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Elephant |
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 This heaviest of all land mammals can weigh up to 6000kg. Although generally placid, Elephants can be aggressive if threatened. Elephants of Namibia are important in keeping water holes open, so many animals are dependent on them for this role. Strict vegetarians, they live in herds ruled by a matriarchy of a senior cow with the bull joining the herd only during mating season. |
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Giraffe |
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The tallest animal on earth, the giraffe can be up to 5 m tall. Preferring open brush plains with acacia trees, giraffes are predominantly diurnal. Loose herds congregate with no apparent hierarchy. They do not need surface water but will drink if it is available. |
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Zebra |
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 Both Burchell's and Hartmann's Zebras are found in Namibia. Both are grazers and gregarious. Burchell's have "shadow" stripes and lack a dew lap. Hartmann's is larger and prefer mountainous areas and sand flats. |
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Hippopotamus |
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 Semi-aquatic and spending most of the day submerged, hippos are found in small herds with a territorial dominant bull. Grazing at night up to 30 km away, hippos may be responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other wild animal. |
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Rhinoceros |
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 Both the Black and White Rhino occur in Namibia. White is the larger, but the Black is the more aggressive. The horns of the black Rhino are approximately the same size, while the fore-horn of the White is much larger. The White Rhino has a square upper lip to aid in grazing while the Black has a prehensile upper lip to aid in browsing. Although many sources state that Rhinos have poor eyesight, Jan and Annette Oelofse have raised two Rhinos and "have noticed that their eyesight is as normal as any other animal". |
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Warthog |
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Warthogs favor open ground, grasslands, waterholes, and woodlands. Two pairs of prominent wartlike folds on the face gives them their name. Tusks may reach formidable length, curving high over the snout, and both sets are razor sharp. They do not depend on water, but will drink if it is available and wallow. The prime food is grasses, especially new sprouts after a burn, but berries, tree bark, and other fruit is eaten. An occasional snake or small mammal or carrion is also relished. |
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Predators | Small Antelope | Large Antelope |
Classic Game | Small Mammals |
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