weigh an average of 100 pounds. Only the males have horns, which are 10-16 inches in length and curve forward.

 

Chandler’s Reedbuck — This common reedbuck is the largest of the breed. They are reddish-brown with a bushy tail and white under parts, and weigh between 150-200 pounds. They prefer a region close to rivers and swamps and graze on grass in open country.

 

Mountain ReedbuckRedunca fulvorufula - The smallest of the reedbucks, these weigh 60 pounds and have horns 6-9 inches long. They can be found from South Africa to the Sudan.

 

Southern Reedbuck (Common Reedbuck)Redunca arundinum - This type of Reedbuck is common from South Africa to Southern Tanzania. They grow up to 36 inches in height at the shoulder and may weigh up to 200 pounds. The males have horns 15-17 inches in length. This specimen is from Mozambique.

 

Vaal Grey Rhebuck Pelea capreolus- These little, woolly antelope live in small parties in mountain ranges, descending to valleys at night to drink and graze. When they are in danger, they raise their hindquarters, exposing their white lower surface to warn the rest of the herd. They may be found in the mountain districts of the river Limpopo.

 

SableHippotragus niger – (EN-FWS) Generally thought of as the most spectacular of the antelopes, the Sable is an animal of the woodlands, grazing on mixed brush and grass in hilly, wooded country. With their arched neck and high mane, they seem to know their own superiority and other antelopes give way to them when they approach a water hole. A full grown Sable can weigh 500 pounds and stand 60 inches at the shoulder. Their scimitar-curved horns sweep backward 40-60 inches, ranging to 65 inches in the Giant Angola Sable. They live from South Africa to Tanzania with an isolated population near the coast of Kenya and Angola.

 

Barbary Sheep Ammotragus lervia (VU-ICUN) - The Barbary sheep live and sleep in caves and crevices during the day and graze in the desert at night. They occur in the mountains of Morocco, except the western half of the Rif, and in northern Algeria and northern Tunisia. They take all of their water from the moisture in small, fist-sized melons found there. Some of these sheep have been successfully transplanted to the deserts southwest of Amarillo, Texas.

 

Big Horn SheepOvis canadensis (EN-FWS) The Rocky Mountains, in the Northwestern United States and Southern Canada, are the home of the Big Horn Sheep. Formerly plentiful in their home range, civilized development and the pressures of expanded land use for grazing domestic sheep and cattle has forced their retreat to the most remote and inaccessible reaches of the Rockies. As a result of this shrinking habitat, their numbers have decreased and they have become endangered.

 

Dall SheepOvis dalli - The Dall Sheep have the purest white coloring of all the four American species. They are found in the mountains of Northern Canada and Alaska, all the way to the Arctic Ocean. Their territory is the tundra and mountains of the Brooks Range adjacent to the Arctic Ocean, that overlooks Prudhoe Bay.

 

Desert Big Horn SheepOvis Canadensis nelsoni - The Desert Sheep are one of the four recognized species of the North American wild sheep. They range throughout the United States and Mexico. They normally live in family herds of 15-25, in areas so remote, that they are very hard to find.

 

Stone SheepOvis dalli stonei - A member of the North American wild sheep family, the Stone Sheep live in the mountains of Central and Northern Canada. They are reasonably plentiful and inhabit a vast area of the mountainous country.

 

Marco Polo SheepOvis ammon polii - this species of sheep’s range is Afghanistan, Russia, the Hunza in Pakistan and the pamires in china.  Rams can weigh up to 400 pounds and stand 4 feet at the shoulder. They live in the higher reaches of mountainous areas at elevations up to 19,500 feet and may be found in herds of from 2-100 animals, as family groups banned together for safety.

 

Urial SheepOvis orientalis (VU-IUCN) The Urial sheep is one of the five different species of wild sheep found in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, India and Turkey. They roam the countryside in herds of 25-100. This specimen was taken while hunting in the beautiful rolling hills on the shores of the Black Sea in Northern Iran.

