KILLER
AFRICA
Published in the United States by Kingfisher, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010 Kingfisher is an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Books, London. All rights reserved. Distributed in the U.S. by Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010 Distributed in Canada by H.B. Fenn and Company Ltd., 34 Nixon Road, Bolton, Ontario L7E 1W2 WELDON OWEN INC. Group Publisher, Bonnier Publishing Group John Owen CEO, President Terry Newell Senior VP, International Sales Stuart Laurence VP, Sales and New Business Development Amy Kaneko VP, Publisher Roger Shaw Executive Editor Mariah Bear Editor Lucie Parker Project Editor Nam Nguyen VP, Creative Director Gaye Allen Associate Creative Director Kelly Booth Senior Designer William Mack Assistant Designer Michel Gadwa Production Director Chris Hemesath Production Manager Michelle Duggan Color Manager Teri Bell Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data has been applied for. ISBN: 978-0-7534-6456-4 All rights reserved. Kingfisher books are available for special promotions and premiums. For details contact: Special Markets Department, Macmillan, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. A Weldon Owen Production 415 Jackson Street San Francisco, California 94111, USA For more information, please visit www.kingfisherpublications.com Printed in Shenzhen, China, by Asia Pacific Offset. [production code to be supplied] 5 4 3 2 1 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
KILLER
AFRICA
contents 6
meet the beasts
8
dangerous prides
10
deadliest prey
12
airborne terror
14
top of the pack
16
african realms
18
armored beast
20
sticky saboteur
22
speed demon
24
mighty intimidator
26
horned charger
•
•
•
african Lion
hippopotamus • •
bateleur eagle african wild dog
•
giant pangolin •
chameleon
cheetah
•
•
gorilla
rhinoceros
28
silent strangler
30
fish bane
32
africa’s most dangerous
34
tusked defender
36
killer smile
38
prey snatcher
40
ultimate venom
42
supreme climber
44
ultimate predator & ultimate defender
46
glossary
48
credits & acknowledgments
•
•
african rock python
osprey
•
•
african elephant
nile crocodile •
spotted hyena •
egyptian cobra •
african leopard
meet the beasts Africa is home to some of the animal kingdom’s most ferocious hunters and killers. Whether screeching through the rainforests, prowling the wide savannas, or lurking along rivers, these brutes make quick work of all who dare cross their paths. Many use their massive strength or vicious claws to dominate their realms. Others rely on their impressive speed or cunning tricks to evade attackers and defend their territories. But above all, each species must use its wits to conquer the natural perils of this competitive continent. What equipment and skills would you need to survive? Enter and find out!
6
7
DANGEROUS PRIDES
Geography
Lions are the dominant predators on the African savanna. These cats live in groups of ten to 15 members called prides. Streamlined and quick, the female lions do all the hunting, while the shaggy-maned males protect the pride. African lions are the bravest and boldest of the big savanna cats, and they are feared by all other species.
Habitat
Terrorizes savannas, grasslands, and woodlands
hyenas
These vicious hunters will ruthlessly kill the cubs of lions if the cubs are left unwatched.
Enemies
AFRICAN LION Panthera leo
Most of sub-Saharan Africa except for the Congo Basin and the southern tip
leopards
This ferocious cat often teams up in groups to challenge lions for prey. They will kill lion cubs if given the chance.
L: 10 feet (3 m) H: 3.75 feet (1.1 m) W: 275 pounds (125 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
To chase this speedy creature, lions form teams of three. Two lions chase the target to a third lion lying in wait, ready to make the kill.
prey
gazelles
zebras
8
Zebras make tempting meals, but they must be hunted carefully. They defend in groups and guard their injured.
Tearing Attachments The back teeth’s sharp, jagged edges work with four brutal canine teeth to rip into flesh.
Night Vision Lions hunt at night, aided by supersize pupils and a special layer in their eyes that reflects light.
Spring-loaded This big cat’s powerful hind legs allow it to leap 12 feet (3.5 m) high and 36 feet (11 m) forward.
SuperPowers
Night vision and group attack Equipment
Powerful muscles, reflective eyes, sharp teeth, vicelike jaw Weakness
Rapid energy depletion FAct
A male lion’s roar can be heard 5 miles (8 km) away; it sends a clear warning to rivals.
Integral Silencer Padded feet and retractable claws allow a lion, despite its massive size and weight, to stealthily stalk its prey.
9
Periscope Vision A hippo’s eyes are on top of its head. They allow the hippo to see above the water even when submerged.
SuperPower
Jaws that can bite with 1 ton (0.9 tonnes) of pressure Equipment
Large size; aqua-adapted skin, ears, and feet Weakness
Thin skin that dries out, making nearness to water a must FAct
Hippos can stay underwater for up to five minutes.
