Rare Animal Species to Look Out for in South Africa

We all know South Africa is home to various wild animals, especially big cats. But there are still some rare animals that can be found in South Africa.

Most of these animals are endangered and might not be found in other parts of the world. In this article, we will take a look at those animals so you can be on the lookout for them when you are in South Africa.

Table of Contents

Rare Animal Species to Look Out for in South Africa

1. Pangolin

The number one spot on our list is Pangolin. This animal is one of the most trafficked in South Africa, and this has led to a decline in their population.

Pangolins are unique mammals covered in protective keratin scales. They are known for their ability to roll into a tight ball when threatened.

Unfortunately, these wonderful creatures are facing threats of extinction in South Africa.

If you visit South Africa and would like to spot Pangolins you can visit protected areas like the Kruger National Park and the Kalahari Desert. Since they are nocturnal, night safaris offer the best chance to see them in their natural habitat.

2. African Wild Dog

African Wild Dog are also known as the painted wolf. You can easily recognize them by their mottled coat of black, brown, and white patches.

Just like wolves, African Wild Dog live in packs and are well coordinated when hunting.

Unfortunately, these wild dogs are one of the most endangered carnivores in Africa. There are estimated to be fewer than 6,000 individuals left in the wild.

They are facing extinction due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

Best Places to See African Wild Dogs

You can find African wild dogs in several South African reserves, including Madikwe Game Reserve and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

The best time to spot these creatures is during early morning and late afternoon game drives.

3. Riverine Rabbit

The riverine rabbit is one of the rarest and most endangered mammals in the world. These rabbit species are different from the rabbits you might be used to, and they have a very low reproductive rate.

In South Africa, this nocturnal rabbit is found only in the Karoo region. This region is known for its dense riverine vegetation.

4. Pickersgill’s Reed Frog

Pickersgill’s reed frog is a small, brightly coloured frog that is going into extinction. This frog was first classified as endangered in 2004 and again in 2016.

They are mostly affected by environmental changes since their habitat is limited to a few wetland areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

Where to Find Pickersgill’s Reed Frog

You can spot these frogs in protected areas like the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. However, due to their small size, sightings are rare.

5. Black-Footed Cat

Another rare animal species to look out for in South Africa is the black-footed cat. This cat species is the smallest wild cat in Africa, with a weight of just 1-2 kg.

Black-Footed Cats are nocturnal and do most of their hunting at night. They are found in the arid regions of South Africa, particularly in the Karoo and Kalahari.

Conservation Status

The black-footed cat is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and declining prey populations. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and research on its ecology and behaviour.

6. Blue Crane

The blue crane is a tall blue-grey bird that is the national bird of South Africa. Due to problems with habitat loss, power line collisions, and poisoning, their population has been threatened.

Best Places to See Blue Cranes

In South Africa, you can spot blue cranes in the Overberg region and the Karoo. They are often seen in pairs or small flocks, especially during the breeding season.

Final Words

At this point, you now know some of the rare animal species to look out for in South Africa. Luckily, most of these animals can be found in protected areas.

Have you seen any of the animals mentioned in this article? Let us know in the comments.

Louis Ojibe

Hi, I’m Louis Ojibe, and I grew up around wildlife in Africa. I have always been fascinated by animals and nature across the world.
As a child, my parents used to take me to see wild animals like lions, elephants, gorillas, tortoises, and many others at our local zoo.