Taveta Golden Weaver

Species: Taveta Golden Weaver
Habitat: Plains and Woods of Kenya and Tanzania
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest Trail

The Taveta golden weavers are best known for their nest building. These are made by the males in an effort to attract females. The bigger and better the nest the male bird builds, the better chance he has at finding a mate. The birds have very strong claws and bills which allow them the create their masterpieces with reeds and grasses.

The weaver lives in colonies and often single trees will boost numerous nests. The Pangani Forest Trail has a great example of this. The males, like many other bird species, are more brightly colored. The golden feathers, however, are duller on the back, but this bird is still striking. Females are more olive colored. Both are about the size of a sparrow and the species are closely related to sparrows, as well.

Females lay 2 to 3 eggs in the nest. The female generally takes care of the young, being the primary feeder. Mostly, this species of bird eats seeds. They are found in the coastal regions of Tanzania and Kenya, living in swamps, brushlands and more forested areas.

Black Rhino

Species: Black Rhino
Habitat: African Savanna
Status: Critically Endangered
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

So why are they called black rhinos? Well, white rhinos are called "white" due to a corruption of the word "wide," which describes its lip. Then to avoid confusion, they just called this species of rhino, black. The animals are similar in color. The white species, however, is about twice the size of the back kind.

Another difference between the two species of African rhino is, as noted, the lip. The wide lower top lip of the white species is replaced with a nimble hooked lip. This allows it pull up specific types of plants. Its known to eat over 200 species of vegetation. Typically, they feed in the early morning and late afternoon or early evening. The plants provide most of the moisture the animal needs, so it can go without drinking for days if it eats right.

Rhinos are notorious for having bad vision. Just looking at the animal you will notice how small its eyes are. This means the animal is quick to agitate even though it has excellent hearing and sense of smell. The black rhino is obviously fast, reaching speeds over 30 mph which makes it a dangerous animal in the savanna.

The black rhino is quite versatile, being found in many kinds of habitats including grasslands, semi-arid plains, dense brush and woodlands. However, it does prefer areas with a lot of cover to hide and eat. Historically, it was found throughout the lower half of the African continent. However, intense hunting pressures have splintered the population. In fact, it is thought that one subspecies. the western black rhino, is likely extinct. Unfortunately, the animal repopulates slowly giving birth only every two to five years. The total population is around 3,700 animals and as demand for the ivory of its horns continues to grow, the danger to all rhinos increases.

Saddle-billed Stork

Species: Saddle-billed Stork
Habitat: African tropical lowlands
Status: Least concern
DAK Locale: Tree of Life Trails

This large wading bird is common in sub-Saharan Africa. It is very distinct in appearance thanks to its tall stance and vibrant colors. The bill is bright red with a black center, i.e. the saddle. The wings are black, as well. And males look similar to females. As for being tall, it can reach a height of nearly 5 feet which makes it the tallest of storks.

Generally, the birds are quiet with the exception of some bill clacking around the nest. The nests themselves are large and kept in trees near water sources. They do not form colonies and are instead found alone or in pairs. Like most storks, it feeds primarily on fish and invertebrates. While in the water, they move slowly and deliberately.

They are also unusual looking in flight. It flies with its neck stretched out like most storks but the bill, being heavy is kept below the belly. Its large size and somewhat strange appearance has led to belief that this bird is the origin of legends of large thunderbirds.

Okapi

Species: Okapi
Habitat: Tropical Rain Forest of Central Africa
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest Trail, Kidani Village

The okapi is a confusing animal to the general public. They have white stripes on their front legs and hindquarters. This leads many to believe its related to the zebra, but it is not. Look closely at their heads and faces and you will see the resemblance to its closest relative, the giraffe. They also have a long, prehensile tongue used to pull leaves high in the forest. They also share this with the giraffe.