 

Sitatunga (Marsh Buck)Tragelaphus spekii - The Sitatunga lives in marsh land near water and has long pointed and splayed-out hoofs for good footing and weight distribution. Although he weighs up to 220 pounds, because of this adaptation, the Sitatunga can walk across swamps where others would just sink. He grows to about 45 inches and has horns (male only) about 22-32 inches long. He can be found from West Africa to Sudan and south to Zambesi.

 

SpringbokAntidorcas marsupialis - A member of the gazelle family, they are typically 3 feet in height at the shoulder and weigh 70-100 pounds. Both sexes have horns, but the male’s can be as long as 20 inches. They are a delicate light brown with white underparts and a dark brown “speed” stripe down their sides. They are common to South Africa, Angola, and the treeless velt of the Kalahari desert. They graze on grass and bushes, and live in herds in open flat country. They are famous for their playful “pronking” – a bucking jump, straight up in the air, like as if were on springs.

 

Red StagCervus elaphus - (EN-FWS) These deer were introduced into New Zealand from Europe, originally from Sweden. This male Red Stag is from New Zealand.

 

Himalayan TahrHemitragus jemlahicus - (NT-IUCN) The Himalayan Tahr are members of the goat family. Their original home was the Southern Himalayas in Asia, including Nepal and bordering states. Around 1900, English sportsmen transplanted several species of game to New Zeland including the Tahr and the Red Stag, Alpine, Chamois and Fallow Deer.

 

TiangDamaliscus lunatus – These animals are found in Northwestern Kenya, Western Ethiopia, and southern Sudan. A subspecies of the Topi, the Tiang is a grassland grazier of the open savanna. Some weigh as much as 400 pounds and stand 3 feet high at the shoulder. They are marked with patches of black on their face and a glossy red coat.

 

Tsessebe (Sassaby)Damaliscus lunatus- the Sassaby stands 5 to 6 feet high and weighs up to 300 pounds. They grave on grasses of the savannah in the region of Sahel, east of Tanzania, and in southeastern Africa. This specimen was found in Mozambique.

 

WarthogPhacochoerus africanus – These wild pigs’ bottom teeth lay flat and are pointed outward. They use teeth

Warthog
Waterbuck
Elephant
Zebra
as a shovel to root in the soft ground for food. Living in small groups, they prefer to keep their distance from humans and are a well-known enemy to the lion and leopard. Wart hogs live mainly in savannas and may be found in sub-Sarahan Africa, except forests.

 

Defassa Waterbuck Kobus defassa- There are similarities between the defassa and common waterbuck. The main distinction is in fur color. The defassa stands 48 inches tall and weights approximately 250 pounds. They are widely spread throughout the Upper Nile and Somalia, Zaire, and the Central African Empire.

Odd-toed Ungulates

African Elephant
Loxodonta africana – (NT-IUCN) The African elephant is the largest land mammal. The male can average 11 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 12,000 lbs. Elephant herds are matriarchal with related females bonding for life. The young males separate from the maternal herd in their teen years and group with other males in bachelor herds. The gestation period for a female is 22 months and there may be from 4 to 9 years interval between calves. Leadership and experience play a huge role in the elephant social organization as herds browse along migratory routes based on ancestral knowledge. The loss of a matriarch may impact the survival of the herd. Both males and females have tusks which grow all of their lives. The demand for illegal ivory has created an imposing threat on the survival of elephants.

Burchel Zebra
Equus burchelli - It may come as a surprise, but not two zebras look alike. The stripes may be similar, but the colors may vary. With a life expectancy of 25-30 years, zebra live in large herds on the savannas. They are most commonly found in Eastern Africa.

 

CARNIVORES
Cat Family

CheetahAcinonyx jubatus - (EN-IUCN) The Cheetah is the fastest mammal on land, reaching speeds of 60 miles per

Cheetah
hour for sprints that can last only 20 to 60 seconds. Unlike other cats, the Cheetah’s claws are blunt, straight and do not retract. With this added claw traction and immediate balance adjustments using their long tails, the Cheetah can bring down the fastest of the small antelopes. Cheetah cubs remain with their mother for up to 18 months, learning to hunt and being protected from larger cats.