Sealing Technology The eyes and ears close tightly when underwater, locking in air and creating watertight seals. 10
Piercing Capability Hippo incisors grow 20 inches (50 cm) long and are stronger than elephant tusks.
deadliest prey
Geography
Sub-Saharan Africa; along most major rivers and the Great Lakes of Africa
Hippopotamuses are herbivores, but no one would call them meek. While they may look round and slow, these huge beasts can run as fast as 30 miles per hour (48 km/h). They are also armed to the teeth with fearsome biting power and massive strength. Hippos can take on and kill serious predators such as lions and crocodiles. Steer clear!
Habitat
Enemies
Wallows in rivers, reed beds, and open grasslands
lions
A lion pride will stalk an adult hippo as it grazes on the shore. The lions then work as a team to bring it to the ground.
HIPPOpoTaMUS Hippopotamus amphibius
nile crocodiles
ALLIES
Inhabiting the same waters, crocodiles are smart enough to leave adult hippos alone but often prey on their young.
labeo fish
These aquatic groomers help out by using their mouths to clear away algae. Some species also clean out wounds.
L: 13 FEET (4 m) H: 5 FEET (1.5 M) W: 2,750 POUNDS (1,250 KG)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
oxpeckers
snap attack Large, hinged jaws can open as wide as 150 degrees to chomp on opponents.
Hippo hides can get grimy. These versatile cleaners remove dead skin and insects that a hippo can’t reach.
11
airborne terror
Geography
Bateleur eagles can spend up to nine hours a day hunting in the sky. These agile and quick predators are equipped with an arsenal of daring moves—they perform barrel rolls and hairpin turns to chase down their prey. But these artful acrobats are not all show. Their keen eyesight and terrifying talons make them feared by mammals, birds, and reptiles alike.
Habitat
Soars over open woodlands, savannas, and semideserts
martial eagles
These large golden raptors swoop into unguarded bateleur nests, preying on chicks while their parents hunt.
prey
Dik-DIKs
This antelope weighs only 12 pounds (5.5 kg). The bateleur eagle’s grasping claws can easily snatch it up.
enemy
Bateleur eagle Terathopius ecaudatus
Across the Sahel region and eastern and southern Africa
Guinea fowl
L: 5 feet (1.5 m) H: 2 feet (60 cm) W: 5 pounds (2.25 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
Raised for food, these birds are just as popular with eagles as they are with humans.
Hares
8 12
Even when hiding in tall grass, hares are no match for the bateleur eagle’s sharp eyes, which can spot a hare from high in the sky.
Turbo Engines Long, muscular wings push the eagle to soaring speeds of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).
Eagle Eyes High-resolution vision lets the eagle spot prey 250 feet (75 m) away. A clear eyelid protects the lens from injury.
Precision Handling A bateleur’s tail is 2 inches (5 cm) long. This short length allows for 360-degree turns in midair.
SuperPower
Ultimate maneuverability Equipment
Pitch-black camouflage feathers, steering tail, grappling claws Weakness
Lays a single egg per year, each with a 2 percent survival rate FAct
Bateleur eagles can fly up to 250 miles (400 km) per day.
Ironclad Clamps Eagle claws are protected by scales. The short toes tightly grasp wriggling prey.
9 13
SuperPower
Group formation attacks
Climate Control Large ears make a wide surface area that releases heat and cools the blood.
Equipment
Camouflage coat, excellent eyesight, heat-managing system Weakness
Small individual size and weight FAct
Wild dogs in a pack are so loyal that healthy dogs will regurgitate food to feed sick and young dogs.
Long Haul A light frame and efficient engine allow for three hours of nonstop running. 14
Deceptive Cloak The multicolored coat blurs the dog’s outline, making it appear larger to prey and predators.
top of the pack
Geography
Across the Sahel and south to South Africa except coastlines and rainforests
African wild dogs are the most successful predators in Africa, living and hunting in well-organized groups, or packs, of around twenty dogs. Fierce and loyal to each other during hunts, they work together to take down prey—they make the kill eight out of ten times. To attack, one dog grabs the victim’s tail and another grabs its lip, while the others go after its tender belly.
Habitat
Enemies
Hunts in semideserts, savannas, montane regions
lions
Lions hunt the same prey as wild dogs, but lions will also hunt and kill the dogs—not to eat them but just to get rid of the competition.
african wild dog Lycaon pictus
nile crocodiles
prey
Pack members are snatched by crocodiles as they drink at watering holes and wade across low rivers.
impalas
Despite weighing more than twice as much as an individual wild dog, impalas make up more than 80 percent of a dog’s diet.
