By Collins Wafula
Africa is home to a wide variety of animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. However, some of these animals are considered to be rare, with small and declining populations. Here are a few examples of some of the rarest animals found in Africa:
The Black Rhinoceros: The black rhinoceros is one of the most endangered animals in Africa, with only around 5,500 individuals remaining in the wild. They are primarily found in eastern and southern Africa and are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their horns.
The Mountain Gorilla: The mountain gorilla is one of the most critically endangered primates in the world, with an estimated population of around 1,004 individuals. They are found in the Virunga Mountains that span across Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Habitat destruction, poaching and civil unrest are the main reasons behind their decline.
The Saola: The Saola, also known as the “Asian unicorn,” is one of the rarest animals in the world, with only a handful of individuals thought to remain in the wild. This elusive mammal is native to the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos, and it was only discovered in 1992.
The Pangolin: Pangolins are the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world. All eight species of pangolin, including the four African species, are listed as endangered or critically endangered. They are found in many African countries and their population is declining due to poaching for their meat, scales and other body parts.
The Cross River Gorilla: The Cross River Gorilla, is a subspecies of the western gorilla and is one of the most endangered primates in the world, with an estimated population of around 300 individuals. They are found in the upland rainforests of Nigeria and Cameroon and are threatened by habitat loss, poaching and disease.
The African Wild Dog: The African Wild Dog, also known as the Painted dog, is one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores, with an estimated population of around 6,600 individuals remaining in the wild. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are threatened by habitat loss, disease and human persecution.
These are just a few examples of the rarest animals found in Africa, and there are many other species that are considered to be endangered or critically endangered. The preservation of these rare animals is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of the continent and the world. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and breeding programs are crucial for the survival of these animals.