Amazing Animals of the Serengeti Quiz

Answer:

The Cape, or African, buffaloes are large herbivores that make up part of the "Big Five" of African animals. They are dark brown and black and have big, thick horns on the top of their head. They are very unpredictable in their behavior and can be quite dangerous if cornered. They live in large herds in the Seregenti savanna and congregate near water sources.

The African elephant is the world's largest land mammal and makes up part of the "Big Five" of African animals. They roam the plains of the Serengeti and often are seen disappearing into the woodlands to feed. Small herds, led by matriarchs, are found while the males are often solitary or in "bachelor" groups. These animals are extremely intelligent and normally peaceful but can be dangerous if threatened.

The leopard is a big cat and another of the "Big Five" of African animals. They are nicknamed the "Prince of Darkness" and are very elusive. Their spotted coat allows them to easily camouflage in the Serengeti grasses and tree limbs. They are very fast animals and hunt via stalking and then a rapid ambush. They are solitary creatures and can often be found, with their latest catch, in the trees where they enjoy the shade and safety from predators.

Flamingos, particularly the lesser flamingo, can be easily spotted with their pink feathers and long thin legs and necks. They are found in the Serengeti in lakes, especially in the shallow alkaline Lake Ndutu in the southern area of the region. They are migratory birds and get their coloring from the algae that they feed upon.

The olive baboon is an Old World monkey and can be found throughout the Serengeti, including the savanna, woodlands, and water holes. They live in large groups, called troops, that are led by a dominant male. They are omnivores and can be found eating plants, small animals, and even treats they steal from unsuspecting tourists!

Wildebeests, also known as gnus, are members of the antelope family. They have a narrow, long head with horns and a stocky front end with spindly legs. They are mainly grey in color and have manes and "beards". In the Serengeti, they have annual migrations of almost 2 million animals that start in the southern part of the area and trek over huge distances in a large circular pattern as they follow the growth of the high green grass upon which they feed.

African lions, the big cats known as the "King of the Serengeti", are part of the "Big Five" of African animals. These social animals live in large prides. The femalfs often hunt together, bringing down big game or scavenging dead prey. Lions can often be found in the Serengeti in or under trees as they nap in the shade since they sleep over 20 hours a day!

There are five types of rhinoceros (rhino) but the black rhino is the only found in the Serengeti region of Africa. This large, horned animal is critically endangered with multiple conservation efforts to help its population. The black rhino is very solitary and can be seen browsing on bushes, trees, and small plants. They are part of the "Big Five" of African animals and have an amazing sense of smell but poor eyesight. They can charge if cornered.

The Masai giraffes found on the Serengeti savannas are the tallest land animal on earth. They boast dark, jigsaw-like shapes on their lanky bodies and are found in small groups feeding on the leaves and thorns of the acacia trees that abound in the area. They can run at high speeds and have a powerful kick to thwart any potential predator. Although it may appear they look alike, no two giraffe's patterns are ever the same!

Zebras, the black and white striped animals in the same family as horses, are found throughout the Serengeti as they often travel on migrations throughout the area. The unique striped pattern (each animal's pattern is different) is a form of camouflage and pest repellent. They are very social animals and live in large herds where they take turns leading the migratory routes and guarding for dangers. An interesting fact is that genetic research has shown they are black creatures with white stripes, ending a decades long question.

Spotted hyenas are found throughout the Serengeti and are Africa's most common large carnivore. Although big in build, they have short torsos and sloping hindquarters, giving them a loping gait. They have excellent vision and often hunt and scavenge at night. They are actually in the cat group of carnivores and the females are known as excellent mothers. Their powerful jaws give them the ability to crunch through bones in order to eat the marrow found inside. They are very vocal and the "laugh" they are known for is actually a warning sign to others.

Nile crocodiles, some of the largest and most powerful reptiles in the world, are found in the rivers of the Serengeti. They are powerful predators and often feed on the migratory animals attempting to cross the waterways or come down to drink. The crocodiles can remain still for hours as they patiently wait for prey before attacking swiftly and doing a "death roll" to drown the victim. A formidable creature, they are surprisingly gentle and caring parents to their offspring.

The other animals listed are found in different African areas:
Meerkats live in desert areas such as the Kalahari
Sable antelopes live in lightly wooded areas in the southern areas of Africa
Camels prefer deserts and arid steppes
Fennec foxes live in deserts and dry areas of northern Africa
Eastern gorillas live in tropical forests
While black rhinos live in the Serengeti, white rhinos need a more ligher brush area and are found in places like Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
The sitatunga type of antelope lives in marshy and swampy areas of Africa