🌍 Endangered Wildlife in Africa
Africa is home to some of the most iconic and beloved wildlife on the planet — giraffes, lions, zebras, elephants, pangolins, and so many others. Unfortunately, many of these species are facing serious threats due to habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
The African continent hosts an extraordinary biodiversity, but also some of the most critically endangered species on Earth. From majestic big cats to lesser-known yet vital pollinators and scavengers, each plays an irreplaceable role in the ecosystem. As human activity continues to expand, the survival of these species becomes increasingly precarious.
🐘African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Shoulder height: Between 2.5 and 3.95 m
Weight: Between 2,500 and 7,000 kg
Diet: Herbivore; leaves, fruits, tree bark
Gestation: Approximately 22 months
Birth: A single calf, about 90 kg and 90 cm tall
Weaning: Starts at four months, but may continue nursing up to three years
Lifespan: Up to 70 years in the wild
Conservation status: Endangered
Main threats: Poaching for ivory, habitat fragmentation
Conservation efforts: Anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, wildlife corridors
The African elephant is the largest land mammal on Earth. Unfortunately, its impressive size has made it a primary target for illegal hunting. Throughout history, large mammals have often been the first victims of human exploitation — and elephants are no exception. They are hunted for their meat, trunks, and especially their tusks, which are highly valued in the illegal ivory trade.
Today, it is estimated that the global population of African elephants is around 450,000 individuals, with many local populations drastically reduced due to habitat loss and poaching pressure.
Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and the creation of transboundary wildlife corridors to ensure these majestic animals have safe spaces to live and migrate.
Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) 
Height: Up to 1.8 m
Weight: Up to 1,400 kg
Diet: Herbivore; shrubs, leaves, and twigs
Gestation: 15 to 16 months
Birth: A single calf
Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Main threats: Poaching for horns, illegal wildlife trade
Conservation efforts: Armed protection, individual relocation, intensive monitoring
The black rhinoceros is one of Africa’s most iconic — and most critically endangered — species. Once widespread across the continent, its population suffered a dramatic decline in the 20th century due to relentless poaching for its horns and extensive habitat destruction. Despite its name, the black rhino is not truly black in color; it is similar in tone to the white rhino, with the main difference being the shape of its upper lip — pointed and prehensile, adapted for browsing shrubs.
Despite numerous conservation efforts, the species still faces severe threats. Its horns are highly valued in illegal markets, especially in parts of Asia, where they are falsely believed to have medicinal properties.
Today, the total population is estimated at just over 5,000 individuals — a significant recovery from historic lows, but the species remains extremely vulnerable.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Primary Threats: Illegal poaching for horns, habitat loss
Conservation Actions: Anti-poaching operations, relocation to safer reserves, and community-based conservation programs
Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
Height: Up to 1.75 m standing
Weight: 140–200 kg
Diet: Herbivorous; leaves, stems, fruits
Gestation: 257 days
Birth: One infant
Lifespan: Up to 35 years
Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Threats: Poaching, disease, habitat destruction
Conservation efforts: Responsible ecotourism, intensive protection, genetic monitoring
Mountain gorillas inhabit the misty mountain forests of the Virunga Mountains (spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla and are known for their strong family bonds, led by a dominant male silverback.
These gorillas are among the most endangered great apes. While they have few natural predators due to their size and strength, human activity has brought them to the brink. Habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict have severely reduced their populations.
Today, there are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, living in small, isolated populations. Thanks to decades of intense conservation efforts — including anti-poaching patrols and ecotourism programs — their numbers are slowly increasing. In the 1980s, fewer than 300 remained, making this one of the rare success stories in wildlife conservation.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Main Threats: Habitat destruction, human conflict, and disease
Conservation Efforts: Ecotourism initiatives, strict anti-poaching laws, habitat restoration, veterinary health monitoring
African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) 
Height: Up to 75 cm
Weight: 18–36 kg
Diet: Carnivorous; hunts antelope, birds, and rodents in packs
Gestation: 70–75 days
Birth: 6–12 pups
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Conservation status: Endangered
Threats: Disease, human conflict, habitat fragmentation
Conservation efforts: GPS collar tracking, wildlife corridors, environmental education
Also known as the painted wolf, the African wild dog is one of Africa’s most efficient hunters, known for its speed, endurance, and cooperative pack behavior. Once widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, its range has been drastically reduced.
