Animal Book – Safari Navigator

All images and facts are contributed by users. Want to contribute or have spotted an error? Email us at [email protected]. Image rights belong to the original contributors. Search by: Animal (e.g., Giraffe, Eagle), Category (e.g., Big, Special), or Conservation Status (e.g., Endangered, Vulnerable)

Search: Rhino, Big, Ugly, Endangered...

Stork, Marabou

SWAHILI NAME: Marabu/Korongo Mfuko-shingo
CATEGORY: Ugly 5
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Other storks
DISTINGUISHED BY: Bald head and large throat pouch
1. Scavenges carrion and follows predators to feed on leftovers.
2. Nicknamed the “undertaker bird” for its cloak-like wings, skinny legs, and somber appearance.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Stork, Yellow-billed

SWAHILI NAME: Korongo Domonjano
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Heron, Egret
DISTINGUISHED BY: Bright yellow bill and long, slender neck
1. Found in wetlands, often foraging in shallow water for fish and frogs
2. Makes distinctive, loud calls during breeding season
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Suni

SWAHILI NAME: Paa
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Dik-dik
DISTINGUISHED BY: Tiny size and reddish coat.
1. One of the smallest antelopes, standing just 30–43 cm (12–17 inches) tall.
2. Secretive and nocturnal, it hides in dense vegetation and marks its territory with scent glands near its eyes.
PHOTO CREDIT: Luvai Gohar

Topi

SWAHILI NAME: Nyamera
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Hartebeest
DISTINGUISHED BY: Smaller size, reddish coat, and curved horns
1. Stands on termite mounds to scan for predators and rivals
2. One of the fastest antelopes, reaching speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph)
PHOTO CREDIT: Felix Anzimbu

Tortoise, Leopard

SWAHILI NAME: Kobe
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
CATEGORY: Little 5
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: African Spurred Tortoise
DISTINGUISHED BY: Smaller, spotted shell resembling a leopard’s coat
1. Fourth largest tortoise species
2. Each tortoise's shell markings are unique, similar to human fingerprints
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Vulture

SWAHILI NAME: Tumbusi
CATEGORY: Ugly 5
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: N/A
DISTINGUISHED BY: Bald heads and broad wings
1. Have tetrachromatic vision, seeing in four colors, including ultraviolet. Humans see only three.
2. Urinate on their legs and feet to stay cool and kill bacteria or parasites.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Vulture, White-backed

SWAHILI NAME: Tumbusi Mgongo-mweupe
CONSERVATION STATUS: Critically Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Other vultures
DISTINGUISHED BY: White patch on back
1. Soars up to 10,000 feet, using keen eyesight to spot carrion, vital as scavengers.
2. Threatened by poisoning from poisoned carcasses and habitat loss due to human activity.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Warthog, Common

SWAHILI NAME: Ngiri/Mbango
CATEGORY: Ugly 5
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Desert warthog
DISTINGUISHED BY: Larger size, erect ear tips, more hair, smaller snout
1. Social animals, living in groups called sounders
2. Feed with front feet bent backward, moving on their “wrists”
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

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