Okapis are difficult to find. In fact, they were one of the last animals discovered by western science, not being identified in scientific journals until the turn of the 20th century. Those zebra like legs and dark reddish upper torso are surprisingly difficult to spot in the thick Congo jungle. It makes for great camouflage in the broken sunlight. The reddish velvety fur is quite oily allowing the rainwater to slide off.

Okapi are solitary in nature. Males tend to keep other males out of their territories which can be up to 2.5 miles in area. The animals tend to be active in the late afternoon and evening. Females are slightly taller than males but the biggest difference to the animal watcher is that males have horns, although they are short and covered in fur. This is so the horns do not get entangled in the dense vegetation.

Okapi are near threatened, but the thick jungle, great camouflage, and political situation of the area makes it difficult to get a good idea on the status of the animal. However, it is estimated that there are 25,000 in the wild and they are not listed as endangered at this time.

Black Necked Swan

Species: Black necked swan
Habitat: lakes and marshes of South America
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Discovery Island Trails

The black necked swan is both the smallest member of its genus as well as the largest waterfowl in South America. It is also the fastest, reaching flight speeds of 50 mph. It is common throughout the southern part of the continent including Patagonia and the Falkand Islands. In winter, it migrates north to the middle of the continent going only as far as southern Brazil.

The body plumage is basically white. The neck, of course, is black as are the head feathers. The bill is grayish. There is a large red knob on the bill, as well. The bird has a distinctive white stripe behind the eye. Both sexes are similar in appearance with the female being only slighty smaller. The cygnets are a light gray color. The pairs essentially mate for life and develop a territorial body of water.

The bird is relatively quiet, making few calls. Unlike many swans, the males will carry their young on their backs just as females do. Nests are built close to their territorial waters whether that's a lake, pond or swamp. It is basically a large mound of vegetation. The diet of the bird consists of aquatic vegetation, insects and fish spawn. They are excellent swimmers, the fastest of all swans. However, this is accomplished by having legs set farther back on their bodies, which unfortunately means they can barely walk on dry land.

Warthog

Species: Warthog
Habitat: African Plains
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

Warthogs are members of the wild pig family. They are found in the sub-Saharan grasslands of Africa. The name comes from the four large wart like protrusions on the top of their snout. These act a fat reserves and are used by males in fighting. They also have two pairs of tusks. These are used for digging, in defense, and fighting amongst themselves like the "warts."

The warthog is the only pig that has adapted to life on the plains. It eats grasses, roots, and berries as well as insects and carrion. The diet depends mostly on the climate. During the rainy season, they mostly graze. During leaner times of the year, the diet is much more "whatever they can find."

 Warthogs are common prey on the savanna. They are hunted by all the major predators: lions, hyena, wild dogs, leopards, cheetah and, of course, man. Females will defend their young against predators, even being known to give their own lives. However, the main method of defense is flight and the warthog is surprisingly fast. If cornered, the tusks are used as a last defense and can be very dangerous.

They live in groups called sounders and are very territorial. The groups are made up mostly of females with males living in territories they guard fiercely. The males have ranges that typically overlap several female sounders.

Warthogs are fairly numerous with estimated populations somewhere above 250,000. They are hunted for their tusks which are popular with the tourist trade. They are also susceptible to drought.

Nicobar Pigeon

Species: Nicobar Pigeon  
Habitat: Nicobar Islands
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek  

This bird stands out in the aviary of the Maharajah Jungle Trek due to its metallic green and gray coloration. The tail on this large pigeon is nearly pure white and is seen clearly while the bird is in flight which may serve as a guide to keep flocks together while traveling. Females are only slightly smaller than the males. Females also have a smaller bill and browner underparts. Unlike many birds, the females are nearly as colorful as the males.

The bird's range includes the islands of Thailand and Myanmar as well as the Nicobar islands off the coast of India from where it got its name. They are also found on numerous island groups throughout the rest of Southeast Asia. The pigeon can be found in flocks going from island to island. Food includes seeds, fruits and grains. They do not shy away from human dominated areas.

