Lesser animal species you could see on a safari

Lesser animal species you could see on a safari :  This blog highlights seven lesser-known species that you may encounter while on safari. It is well known that if you reserve an African safari, you may encounter lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and zebras, but if you are very fortunate, you may also have the chance to see a number of rare creatures.

African wild dog.

This strange-looking animal, also called the painted wolf, is currently regarded as one of the most endangered creatures in the world. The regions of Southern and Southeast Africa are home to the biggest numbers, and portions of Botswana are where sightings occur most frequently.

Their population is declining as a result of local domestic farmers shooting them and the gradual loss of their natural habitat by humans. These dogs congregate in packs of ten to forty canines and are extremely gregarious creatures. In addition to their high level of intelligence, they have amazing communication skills.

The Honey Badger.

Despite its diminutive stature, the honey badger is regarded as Africa’s most courageous mammal. It has also been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the “most fearless animal in the world”.

They live up to their reputation by vigorously defending themselves in the event that they get into a battle with any other animal, including lions, leopards, or hyenas. Their large claws and biting teeth make them formidable weaponry. They eat a very diverse range of things, including birds, rodents, and scorpions. The distinctive black and grey colouring pattern of honey badgers helps to identify them from other animals.

Since they are often nocturnal, seeing them can be uncommon. Ironically, if they think they can gain access to the food supply, you might see them more often in camp than on safari because of their incredible digging abilities.

African serval.

Primarily a wild feline, the African serval is distinguished by its small head in comparison to its body length, extraordinarily long legs, and widely spaced pattern of spots on its fur. They are often found throughout most of Africa, from arid grasslands to the regions surrounding tropical rainforests to savanna woodlands.

With their large ears and long legs, servals make excellent predators. They feed on tiny animals including birds, reptiles, and rodents. Due to their ease of capture and sad history of fur hunting, servals are frequently preyed upon by leopards and other large cats. This is one of the most gorgeous animals you will probably see on your next safari vacation, and it has a large population.

Bat-eared fox.

The cute tiny bat-eared fox is distinguished by its large ears and zigzag running gait. In eastern and southern Africa, bat-eared foxes are frequently found in scrublands and short-grass savannas. Since they are content to share territory, unlike other canine species, they are frequently found among other members of their species.

Termites make about 70% of the bat-eared fox’s diet, and because of their enormous ears, which provide exceptional hearing, they can hear them crawling around. The principal apex predators of bat-eared foxes are eagles, jackals, and hyenas. With the help of their powerful claws, they dig dens inside their area where they are well-sheltered from predators. Watching this adorable little mammal is sure to keep you entertained.

The Hyena.

Intelligent predators, hyenas are well-known for the unique dynamics that exist within their clans, where females have a higher status than males. They are regarded as brave and dangerous animals that frequently prey on a variety of various animals and frequently hunt in packs.

Hyenas are reputed to be excellent scavengers and to be able to detect the smell of dead or decaying carcasses up to 4 km away. When a hyena eats, some wastes are produced. They may easily bite through bones since their teeth are the sharpest in the entire world. Their wastes are therefore easily identifiable thanks to the chalky white deposits.

The Caracal.

Perhaps on your next safari excursion, you will be lucky enough to see the caracal, another kind of wild cat. The caracal is easily distinguished from other wild cat species thanks to its unusual pointed ears and black and white face markings. They are found in the forests and dry savanna parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Since caracals are solitary creatures by nature, the only occasion you may witness them together is when a mother gives birth to kittens. They hunt a wide range of mammals, including springbok, and they don’t hesitate to take on larger prey. These cats have an intriguing appearance, so keep an eye out for them.

The Pangolin.

Not to be forgotten is the pangolin, which is regrettably regarded as the most persecuted species in the world. Being nocturnal creatures, they can be easily hidden whether they’re hanging from trees or curled up in a ball on the ground.

They will lash out to defend themselves while they are being hunted using the spiky scales on their back. Since they are unable to bite through the scales, this usually works with large cats that attempt to prey on them. It is quite uncommon to spot them, and they are in grave risk of extinction.