27 Savana Animals with Facts & Pictures
The savanna is home to some of the most interesting animals on Earth.
If you’re like me, you’ve always been fascinated by these creatures but found it hard to get reliable information about them all in one place.
I’ve got good news for you. In this post, I’ll introduce you to 27 amazing savanna animals, complete with facts and pictures. You’ll learn about their habits, diets, and unique features.
Get ready to explore the world of lions, elephants, zebras, and many more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a new appreciation for the diverse wildlife that calls the savanna home.
Interesting Collection of Savanna Animals to Explore
The savanna is full of amazing animals that I can’t wait to show you. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour of some creatures that call this grassland home.
1. African Elephant
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their massive size and distinctive features.
They have large ears that help regulate their body temperature and long trunks used for various purposes, such as breathing, drinking, and grabbing objects.
These gentle giants are crucial to their ecosystem, playing a key role in maintaining the savanna landscape.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) |
| Weight | 5,000 to 14,000 pounds (2,268 to 6,350 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Loxodonta africana |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Trumpet, rumble |
Fun Facts
- African elephants have the largest brains of any land animal.
- Their trunks have over 40,000 muscles.
- They can communicate over long distances using infrasound.
2. Lion
Lions are powerful and social big cats known for their majestic manes and formidable presence.
They live in prides, which are family groups that include multiple females, their offspring, and a few males.
As apex predators, lions play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling the population of herbivores and maintaining the balance of their habitat.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.6 to 4 feet (1.1 to 1.2 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 330 to 550 pounds (150 to 250 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Panthera leo |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Roar, grunt |
Fun Facts
- Lions are the only cats that live in groups called prides.
- A lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.
- Male lions are distinguished by their manes, which grow darker and fuller with age.
3. Cheetah
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph (113 km/h) in short bursts, covering distances up to 500 meters.
They are slender, with long legs, a small rounded head on a long neck, and a distinctive coat with black spots.
Cheetahs are built for speed, with adaptations that enable them to chase down and capture prey in the open savanna.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.3 to 2.8 feet (0.7 to 0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 77 to 143 pounds (35 to 65 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Acinonyx jubatus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Chirp, purr, growl |
Fun Facts
- Cheetahs have semi-retractable claws that provide extra grip during high-speed chases.
- Their large nasal passages and lungs allow for quick oxygen intake.
- Cheetah cubs have a mantle of long, gray hair on their backs for camouflage.
4. Giraffe
Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth, easily recognized by their long necks and legs.
They use their height to browse on leaves and buds in treetops that few other animals can reach.
Each giraffe has a unique coat pattern of brown patches separated by lighter lines, much like a human fingerprint.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 to 19 feet (4.3 to 5.8 meters) |
| Weight | 1,600 to 3,000 pounds (725 to 1,360 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Giraffa camelopardalis |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Bleat, grunt, hum |
Fun Facts
- Giraffes can clean their ears with tongues up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.
- They only need to drink water every few days because they get most of their moisture from the plants they eat.
- Giraffes have the same neck vertebrae as humans, but each is much longer.
5. Zebra
Zebras are known for their distinctive black-and-white striped coats.
These stripes serve as a form of camouflage, confusing predators and protecting zebras from insect bites.
They are social animals that live in herds and are constantly on the move in search of fresh grass and water.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 770 to 990 pounds (350 to 450 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Equus quagga |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Bray, whinny |
Fun Facts
- No two zebras have the same stripe pattern, making each one unique.
- Zebras can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph) to escape predators.
- Their stripes are thought to help regulate their body temperature by creating small-scale air currents.
6. Hyena
Hyenas are known for their distinctive laughing sounds and strong social structure. They have powerful jaws and a keen sense of smell, which they use to scavenge as well as hunt.
Hyenas are often misunderstood but play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5 to 3 feet (0.8 to 0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 110 to 190 pounds (50 to 86 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Crocuta crocuta |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Laugh, whoop, groan |
Fun Facts
- Hyenas have the strongest bite force relative to the size of any land mammal.
