South Africa’s richly varied mammal fauna, comprising 230 land and 43 marine species, is linked to an ecological diversity that includes no fewer than six major terrestrial biotic zones, ranging from desert to montane forest. For those who go on safari, however, it is the classic African woodland savannah of the northeast that holds the greatest allure, harbouring a wide range of favourites including the so-called Big Five of elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. The Kruger National Park and bordering private reserves (now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park) is South Africa’s premier game-viewing destination, but hundreds of smaller reserves countrywide protect familiar safari species alongside regional specialities. The list that follows describes over 50 of the more conspicuous large mammal species, but do look out also for some of the smaller mammals that account for more than 60 percent of the national checklist. These include two dozen mole species, a variety of rabbits and hares, at least 75 bat species, as well as the bizarre elephant-shrew. For more detailed coverage, see Further Reading (for more information, click here).
Lion (Panthera leo)
Tawny or fawn in colour, with manes ranging from gold to black on the male, the lion is the largest of Africa’s three big cats, and also the most sociable. Prides consist of six to a dozen females and their cubs, with one or more dominant males. Most of the hunting is done by females, working as a team, usually at night, but males will usually be first to eat at a kill. Some prides specialise in hunting buffalo or giraffe, but most feed on impala, zebra or wildebeest, seizing the prey by the throat and suffocating it.
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
The leopard is bulkier than other spotted cats, from which it can be distinguished by its pugilistic build and elegant coat of black rosettes set against an off-white to russet background. It is a solitary animal, hunting mainly at night. A leopard will often carry a fresh kill (impala, baboons and monkeys are favoured) up a tree, safe from the reach of less dextrous carnivores. Common but secretive in most game reserves, leopards are most likely to be seen in private reserves bordering Kruger National Park.
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Superficially similar to a leopard, the cheetah has a more greyhound-like build, with long legs, solid dark spots, and a small head with diagnostic black “tear-marks” below each eye. It inhabits open savannah, where it uses its impressive speed – up to 100kph (60mph) over short distances – to run down medium-sized antelope such as impala or springbok. Cheetahs are usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups consisting of a female and cubs. They normally hunt in the cool hours just after dawn.
Ariadne Van Zandbergen/Apa Publications
Serval (Felis serval)
Another spotted cat, smaller than a cheetah but with a similar build, long legs and a short tail. Its black-on-gold spots give way to black streaks near the head. The serval is usually a solitary animal, but is sometimes seen in pairs or small family groups. It hunts mainly at night, and sometimes in the early morning or late afternoon, preying on small mammals, birds and reptiles. Although not uncommon, its favoured habitat of tall grass and reeds and its elusive habits mean that it is seldom seen.
Caracal (Felis caracal)
Similar in appearance to a lynx, the caracal is a medium-sized cat, anything from pale fawn to chestnut in colour, with long, pointed, tufted ears. It is a solitary hunter, preying on mammals from mice to small antelopes, birds and reptiles. It stalks its prey as close as possible, then relies on a pounce or a short run. Its powerful hind legs enable it to leap vertically 3 metres (10ft) to swat a bird. Caracal are widespread throughout Africa’s drier regio...