 

Cougar (Mountain Lion, Puma or Panther)Puma concolor – (EN-FWS) A large male may weigh 225 pounds or more, and prey mostly on deer and rodents. Plentiful where protected, usually out west, they are making a comeback in the Southeastern United States. Several have been seen in Tennessee.

 

JaguarPanthera onca (EN-FWS) The Jaguar is a cousin of the African Leopard. They are strong, smart, aggressive and readily adapt to widely varying living conditions. They are found in North, South and Central America as well as Asia and Africa. Almost completely nocturnal, they will feed on anything available, including: frogs, fish, fowl or any animal up to the size of a cow. Unlike most cats, the Jaguar likes water and is a good swimmer. They prefer living in thick, swampy areas near running water.

 

Leopard Panthera pardus (NT-IUCN) The leopard’s range includes virtually all of Africa. Because of their intelligence,

Leopard
Lion
they have adapted better to human encroachment into their habitat, than any other predator. Leopards weigh anywhere from 120-200 pounds. They are cunning and ferocious hunters that are completely nocturnal by habitat. Their call is unique, not a cat-like snarl or roar, but instead they sound like a dull handsaw cutting a board.

 

LionPanthera leo – (VU-IUCN) – “The King of the Beasts” – The lion is the symbol of bravery and strength, yet the female members of the pride do most of the hunting, usually in pairs. They frequently hunt as a group and the females will often make a kill only to have the male lion drive them away until he has been fed. An adult lion may live to be 15 years old in the wild, and a large male can weigh 500 pounds and be 48 inches high at the shoulder. Lions can run 36 mph but prefer to stalk their prey.

They usually live in a pride of several males, and six or seven females along with cubs and subadults. Pride members may scatter into smaller groups but reunite frequently.

 

Bengal TigerPanthera tigris – (EN-IUCN) -The Bengal tiger is the largest living cat and is the “Lord of the Indian Jungle.”  Their range has been reduced to India and Southeast Asia. The largest Bengal tiger on record was 845 pounds. They are creatures of the jungle, therefore are not found in open country. They are stalk and ambush hunters, who live near water. All eight subspecies are considered endangered in the wild. A male usually lives in an area about ten miles square which he covers each week or ten days and will not permit another cat into his territory.


Bear Family

Grizzly BearUrsus arctos– There are three subspecies of grizzly – the Brown, Kodiak and Eurasian. A herbivorous forager, they are highly territorial with a male grizzly having a territory of up to 25 square miles. They are also very aggressive and may fight another male to the death in order to defend their hunting grounds or over a female.

 

Polar BearUrsus maritimus (VU-IUCN) Polar bears are fearless nomads of the Arctic ice flows. They are covered with dense fur and fat to keep warm. Fur on the pads of their feet provides traction and enables them to approach seals silently. The sow and cub are in a snow den, where the young are born in winter. In the summer, they wander inland, sometimes scavenging around human settlements.

 

Polar Bears International has generously donated the use of their polar bear videos within the Lewis County Museum.
www.polarbearsinternational.org

 

 

Dog family

Simien Fox (Ethiopian Wolf)Canis simensis – (EN-FWS) - The Simien Fox is only found in the highlands of Eastern Ethiopia. Rare and seldom seen, they live off of rodents and scavenge like jackals from the remnants of a larger predator’s kill. They are a small race of wolves and do not threaten local people or their livestock.

 


PRIMATES

Colobus MonkeyColobus polykomos (VU-IUCN) - The white mantled black colobus, also called guerezas, are found

Colobus
Monkey

from Angola to Zaire, Uganda and Tanzania. Forest dwellers, they graze at the treetop levels on leaves and fruit, in troops of up to twenty five members.


BIRDS

Carmine Bee Eater- Ethiopia
Red Bishop- Ethiopia
Yellow Crowned Bishop- Ethiopia
Von der Decken’s Hornbill- Ethiopia
Speckled Mousebird (aka Collie) – Ethiopia
Black Headed Oriole- Ethiopia
Lilac Brester Roller- Ethiopia
Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse- Male and Female- Ethiopia