Highly social, they live in tightly knit packs and rely on teamwork during hunts. However, they face serious threats from habitat fragmentation, conflict with humans, and diseases like rabies and canine distemper, often transmitted by domestic dogs.
Fewer than 6,000 individuals remain today, fragmented across southern and eastern Africa. Their survival is precarious due to limited range, infectious disease, and human encroachment.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Main Threats: Habitat loss, human conflict, infectious diseases
Conservation Efforts: Vaccination programs, wildlife corridors, public awareness campaigns
Common Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Height: Up to 1.7 m standing
Weight: 40–60 kg
Diet: Omnivorous; fruits, leaves, insects, occasional meat
Gestation: Around 230 days
Birth: One infant
Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Conservation status: Endangered
Threats: Habitat loss, disease, illegal trade
Conservation efforts: Wildlife refuges, education campaigns, sustainable ecotourism
Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing about 98.7% of human DNA. They are highly intelligent, capable of using tools, solving problems, and expressing complex emotions. Their social structures vary widely by region.
Current estimates suggest between 170,000 and 300,000 chimpanzees remain in the wild, mostly in West and Central Africa.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Main Threats: Deforestation, bushmeat hunting, and human-transmitted diseases
Conservation Efforts: Forest protection, anti-poaching patrols, disease monitoring, ecotourism initiatives.
African Lion (Panthera leo) 
Height: Up to 1.2 m at the shoulder
Weight: 150–250 kg
Diet: Carnivorous; hunts large herbivores in prides
Gestation: 110 days
Birth: 2–4 cubs per litter
Lifespan: Up to 14 years in the wild
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Threats: Poaching, human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss
Conservation efforts: Protected reserves, coexistence programs, protection patrols
The African lion symbolizes strength and majesty, but its population has sharply declined due to human activity. Lions live in complex social groups and play a vital ecological role by regulating herbivore populations.
An estimated 20,000 lions remain in the wild — a drop of more than 40% in recent decades.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Main Threats: Habitat loss, human conflict, prey depletion, trophy hunting
Conservation Efforts: Anti-poaching initiatives, protected areas, community engagement programs
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Height: Up to 90 cm at the shoulder
Weight: 35–72 kg
Diet: Carnivorous; mainly gazelles and small herbivores
Gestation: Around 90–95 days
Birth: 2–4 cubs per litter
Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild
Conservation status: Vulnerable (some populations endangered)
Threats: Habitat loss, human conflict, poaching
Conservation efforts: Wildlife corridors, breeding programs, community education
The cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h over short distances. It thrives in open plains and savannas, relying on speed and agility to catch prey. Despite its prowess, it faces growing threats due to low genetic diversity and human pressures.
Fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remain, with only a fraction living in protected areas.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Main Threats: Habitat fragmentation, human conflict, wildlife trade, low genetic diversity
Conservation Efforts: Habitat connectivity, education programs, relocation and reintroduction strategies, genetic monitoring.
Northern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) 
Height: Up to 5.7 m (males), 4.3 m (females)
Weight: 800–1,900 kg
Diet: Herbivorous; acacia leaves and tall trees
Gestation: 15 months
Birth: One calf, able to stand within an hour
Lifespan: Up to 25 years
Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Threats: Habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting
Conservation efforts: Population monitoring, habitat restoration, education campaigns
Despite their iconic presence, giraffes are quietly slipping toward extinction. The northern giraffe has seen steep population declines due to poaching and habitat loss.