- They can eat and digest skin and bones.
- Female hyenas are larger and more dominant than males.
7. Wildebeest
Wildebeests, also known as gnus, are large antelopes with a distinctive appearance, including a robust build, shaggy mane, and curved horns.
They are known for their annual migration, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 330 to 550 pounds (150 to 250 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern and Southern Africa |
| Scientific Name | Connochaetes taurinus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt, moan |
Fun Facts
- The Great Migration involves over 1.5 million wildebeest.
- They can run at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
- Wildebeests have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find water.
8. Warthog
Warthogs are wild pigs known for their large heads, warty protrusions, and tusks.
Despite their fierce appearance, they are generally herbivores and spend much of their time grazing on grasses.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 110 to 330 pounds (50 to 150 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Phacochoerus africanus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt, snort |
Fun Facts
- Warthogs can run at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h).
- They often use abandoned aardvark burrows for shelter.
- Warthogs can kneel on their front legs to graze closer to the ground.
9. African Wild Dog
African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, are known for their colorful, patchy coats and large, rounded ears.
They are highly social and live in packs with a strong hierarchy, cooperating closely in hunting and raising pups.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5 to 3 feet (0.8 to 0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Lycaon pictus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Twitter, chirp, hoot |
Fun Facts
- African wild dogs have a successful hunting rate of over 80%.
- Each wild dog’s coat pattern is unique.
- They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations and body language.
10. Ostrich
Ostriches are the largest and heaviest birds in the world, unable to fly but capable of running at high speeds.
They have long necks and legs, with powerful muscles that help them escape predators.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 7 to 9 feet (2.1 to 2.7 meters) |
| Weight | 220 to 350 pounds (100 to 160 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Struthio camelus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Boom, hiss |
Fun Facts
- Ostriches can run at speeds up to 45 mph (72 km/h).
- They have the largest eyes of any land animal, about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
- Ostrich eggs are the largest of any bird species, weighing up to 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
11. Secretary Bird
Secretary birds are large, long-legged birds of prey that hunt on the ground.
They are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes long tail feathers and a crest of quill-like feathers on their heads.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) |
| Weight | 5.5 to 9.3 pounds (2.5 to 4.2 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Sagittarius serpentarius |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Cluck, whistle |
Fun Facts
- Secretary birds are skilled hunters of snakes, often stomping on their prey to kill it.
- They can cover up to 20 miles (32 km) a day while hunting.
- Their name is thought to come from the quill-like feathers on their head, resembling old-time secretaries with quills.
12. Kori Bustard
The kori bustard is one of the heaviest birds capable of flight.
These birds are ground-dwellers with strong legs and a heavy build, making them more likely to walk or run than fly.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.3 to 4.6 feet (1 to 1.4 meters) |
| Weight | 15 to 40 pounds (7 to 18 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern and Southern Africa |
| Scientific Name | Ardeotis kori |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Boom, grunt |
Fun Facts
- Male kori bustards can puff out their necks during courtship displays.
- They have strong, muscular legs adapted for walking long distances.
- Kori bustards are known to drink water by sucking it up through their beaks, unlike most birds that tip their heads back.
13. Marabou Stork
Marabou storks are large wading birds with a distinctive appearance, including a bald head and neck, long legs, and a large bill.
They are scavengers, often found near human habitation, feeding on carrion and waste.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) |
| Weight | 9 to 20 pounds (4 to 9 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Leptoptilos crumeniferus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Croak, hiss |
Fun Facts
- Marabou storks have hollow leg and toe bones that help them stay cool in hot climates.
- They can often be seen soaring on thermals, taking advantage of the warm air currents.
- These storks have a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), making them one of the largest flying birds.
14. African Fish Eagle
The African fish eagle is a large bird of prey with a distinctive black, white, and chestnut plumage.
It is known for its powerful build and piercing call, often described as the “voice of Africa.”
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.3 to 3.3 feet (0.7 to 1 meter) |
| Weight | 4.2 to 7.9 pounds (1.9 to 3.6 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus vocifer |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Yodel, scream |
Fun Facts
- African fish eagles are monogamous and mate for life.
