Scientific Name:

Aepyceros Melampus

Description:

Impala are sexually dimorphic. In this species only the males have S shaped horns that are 45 to 91.7 cm long. These horns are heavily ridged, thin, and the tips lie far apart. Both sexes are similarly colored with red-brown hair which pales on the sides. The underside of the belly, chin, lips, inside ears, the line over the eye, and tail are white. There are black stripes down the tail, foreheard, both thighs, and eartips. These black stripes might aid in recognition between individuals. Aepyceros melampus also have scent glands on their rear feet beneath patches of black hair as well as sebaceous glands on the forehead. The graceful impala is a slender, medium-sized antelope so adaptable that it is found from Southern Africa to the northern limits of East Africa. The body is reddish-brown with white hair inside the ears, over each eye and on the chin, upper throat, underparts and buttocks. A narrow black line runs along the middle of the lower back to the long tail, and a vertical black stripe appears on the back of each thigh. Unlike other antelopes, impalas have large, brushlike tufts of long, coarse black hair that cover a scent gland located just above the heel on each hind leg.

Habitat:

The impala is found in woodland which contains little undergrowth and low to medium height grassland. Also a close source of water is desired, however is not needed when there is abundance of grass.

Distribution:

The impala is found from northeast South Africa to Angola, south Zaire, Rwanda, Uganda,and Kenya.

Size:

28 to 36 inches tall.

Weight:

45 to 60 kg; avg. 52.50 kg.

Lifespan:

12 years.

Scientific Name:

Hippopotamus Amphibius

Description:

The hippopotamus is typically a slate brown color to muddy brown, with purplish hues often visible. The eyes and nostrils protrude, allowing the animal to see and breathe while otherwise submerged in the water. The hippopotamus is recognizable for its barrel-shaped torso, enormous mouth and teeth, hairless body, stubby legs and tremendous size. It is similar in size to the White Rhinoceros; only elephants are consistently heavier. Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it can easily outrun a human. Hippos have been clocked at 30 mph (48 km/h) while running short distances, faster than an Olympic sprinter. The hippopotamus is among the most dangerous and aggressive of all animals, and are regarded to be Africa's most dangerous animal. There are an estimated 125,000 to 150,000 hippos remaining throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, of which Zambia (40,000) and Tanzania (20,000-30,000) have the largest populations. They are still threatened by poaching for their meat and ivory canine teeth, and by habitat loss.

Habitat:

The preferred habitat of this species is deep water with adjacent reed beds and grasslands. Rivers, swamps and protected areas. Formerly everywhere south of the Sahara where adequate water and grazing occur. Largely confined now to protected areas but still survives in many major rivers and swamps. Hippos need water deep enough to cover them, within commuting distance of pasture. They must submerge because their thin, naked skin is vulnerable to overheating and dehydration. They avoid rapids, preferring gently sloping, firm bottom where herds can rest half-submerged and calves can nurse without swimming.

Distribution:

Historically, hippos have been found throughout all of subsaharan Africa, but most populations have been reduced or exterminated. Currently, the only large populations of hippos occur in the Nile river valley of East Africa.

Size:

A massive animal, it measures 1500mm in height at the shoulder and has a length of 4310-5160 mm, of which about 560mm is tail.

Weight:

The average weights for adult males ranged between 1500-1800 kg (3,300-4,000 lbs). Females are smaller than their male counterparts, with average weights measuring between 1300-1,500 kg (2,900-3,300 lbs).

Lifespan:

A hippo's lifespan is typically 40 to 50 years.[

Scientific Name:

Giraffa Camelopardalis

Description:

A tall-tree specialist with very long legs and a long neck. The coat is tan with brown patches, and the males use their bony horns and necks for fighting. A large animal with extremely long legs, a sloping back and a very long neck. They have a long muzzle and large eyes, medium-sized ears and bony horns on head (especially in adult males). The coat is short and sandy-coloured with dark brown patches of varying intensities and shapes. They have a short, upright brown mane and a long dark tassle on tail, and cloven hooves.

Habitat:

Open grasslands with scattered trees. They prefer areas enriched with acacia growth. They drink large quantities of water and, as a result, they can spend long periods of time in dry, arid areas. When searching for more food they will venture into areas with denser foliage.

Distribution:

Sub-Saharan Africa. Increasingly rare in the west.

Size:

3.8-4.7m long with a tail 80-100cm and standing 4-4.7m at the shoulder. Height to horn tips 4.7-5.3m in males and 3.9-4.5m in females.

Weight:

Weigh up to 1,700 kilograms

Lifespan:

25 years (28 in captivity).

Scientific Name:

Oryx Gazella

Description:

Gemsbuck are large bovids with very thick, muscular necks, covered in dense, inelastic skin. Oryx gazella is the largest of the Oryx species. The slightly curved, ringed horns range from 60 to 150 cm in length. The horns of females are often shorter and more slender than those of males. Black markings on the face extend down from the base of the horns to above the muzzle, and sweep back in stripes over the eyes and cheeks. Black continues down the neck and around the underbody, forming bands around all four legs. A stripe also runs up the spine, starting at the tip of the tail and ending at a short thick mane of black. There are black markings on the front of all four legs. The lower portion of the legs, muzzle, and underbelly are all white, whereas the body and neck are a gray or tan color. In instances of high productivity grazing, fat deposits under the skin become noticeable. Inidividuals in northern populations have characteristic black tufts on the ears and are generally darker in color with thinner black markings than are individuals from southern populations.

Habitat:

Gemsbok are found at elevations from 900 to 1,200 meters, in wooded grasslands as well as wetter grasslands. They can survive in areas of low productivity. Gemsbok prefer stony plains with at least limited water access, but can subsist in areas of dunes, rocky mountainous areas, and arid habitats with little seasonal water. Gemsbok also frequent open areas more than areas with increased tree density.

Distribution:

The range of gemsbok, Oryx gazella, mostly consists of southern east Africa, though formerly the range included South Africa.

Size:

Gemsbok measure 115 to 125 cm high at the shoulder, and have total body lengths between 180 and 195 cm.

Weight:

Females weigh from 180 to 225 kg, whereas males are slightly larger, weighing between 180 and 240 kg.

Lifespan:

The average life span is approximately 18 years in the wild, and 20 in captivity.