Fewer than 5,000 individuals remain in the wild.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (varies slightly by subspecies)
Main Threats: Habitat destruction, poaching, civil unrest
Conservation Efforts:
- Reserve creation and habitat protection
- Anti-poaching patrols
- Translocation programs to boost recovery
- Population monitoring and community-based initiatives
Bonobo (Pan paniscus) 
Height: Up to 1.2 m standing
Weight: 30–40 kg
Diet: Omnivorous; fruits, leaves, insects, small vertebrates
Gestation: Around 240 days
Birth: One infant
Lifespan: Up to 40 years in the wild
Conservation status: Endangered
Threats: Poaching, habitat loss, disease
Conservation efforts: Habitat protection, community education, captive breeding programs
Bonobos, sometimes called “pygmy chimpanzees,” are among our closest living relatives. Known for their peaceful and cooperative social structure, they inhabit the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Their population has declined drastically due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Current estimates range from 2,000 to 10,000 individuals.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Main Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, human encroachment
Conservation Efforts:
- Anti-poaching patrols
- Awareness campaigns in local communities
- Protected area support and wildlife corridors
- NGO-government partnerships
- Legal advocacy and education programs
Giant Ground Pangolin (Smutsia gigantea)
Length: Up to 1.5 meters from head to tail
Weight: 30–40 kg
Diet: Insectivorous — feeds on ants and termites
Reproduction: 140-day gestation; one offspring
Lifespan: Estimated up to 20 years in the wild
Conservation status: Endangered
Threats: Illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction
Conservation efforts:
- Habitat monitoring and protection
- Awareness campaigns against scale trafficking
- Strengthening wildlife protection laws
- Community-based education and conservation initiatives
By Ross Barnett, Marie Lisandra Zepeda Mendoza, André Elias Rodrigues Soares, Simon Y W Ho, Grant Zazula, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Beth Shapiro, Irina V Kirillova, Greger Larson, M Thomas P Gilbert – Barnett, R. et al., (2016). Mitogenomics of the Extinct Cave Lion, Panthera spelaea (Goldfuss, 1810), Resolve its Position within the Panthera Cats. Open Quaternary. 2, p.4. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/oq.24, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54590813
West African Lion (Panthera leo leo)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Main Threats: Habitat loss, human conflict, illegal hunting, prey decline
Conservation Efforts: Protected areas, education and awareness programs, anti-poaching enforcement
This rare lion subspecies is found mainly in parts of West Africa, including Senegal, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Fewer than 250 individuals remain in the wild.
Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi)
Conservation Status: Endangered
Main Threats: Habitat loss, livestock competition, illegal hunting, climate change
Conservation Efforts: Reserve creation, population monitoring, conflict mitigation programs
Grevy’s zebra is the largest zebra species, known for its narrow stripes and distinct appearance. Fewer than 3,000 remain in the wild, mainly in Kenya and Ethiopia.
🐢 Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Main Threats: Illegal shell trade, marine habitat degradation, climate change
Conservation Efforts: Nesting beach protection, legal protections, awareness campaigns
These turtles are highly threatened due to demand for their decorative shells and loss of nesting sites. Some populations have declined by over 80%.
🦅 Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli)
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Main Threats: Poisoning, habitat loss, illegal killings, food scarcity
Conservation Efforts: Reintroduction programs, poisoning control, community outreach
The Rüppell’s vulture is one of Africa’s rarest vultures, renowned for its ability to fly at extremely high altitudes. This species faces several threats, including poisoning from carcasses laced with chemicals — a common practice in some regions of Africa. Additionally, habitat loss and food scarcity are making their survival increasingly difficult. Conservation programs are being implemented to protect their habitats and control poisoning incidents.
🌿 Organizations Leading Conservation Efforts
Protecting endangered species in Africa depends on the tireless work of numerous organizations on the front lines of wildlife conservation. These groups conduct scientific research, promote environmental education, carry out anti-poaching patrols, restore habitats, and engage local communities to build a more sustainable future for African ecosystems.
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is one of the largest and oldest international conservation organizations based in Africa, fully dedicated to protecting the continent’s wildlife. AWF works relentlessly to conserve threatened species, preserve natural habitats, combat wildlife trafficking, and empower local communities.
With a science-based and collaborative approach, AWF develops sustainable strategies to ensure people and nature thrive together. The organization also supports current and future African leaders in making informed decisions about conservation and development.
All of this work is only possible thanks to supporters like you.
🌿 Join us in building a more resilient future for Africa and the planet — one where communities and wildlife thrive together.
👉 Donate now to AWF
Save the Rhino International – Three Decades Defending Rhinos
Today, Save the Rhino, led by CEO Jo Shaw, continues its mission with creativity and commitment — even donning iconic rhino costumes in campaigns around the world! The organization now owns a dozen of these suits and continues to embrace extreme challenges to raise funds for rhino conservation. We’ve come a long way since the early days.