- They have specialized feet with rough, spiny soles to help grasp slippery fish.
- Their call is often used in African films and documentaries to represent the continent’s wildlife.
15. Helmeted Guineafowl
Helmeted guineafowls are ground-dwelling birds known for their distinctive helmet-like casque on their heads and spotted plumage.
They are social birds that live in flocks and are often seen foraging for seeds and insects.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.6 to 2.1 feet (0.5 to 0.65 meters) |
| Weight | 2.9 to 3.5 pounds (1.3 to 1.6 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Numida meleagris |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Cackle, chatter |
Fun Facts
- Helmeted guineafowls have excellent vision and can detect predators from a distance.
- They can run at speeds of up to 22 mph (35 km/h).
- These birds are known to form close bonds with their flock members, often staying together for life.
16. Nile Crocodile
Nile crocodiles are large, aggressive reptiles that are apex predators in their environment.
They have powerful jaws, tough, scaly skin, and are excellent swimmers, capable of staying submerged for long periods.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 16 to 20 feet (4.9 to 6 meters) |
| Weight | 500 to 1,650 pounds (225 to 750 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Crocodylus niloticus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Growl, hiss |
Fun Facts
- Nile crocodiles can live up to 70-100 years.
- They use their tails to propel themselves through the water at high speeds.
- Female crocodiles are highly protective of their nests and young.
17. African Rock Python
African rock pythons are among the largest snake species in the world.
They are non-venomous constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by squeezing it to death before swallowing it whole.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 16 to 20 feet (4.9 to 6 meters) |
| Weight | 97 to 121 pounds (44 to 55 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Python sebae |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss |
Fun Facts
- African rock pythons can go for up to a year without eating after a large meal.
- They have heat-sensing pits along their jaws to detect warm-blooded prey.
- These pythons are excellent swimmers and can often be found near water sources.
18. Leopard Tortoise
Leopard tortoises are large, beautifully marked tortoises named for their distinctive yellow and black spotted shells.
They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of grasses and plants in their habitat.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 10 to 18 inches (25 to 45 cm) |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern and Southern Africa |
| Scientific Name | Stigmochelys pardalis |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss |
Fun Facts
- Leopard tortoises can live up to 100 years.
- They can go without water for long periods by storing it in their bladders.
- These tortoises can close their shell openings tightly to protect against predators.
19. Dung Beetle
Dung beetles are insects known for their remarkable behavior of rolling dung into balls and burying them as a food source or breeding chamber.
They play a vital role in nutrient cycling and soil aeration in the savanna.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) |
| Weight | 0.1 to 0.3 ounces (2.8 to 8.5 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Scarabaeidae |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Coprophagous (feeds on dung) |
| What Sound They Make | N/A |
Fun Facts
- Dung beetles can roll dung balls up to 50 times their own weight.
- Some species navigate using the Milky Way.
- They help to recycle nutrients back into the soil, promoting plant growth.
20. Termite
Termites are social insects that live in colonies and are known for their ability to build large, complex mounds.
They play a critical role in breaking down dead plant material and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.1 to 0.6 inches (0.3 to 1.5 cm) |
| Weight | Less than 0.1 ounces (less than 2.8 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Termitoidae |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (feeds on dead plant material) |
| What Sound They Make | N/A |
Fun Facts
- Termite queens can live for up to 30 years and produce thousands of eggs daily.
- Their mounds can reach heights of up to 30 feet (9 meters).
- Termites communicate through vibrations and chemical signals called pheromones.
21. Tsetse Fly
Tsetse flies are large biting flies that transmit trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, to humans and animals.
They are found in rural areas and are known for their role in disease transmission.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 to 1.3 cm) |
| Weight | Less than 0.1 ounces (less than 2.8 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Glossina |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Hematophagous (feeds on blood) |
| What Sound They Make | Buzz |
Fun Facts
- Tsetse flies are attracted to movement and dark colors.