The Nicobar pigeon is hunted for food locally. Also, the bird has a gizzard stone that grinds food for digestion. This stone is also sought after by poachers. It has suffered from the illegal pet trade, as well. However, most importantly, the bird is suffering from habitat loss. For nesting, it relies on offshore islets which are far from its natural predators. Unfortunately, these islets are being destroyed by the logging industry as well as being damaged from pollution.

Galapagos Tortoise

Species: Galapagos Tortoise
Habitat: Galapagos Islands
Status: Vulnerable  
DAK Locale: Discovery Island Trails

The Galapagos tortoise is one of the largest reptiles on Earth. In fact, it is the 10th heaviest and can grow to nearly 6 feet in length. It is also incredibly long lived, often surpassing 100 years of age. One captive animal lived to be over 170 years old.

There are several different subspecies of the animal spread over different islands. Also, shell shapes are different depending on whether the tortoise lives in dry or humid areas. These different shapes are called saddleback, which are found in the drier climate, and domed. There is also an intermediate type of shell.

The tortoise is ectothermic, or cold blooded, and will spend some hours warming up at dawn. After that, they will spend 8 to 10 hours foraging. They eat leaves, lichens, grasses and berries. They acquire most of the water they need through the vegetation they eat.  Females build nests by digging holes and will lay up to 16 eggs in the ground before covering it up. The temperature plays a role in determining whether males or females are born.

When westerners first discovered the islands in the late 1500s, there were approximately 250,000 tortoises. However, they became a staple food source and the population declined to just about 3,000 in the late 1970s. The animal is now protected and it is believed there are about 20,000 animals in the wild with a fairly healthy zoo population, as well.

Black and White Colobus Monkey

Species: Black and White Colobus monkey
Habitat: Congo Forest  
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest

The black and white colobus monkeys are common throughout the African rain forest. They very rarely venture to the ground. In fact, it is possible some of them never set foot on the jungle floor throughout their entire lives. They do not need to even drink from rivers and ponds. Water collected in the leaves they eat is enough.

For the most, colobus monkeys eat leaves. However, they also eat fruits, flowers and even certain types of bark. Their stomachs are unusual in that they have two compartments. It is similar to ruminants (such as cows), kangaroos and sloths and is unique in the primate world.

These monkeys live in groups of three to fifteen individuals. Babies are born snow white in color. The groups are highly social calling out to one another in the forest as the thick vegetation can often block visual contact. Grooming is important like with most social primates.

Black and white colobus monkeys are not deemed endangered as a whole. However, locally some populations are due to the fur trade and deforestation.

Blue Crane

Species: Blue Crane
Habitat: Dry Grasslands of Southern Africa
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Kidani Village

The Blue crane is also known as the Stanley crane and is the national bird of South Africa. Among cranes, it is relatively small. It is also fairly obvious how it got its name. The bird is a light blue color which is darkest along the neck and back, where other areas are nearly white in coloration. Long wingtip feathers can touch the ground.

They generally live in dry upland areas that have access to wetlands. Feeding occurs almost exclusively in the drier areas of its range. Food is mostly insects but can include snails, frogs and small reptiles.  Of all the cranes, it is the most limited in distribution being found almost only in South Africa.

These birds are not overtly social. However, dominant males are at the top of the hierarchy. Males will dance to attract females, flinging objects and leaping into the air. Both males and females will incubate eggs, which usually number two in a clutch. The young are able to walk within two days and swim shortly thereafter.

It is believed there are about 26,000 birds left in the wild. It is no longer seen in parts of its historic range. The decline of the species is partly due to human hunting and habitat loss. It is currently listed as Vulnerable.

Patagonian Cavy

Species: Patagonian Cavy  
Habitat: Arid Plains of Argentina
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: The Oasis

The cavy is also called the mara. It is a large rodent, although it does resemble a jackrabbit with large ears and long legs. The feet are compressed to resemble hooves. These are all adaptations for living in the dry plains of South America.