Since 2001, Save the Rhino has grown from a small charity raising around £300,000 per year to generating nearly £2 million annually. It now supports conservation programs in six African countries and two in Asia, covering all five rhino species.
Over the last 30 years, our small team — just nine members — has stayed true to founder Dave’s principle: “the money raised will be spent in the most effective way possible.”
We work with expert partners, proven technologies, and sound scientific research to ensure every investment in rhino conservation has maximum impact. We take pride in avoiding fleeting trends, making well-founded, strategic decisions always in the best interest of rhinos and the communities that protect them.
🌱 Help us continue this vital work.
👉 Donate to Save the Rhino
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – Protecting Gorillas, Preserving Futures
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s mission is clear: to save gorillas. We take a holistic approach built on four core pillars:
- Daily protection of gorillas in the wild
- Cutting-edge scientific research on behavior and conservation
- Training the next generation of African conservationists
- Direct support to local communities sharing gorilla habitat
Our goal is to ensure sustainable and effective gorilla conservation for generations to come.
🌿 Help us continue this essential work.
👉 Donate to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Africa
WWF implements projects across Africa to combat deforestation, mitigate climate change, and protect endangered species.
Our 2021–2025 strategic plan challenges two major myths:
- That conservation and economic development can’t coexist
- That conservation is only for the elite
We embrace an Inclusive Conservation approach, ensuring all voices are heard, with human rights and gender equity at the core. We also address power imbalances and corruption through effective, inclusive governance of natural resources.
With 60 years of experience, our Africa strategy aligns with WWF’s 2030 Global Goals:
- Zero loss of natural habitat
- Zero species extinction
- 50% reduction in the human ecological footprint (consumption, production, and GHG emissions)
🌍 We currently operate in 14 African countries, working in 7 priority landscapes and delivering integrated regional programs.
👉 Donate to WWF Africa
African Pangolin Working Group – Protecting Africa’s Pangolins
The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) was founded on June 27, 2011, after an inaugural meeting with a diverse group of passionate individuals determined to understand and protect Africa’s pangolins.
The group’s mission is clear:
“The African Pangolin Working Group is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the four African pangolin species through knowledge generation, partnership development, and public awareness initiatives.”
APWG combats the illegal pangolin trade and promotes conservation through scientific research, advocacy, and public education campaigns.
🔍 Learn more or support the cause: africanpangolin.org
BirdLife International – Nature’s Partner for Birds
BirdLife is a global alliance of organizations dedicated to bird conservation and the protection of their habitats. In Africa, it works to protect species like the Rüppell’s vulture (Gyps rueppelli), a symbol of the continent’s vulture crisis.
Its actions include:
- Protection of critical habitats
- Population monitoring of threatened birds
- Campaigns to prevent raptor poisoning
- Community education programs
🔗 https://www.birdlife.org/africa
Marine Turtle Conservation – WWF & Partners
For the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) along Africa’s coasts, WWF and local NGOs are working to conserve nesting beaches and reduce bycatch in fishing gear.
Key actions include:
- Protecting nesting areas
- Monitoring nesting sites
- Partnering with fishers to prevent accidental captures
- Combating illegal shell trade
🔗 https://www.wwf.org (marine conservation programs)
Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT)
Operating mainly in Kenya, GZT is a leading organization in the conservation of the Grevy’s zebra, the rarest of Africa’s zebras.
Key initiatives include:
- Monitoring by community scouts
- Environmental education in pastoral communities
- Genetic and ecological research
- Coexistence programs with local populations
🔗 https://www.grevyszebratrust.org
How You Can Help
🔹 Support Conservation Groups
Donate to or volunteer with reputable organizations working to protect wildlife.
🔹 Raise Awareness
Share information about endangered species and the threats they face.
🔹 Advocate for Stronger Laws
Promote public policies that strengthen wildlife and habitat protection.
🔹 Practice Sustainable Tourism
Choose safaris and eco-experiences that directly support conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Africa is home to one of the richest biodiversities on Earth — and it’s at risk. But through collective action, we can change the future. By supporting credible organizations, spreading reliable information, and demanding stronger protections, we can ensure these incredible species survive for generations to come.
Stay informed and do your part!
Wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility. Follow the work of trusted organizations and discover how you can help protect Africa’s endangered species.