- Both male and female tsetse flies feed on blood.
- They are the sole vectors of African trypanosomiasis.
22. African Bullfrog
African bullfrogs are large, robust amphibians known for their size and aggressive behavior.
They are carnivorous and have a voracious appetite, feeding on insects, small mammals, and even other frogs.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 to 9 inches (10 to 23 cm) |
| Weight | 2.2 to 4.4 pounds (1 to 2 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Pyxicephalus adspersus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Croak |
Fun Facts
- African bullfrogs can survive dry seasons by burrowing and creating a cocoon of mucus.
- They are known to guard their tadpoles from predators fiercely.
- Their call is a loud, deep croak that can be heard from a distance.
23. Aardvark
Aardvarks are nocturnal mammals with a distinctive long snout and large ears, adapted for a life of digging and foraging for ants and termites.
They have powerful claws for burrowing and a keen sense of smell to locate their prey.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 to 2.5 feet (0.6 to 0.76 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 110 to 180 pounds (50 to 82 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Orycteropus afer |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Insectivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Snuffle |
Fun Facts
- Aardvarks can dig up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) in just 15 seconds.
- They have a specialized tongue that can extend up to 12 inches (30 cm) to capture insects.
- Aardvarks are solitary animals and only come together to mate.
24. Serval
Servals are medium-sized wild cats with long legs, large ears, and a slender body, known for their excellent hunting skills.
They have a unique coat pattern of black spots and stripes on a tawny background, providing camouflage in the grasslands.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5 to 2 feet (0.5 to 0.6 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 20 to 40 pounds (9 to 18 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Leptailurus serval |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Chirp, hiss, growl |
Fun Facts
- Servals have the longest legs of any cat relative to their body size.
- They can jump up to 10 feet (3 meters) vertically to catch birds in flight.
- Servals use their large ears to detect the movement of small prey in the grass.
25. Honey Badger
Honey badgers are fearless and tough mammals known for their strength and ferocity.
They have thick, loose skin and a reputation for attacking much larger animals, including lions and hyenas.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 20 to 35 pounds (9 to 16 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Mellivora capensis |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt, hiss |
Fun Facts
- Honey badgers have been known to chase away lions and leopards.
- They have a mutualistic relationship with the honeyguide bird, which leads them to beehives.
- Honey badgers can withstand bee stings, snake bites, and even sharp weapons due to their tough skin.
26. Bat-Eared Fox
Bat-eared foxes are small, nocturnal canids known for their large ears, which help them locate insects underground.
They have a sandy-gray coat with a dark face mask and black-tipped ears and tail.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 11 to 16 inches (28 to 40 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 6 to 11 pounds (2.7 to 5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern and Southern Africa |
| Scientific Name | Otocyon megalotis |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Insectivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Bark, whine |
Fun Facts
- Bat-eared foxes can hear termites chewing through grass.
- They have more teeth than any other canid species, with 46 to 50 teeth.
- Bat-eared foxes are highly social and often live in small family groups.
27. Pangolin
Pangolins are unique, scaly mammals known for their protective armor, which is made of keratin scales.
They are nocturnal and solitary, using their long tongues to feed on ants and termites.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 12 to 39 inches (30 to 100 cm) long |
| Weight | 4.4 to 73 pounds (2 to 33 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Pholidota |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Insectivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss, grunt |
Fun Facts
- Pangolins can roll into a tight ball to protect themselves from predators.
- They have no teeth but use their muscular stomachs to grind food.
- Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world due to their scales.
Conclusion
We’ve just traveled through the savanna, meeting some incredible animals along the way. From the mighty lion to the tiny meerkat, each creature plays a vital role in this ecosystem.
Why does this matter? Understanding these animals helps us appreciate the delicate balance of nature. It reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats.
What’s next? I encourage you to learn more about savanna conservation. You could support wildlife organizations, plan a safari to see these animals, or share what you’ve learned with others.
Remember, every bit of knowledge and action helps preserve this wonderful world of savanna animals for future generations.