Like rabbits, it can be found living in warrens with several mated pairs living together. The animals are unique in their living arrangements. They do live in groups but within the groups are pairs that mate for life. The warrens can contain as many as twenty pairs.

The animals prefer areas with significant shrub cover. In parts of Argentina, it can be found in forested areas, as well. They are herbivores, eating mostly leaves, grasses and fruit. In the South American plains, they essentially occupy the same role that antelope or deer in other parts of the world occupy. The cavy are essential prey items for foxes and birds of prey.

The mara is listed as near threatened. This is due mostly to over hunting. However, habitat loss has also been an issue.

Waterbuck

Species: Waterbuck
Habitat: Savanna near water
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Kidani Village

The waterbuck is a large antelope found in sub-Sahara Africa. Their coats are reddish brown as young adults and get progressively darker with age. This coloration is broken up by white on the chest and rump. Only males have horns, which can get long and spiral.

The animal prefers grasslands. Its name notwithstanding, the antelope does not live in water but near it. Its diet mostly consists of the long grasses that typically grow near rivers and swamps. It will go into the water to escape predators such as lions and hyenas. They are herd animals living in groups numbering as many 600. Males keep territories for food and mates.

Calves can be born throughout the year. Once born, the mother does it best to hide the calf from the numerous predators of the African plains. They will nurse for 6 to 8 months. Males, once weaned, begin to wander off and will create small bachelor herds until they can control their own territory. Young females tend to stay with their mother's herd. They are fully grown at about three years of age.

It is believed that there are about 200,000 of the animals left in this fairly wide range. In some areas, however, habitat loss and habitat fragmentation have put the waterbuck in decline.

Yellow-backed duiker

Species: Yellow-backed duiker
Habitat: Rainforest
Status: Threatened
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest

Yellow-backed duikers are found in a large portion of western and central Africa. In fact, they are the most numerous and widespread of all duiker species. It lives in the dense rain forests of that region. They appear to be dark brown, but upon close inspection a faint yellow or orange stripe can be seen just above its hindquarters. It is this stripe that gives the animal its name. Despite being the most widespread of the 15 duiker species, it is still threatened. This animal is one of the preferred choices for bushmeat and is often hunted for food by locals. They are easily trapped due to its relatively small size, although it is the largest of the duiker species, as well.

The animal plays a vital role in its ecosystem. They eat numerous different kinds of fruit and disperse the seeds throughout the jungle. They will also occasionally eat flowers and leaves, but it is fruit that makes up the vast majority of its diet.

Yellow-backed duikers live in monogamous pairs. They will jointly scent mark their territories and will even sleep in beds formed under fallen trees or in dense vegetation where it would be difficult for predators such as leopards to reach them. This animal is very territorial. In addition to scent marking, they will use a complex set of calls and dominance displays as well as mark trees with their horns. The pairs also work together to raise calves. The male takes an active role in protecting the young from predators.

Scimitar Horned Oryx

Species: Scimitar Horned Oryx    
Habitat: Arid plains of North Africa
Status: Extinct in the Wild
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safaris

This oryx is actually extinct in the wild. They had once inhabited the deserts and semi-deserts of northern Africa. However, now is found only in game reserves in Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. It was hunted to near complete extinction for its beautiful horns, which are identical to each other. In profile, it can appear that the animal has one single horn. It is widely accepted that this animal is the source of the unicorn legend. This oryx was widely domesticated in Ancient Egypt and Rome.

They are perfectly adapted to living in the high temperatures and low moisture level of their habitat. They efficiently cool themselves in the heat in requiring less water. They can reach internal temperature's over 110 degrees before perspiring. They can tolerate temperature that would be lethal to most other antelope. They also feed almost exclusively in the early morning hours or at night to avoid activity at the height of the sun. Their coat, which is nearly all white with just some light tan markings, effectively reflects the sun's rays.

This species is very sociable. They travel in herds of up to 40 animals which are led by a dominant bull. However, the species did once migrate in herds of over a thousand animals. Herds will feed together and then rest under shrubs and trees together during the day. Although ,ales are bigger, both sexes have horns which are long and thin. They are also easily breakable which also could be the source of the legend of the unicorn.

