The Animal That Rules Each African Nation

The Most Common Animal You'll Find in Each African Country

Take a journey through Africa with a simple guide to the amazing animals found in each country. Learn about the different kinds of wildlife that live there and the natural environments that help them thrive. From the giant elephants in Botswana, and the Nile tilapia in Egypt to the lively chimpanzees in Uganda, discover the interesting stories and traits of some of Africa’s most common animals. 

Discover the most abundant animal in every African nation

Nigeria - Chimpanzee: The Chimpanzee is Nigeria's most populous animal, a highly intelligent primate closely related to humans. They are known for their complex social structures, tool use, and impressive communication skills.

Ethiopia - Cattle: Ethiopia has a large cattle population due to its agrarian economy and the cultural significance of livestock.

South Africa - Impala: These antelopes are widespread across South Africa's savannas and are highly adaptable to various habitats.

Kenya - Wildebeest: Known for the annual Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, Kenya hosts vast numbers of wildebeest during this spectacle.

Tanzania - Elephants: Tanzania is home to some of Africa's largest elephant populations, especially in its national parks like Serengeti and Selous.

Egypt - Nile Tilapia: This fish is extensively farmed in the Nile River due to its importance in Egyptian cuisine and aquaculture.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - Bonobos: DRC is one of the last refuges for bonobos, a species of great ape closely related to chimpanzees.

Ghana - Sheep and goats: These livestock species are widely raised in Ghana for meat and cultural purposes.

Morocco - Barbary Macaques: Found mainly in the Atlas Mountains, Barbary macaques are a significant species in Morocco's wildlife.

Uganda - Chimpanzees: Uganda is renowned for its chimpanzee populations, particularly in Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest.

Study this complete list of the most populous animals in each African country.

Algeria: Jackal

Angola: Elephant

Benin: Patas Monkey

Botswana: Elephant

Burkina Faso: Patas Monkey

Burundi: Olive Baboon

Cabo Verde: Green Sea Turtle

Cameroon: Gorilla

Central African Republic: Forest Elephant

Chad: Giraffe

Congo, Democratic Republic of the: Bonobo

Congo, Republic of the: Gorilla

Côte d'Ivoire: Chimpanzee

Djibouti: Hamadryas Baboon

Egypt: Nile Tilapia

Equatorial Guinea: Gorilla

Eritrea: Cattle

Eswatini: White Rhinoceros

Ethiopia: Cattle

Gabon: Gorilla

The Gambia: Patas Monkey

Ghana: Sheep and Goats

Guinea: Chimpanzee

Guinea-Bissau: Patas Monkey

Kenya: Wildebeest

Lesotho: Mountain Zebra

Liberia: Chimpanzee

Libya: Fennec Fox

Madagascar: Lemur

Malawi: Elephant

Mali: Cattle

Mauritania: Dorcas Gazelle

Mauritius: Pink Pigeon

Morocco: Barbary Macaque

Mozambique: Elephant

Namibia: Elephant

Niger: Birds

Nigeria: Chimpanzee

Rwanda: Mountain Gorilla

Sao Tome and Principe: Giant Sengi

Senegal: Patas Monkey

Seychelles: Green Sea Turtle

Sierra Leone: Chimpanzee

Somalia: Cattle

South Africa: Impala

South Sudan: Elephant

Sudan: Antelope

Tanzania: Elephant

Togo: Hussar Monkey

Tunisia: Dorcas Gazelle

Uganda: Chimpanzee

Zambia: Elephant

Zimbabwe: African Wild Dog