L: 2.5 feet (75 cm) H: 1.2 FEET (40 cM) W: 50 POUNDS (20 KG)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
Duikers
Visual Targeting System These hunters use their keen vision to track prey. Unlike other dogs, they do not track by scent.
These small antelopes have a mild nature and are kept as pets. Their gentleness also makes them easy prey.
15
ARMORED BEAST
Geography
From Senegal to Ghana, the Congo Basin, Kenya, Tanzania, and Angola
Using large digging claws and long, sticky tongues that trap insects, pangolins feast on termites and ants, scattering entire colonies. To protect themselves from predators, they roll up inside armor made of tough, sharp scales that slice any animal attempting to attack them. Lions and leopards are the only predators that are strong and agile enough to try.
Rolls across rainforests, savannas, and bushlands
Ants & Termites
Each type of pangolin eats only a certain species of ant or termite. It will starve if it can’t find the right one.
PREY
GIANT PANGOLIN Manis gigantea
Habitat
feeding frenzy
L: 4.5 feet (1.4 m) H: 2.5 feet (75 cm) W: 65 pounds (30 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE Termite fortresses
SPEED
18
Evasion
The pangolin’s sticky tongue can extend up to 10 inches (25 cm) long—perfect for invading logs, anthills, and even towering termite mounds.
Mighty Excavators Powerful claws destroy insect mounds, exposing targets to the pangolin’s sticky tongue.
Lockdown Mode The pangolin’s ears, eyes, and nose clamp shut against the biting of ants and termites.
Scale Mail Fingernail-like plates cover the pangolin everywhere but its belly, inner limbs, and the underside of its tail.
please clone to fill box on both sides
SuperPowers
Ball defense, stink resistance Equipment
Digging legs with curved claws; sharp armored plates; long, sticky tongue Weaknesses
Poor eyesight and digestion FAct
Pangolins are mighty burrowers. They build underground tunnels that are up to 10 feet (3 m) deep.
Stink Bomb Like skunks, pangolins can spray a cloud of nasty fumes at enemies.
19
Split Screen Swiveling eyes operate independently, so chameleons can size up two potential meals at the same time.
Whiplash A long, sticky telescopic tongue lashes out to 10 inches (25 cm) in 20 milliseconds.
please clone out white line
Superpower
Swift attack
Equipment
Fused climbing claws; stereoscopic eyes; long, sticky tongue; grasping tail Weakness
Extreme anxiety, easily scared FAct
A chameleon’s prehensile tail is used like a fifth arm to curl around and grip branches.
20
Serrated Armor Spikes along the tail, throat, and back protect a chameleon’s equipment from damage.
Mood Lighting A chameleon’s skin is actually clear. The flesh underneath changes color depending on temperature, light, and mood.
sticky saboteur
Geography
Northern Africa, western and central Sub-Saharan Africa, and Madagascar
A chameleon hunts with a sticky tongue that is half the length of its body. It shoots out at lightning-fast speeds to trap unsuspecting insects and then slowly rolls back into the chameleon’s mouth—with the captured snack on the end. Suited in camouflage and capable of faster-than-the-eye attacks, chameleons kill their victims without any warning.
Habitat
Enemies
Blends into rainforests, woodlands, and savannas
Coucals
The African species of these large birds can grow up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) in length. They eat chameleons and other small creatures.
chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon
Boomslangs
prey
These green tree snakes are small but dangerous. Their bites deliver a deadly venom that can quickly kill a chameleon.
locusts
Large, swarming grasshoppers can catapult great distances, but a chameleon’s tongue is too long and fast for them to escape.
L: 1 FOOT (30 Cm) H: 4 inches (10 cm) W: 0.5 pounds (0.25 kG)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
Mantises
To many, the mantis is a fearsome insect predator—to a chameleon, it’s lunch!
21
SPEED DEMON
Geography
Parts of Mali and Niger, and from Chad east to Somalia and south to Botswana
A cheetah can accelerate faster than a car on the highway. It reaches cruising speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) in 3 seconds flat, so no animal stands a chance of getting away. With a light, streamlined body, efficient heart and lungs, and brutally sharp claws, the cheetah is a supreme killing machine that easily overtakes its prey.
Speeds through savannas
Cheetahs
Cheetahs travel in groups of two or three males, usually brothers. They attack other males that enter their territory.
Enemies
CHEETAH Acinonyx jubatus
Habitat
LIONS
Lions, the most dominant predators, will do anything to get rid of competition— they kill 70 percent of all cheetah cubs.
L: 5 feet (1.5 m) H: 3 feet (1 m) W: 110 pounds (50 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
prey
gazelles
Small and fleet-footed, these animals are safe in groups, but cheetahs isolate and hunt herd members that cannot keep up with the rest.