African Spoonbill

Species: African Spoonbill
Habitat: Wetlands
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: The Oasis

It is fairly obvious at first glance where the name spoonbill comes from when looking at these aquatic birds. In the marshes of Africa, where the spoonbill lives, the unusual beak is put into the water and swung from side to side in order to catch prey.  This bird has a wide variety in its diet, including fish, mollusks, invertabrates, amphibians, and crustaceans. It is not choosy, what it gets in its huge bill, it eats. It well adapted to the shallow pools and swamps with its long, thin legs making it easy for the bird to navigate the muddy ground.

The African spoonbill is widespread and common in its habitat. It can be found all across southern Africa as well as Madagascar. They nest in the trees near the waterline. The clutch of eggs numbers between 3 and 5 and are laid usually in springtime (April and May). The eggs are incubated by both parents. Both parents also care for the young for up to 5 weeks. The young generally leave the nest at that point to hunt in the nearby swamp. They can fly at about 8 to 10 weeks.

Spectacled Owl

Species: Spectacled Owl
Habitat: Rain forests of Central and South America
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Flights of Wonder

The Spectacled owl is a medium sized owl with very distinctive markings. Its plumage is a dark brown. However, its name derives from the white feathers that circle its eyes forming "spectacles." This bird is widespread being found from southern Mexico, through Central America all the way to the heart of the amazon. Mostly found in tropical forests, it will occasionally be found in secondary forests.

The bird also has distinctive sounds. Its main call sounds like the tapping on wood of a woodpecker. In fact, the bird's name in Brazil translates to knocking owl. Female birds also use a hawk-like scream. It is typically the largest owl in its habitat although the larger Great Horned owl will rarely be found in the northern portion of its range.

Like almost all owls, it hunts mostly at night although it starts hunting at dusk. Rodents make up a large portion of its diet although larger mammals like skunks and opossums will be taken by adult birds. Smaller prey like crabs, caterpillars, and spiders are eaten, as well.

Nests are built into tree hollows. The chicks hatches after 5 weeks of incubation. Two eggs are usually laid. The birds leave the nests as soon as they are strong enough to sit on the branches of the tree well before being able to fly. However, they will be dependent on their parents for up to a year.

Hartmann's Mountain Zebra

Species: Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
Habitat: Mountain slopes and open grasslands
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Animal Kingdom Lodge

The mountain zebra is found along the mountains of south western Africa. They feed on the grasses, shrubs and leaves from the more arid portions of the region. They do prefer higher elevations but will move down the slopes for grazing and have been known to seek shelter from the cold in forests.

Compared to plains zebra, the mountain variety live in much smaller groups. Typically, there is only one male, along with a up to five females and foals.  The male  will control the group until a bachelor overthrows him.  The other males live in their own separate bachelor-only groups.

Mountain zebras are divided amongst two subspecies, the Cape and the Hartmann's (which are found at the Animal Kingdom Lodge). The Hartmann's mountain zebra are found in the extreme southwestern part of Angola as well as western Namibia. They average 7 to 8.5 feet in height and can  weigh up to 800 pounds. This type of zebra have particularly strong hooves for climbing. Coloration is the same as other zebra except their bellies are white with one black stripe.

The mountain zebra is considered vulnerable. There are only about 7000 Hartmann's mountain zebras left in the wild. Hunting has been the biggest problem as locals are concerned about competition with domestic animals needing the same grasslands. Droughts have also hastened the decline of the species.

Giant Running Bamboo

Species: Giant Running Bamboo
Habitat: Every Continent except Europe and Antartica
DAK Locale: All over

Bamboo, although it looks like a tree, is actually a grass and is planted throughout the the Animal Kingdom. It is also an ancient species, being well over 100 million years old. In total, there are somewhere in excess of 1,200 species of the grass. All bamboo are grouped into two types, the runners and the clumpers.

Along the Wild Africa Trek, you will see some amazing examples of the running variety of bamboo including the Phyllostachys vivax. As a runner, the plant produces rhizomes under the surface of the soil that produces new shoots. These are called runners. The plant, such as the Phyllostachys vivax, can grow to be over 40 feet high. Some forms of bamboo are fast growing indeed, with one species growing nearly 2 inches per hour over a day. The variety in size is unparrelled in the plant world, with some forms of bamboo being merely a few inches high and others reaching over 100 feet in height.

Bamboo is also one of the most widely used plants in the world. There may be 5,000 uses of bamboo, well more than any other natural resource. The first light bulb used it. The first phonograph used it as well. It is most widely used in Asia, where it makes up much of the paper in India and other parts of the continent. And, of course, it is well known that the Giant Panda eats exclusively bamboo in the forests of the China.

Common Wildebeest

Species: Common Wildebeest
Habitat: Plains and Dry Woodlands of Southern and Eastern Africa
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari/Animal Kingdom Lodge

The common wildebeest is one of two species of wildebeest, with the other being the black wildebeest. Other names for the common variety include the gnu, the white bearded wildebeest and the blue wildebeest, the last of which stems from the slightly blue sheen of their short hairs. The animal has a muscular, front heavy appearance with a very pronounced muzzle and large horns. The legs, however, are thin for its body size.

The wildebeest is well known for its herds. There are large numbers of these animals in Africa, with over one million in the Serengeti alone. Very few people have not seen the herds traveling in vast numbers across the African plains in documentaries. Many predators such as lions and hyenas travel with the herds for food, while other species of antelope will mingle with the herd as a form of protection. Plain zebras are often found with wildebeest. The zebras tends to eat the heavy vegetation leaving the newer short grass for the gnu. In some parts of their range, the herds are significantly smaller numbering only a 30 or so animals as opposed to the thousands in the other parts of their range.

The massive herds are migratory in nature, moving from place to place after the rainy season has ended to go after wetter grasses. They will sometimes have to cross large, fast moving rivers. The herd will congregate at the edge of the river almost afraid to go in. And for good reason, not only is the river fast and treacherous but is often full of hungry Nile crocodiles. Eventually, one animal takes the plunge, and the rest soon follow. The weak and old often do not make it becoming crocodile food.

Males will become territorial and attempt to control a number of females for reproduction. Most of the mating occurs during the rainy season when things are "good." When young are born, they are ready to move. Most wildebeest calves are able to run within seven minutes of birth, which is necessary considering the amount of predators ready to take advantage of the weak. Young will stay close to their mothers for some time for protection. Interestingly, it appears in larger herds the survival rate of young is much higher.

African Crested Porcupine

Species: African Crested Porcupine
Habitat: Sub-Sahara Africa
Status: Least Concern  
DAK Locale: Tree of Life Trails

The crested porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa. As such, it is very adaptable, being found in nearly any type of habitat on the continent. The only exceptions being the most humid jungle and the hottest part of the desert.  Due to its adaptability, it is strong in numbers while many of the species that share its habitat are endangered. It is also found in North Africa and Sicily.
African Crested Porcupine from Disney's Animal Kingdom

The word porcupine stems from the Latin phrase, "quill pig." Like all porcupines, the crested variety has quills and big ones at that. Depending on where its located on its body, the quill ranges from 1 inch to 12 inches in length. Contrary to some belief, the porcupine cannot "shoot" its quills. Instead, when attacked the quills are easily detached staying in the would be predator, an effective defense. Often, if intimidation doesn't work to scare off a lion or hyena, the animal will charge backwards at its predator. Scales on the tips of the quills makes them difficult to remove after they get stuck. Quills essentially being a form of hair, will grow back.

The  animal is most common in the hilly, rocky countryside of Africa. They tend to use roots and rocks as shelter in the broken areas. Their preferred food includes roots, tubers and fruit. They have been known damage crops. For that reason, they are often killed on sight by farmers.