SPRINGBOK
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These antelope jump high in the air when they see a cheetah approach, then run away at high speed. But they can’t run faster than a cheetah.
Heavy-Duty Treads A cheetah’s claws are permanently extended, giving it traction for swift maneuvers.
Counterbalance Weight The cheetah’s tail grows to 25 inches (65 cm) in length, helping to stabilize and balance like a boat’s rudder.
SuperPower
Lightning-fast acceleration Equipment
Long, flexible spine; balancing tail; killing dewclaw; lightweight muscles and bones Weaknesses
Weak jaws; poor climber FAct
Aerodynamic Frame A flattened rib cage reduces drag as the cheetah runs.
Harpoon Extension The front four claws are dull, reducing friction, but a sharp dewclaw snags prey.
Cheetahs hunt entirely in the daytime; all other cats hunt mainly at night.
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Helmet Gear A large crest on the head anchors huge jaw muscles that crush and grind even the toughest foods.
Superpower
Extreme intelligence Equipment
Massive teeth, powerful arms, barrel chest, large brain Weakness
Mature males’ large weight makes tree climbing impossible FAct
Gorillas in human care have been taught American Sign Language to communicate with people.
24
Tool Smarts Gorillas use tools much like humans do, supporting themselves with sticks and opening nuts with rocks.
Swivel-Mounted Walking on front knuckles allows for quick, sharp movements and easy pivoting.
mighty intimidator
Geography
Parts of the Congo Basin, Uganda, and Rwanda
Gorillas are the largest primates in the world, towering over orangutans, monkeys, lemurs, and humans. They travel in family-like groups led by a male, who—though usually docile— will attack if he perceives that the group is in danger. With fierce, protective instincts and keen intelligence, a provoked gorilla dominates almost any challenger.
Habitat
Enemy
Rules over lowland rainforests, wetland forests, and montane forests
POACHERS
gorilla Gorilla
In Action
Humans poach gorillas for their skins and meat, and they destroy gorilla habitats by clearing or invading forests.
L: 13 FEET (4 m) H: 5 FEET (1.5 M) W: 400 POUNDS (180 KG)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
gnarly gnashers
Dual Grip Opposable thumbs and big toes enable gorillas to hold things with their hands or feet.
Most herbivores have no need for long canine teeth, but a male gorilla uses them to show dominance. He bares his teeth as a warning—his bite can be fatal.
25
horned charger
Geography
Rhinos are massive animals—in fact, the white rhino is second in size only to the elephant. (Its smaller cousin, the black rhino, is more vicious.) Both eat only plants, but these beasts put their intimidating size to use against predators, charging at any potential threat. With sharp horns and incredible bulk, these enormous herbivores refuse to go down without a fight.
Habitat
Stomps on grasslands and open savannas
lions
Vicious lions often kill rhino calves. Smaller and weaker, the calves are easier prey than adult rhinos.
Enemies
Rhinoceros Rhinocerotidae
Cameroon; from Kenya to South Africa, across to Namibia
elephants
Although it is very rare, male elephants have been known to attack rhinos who enter elephant territory.
L: 12 feet (3.5 m) H: 5 feet (1.5 m) W: 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
Oxpeckers keep watch on a rhinoceros’s back and let out a screeching alarm if any predators dare approach.
allies
OxPeckers
Cattle Egrets
26
These bug eaters clean the rhino’s skin by hunting the ticks and pests that try to hitch a ride on it.
Protective Suit A layer of skin thicker than the length of a thumb provides cover against nicks and cuts.
Surround Sound A rhino’s ears can swivel up to 360 degrees to pinpoint and track sounds.
Jousting Lance The rhino uses its long front horn to gore enemies. This horn is made of keratin.
SuperPower
Incredible size and weight Equipment
Two spearing horns; wide, ramming body Weakness
Poor vision; thick and blinding eyelashes FAct
A rushing rhino can charge up to 40 miles per hour (65 km/h).
Mighty Mower The white rhino’s broad, flat lower lip makes for efficient grass grazing.
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Superpower
BullWhip The python wraps its tail around trees and rocks to anchor itself while wrestling prey.
Intense constriction power Equipment
Very long, coiling body; elastic jaw; constricting muscles Weakness
Defenseless while digesting; meals can rot inside the belly FAct
Rock pythons eat prey as large as 125 pounds (55 kg) and spend up to four weeks digesting it.
28
Constriction Compactor Muscles all along the body squeeze, rotate, and compact food into smaller and smaller sizes for easy digestion.
Acid Bath At mealtimes, the intestines release a superstrong flesh-dissolving acid to liquefy prey.
Silent strangler
Geography
Sub-Saharan Africa except for the southern tip
The African rock python is the third-largest snake in the world. It coils around and suffocates prey with strong muscles that can wrangle animals up to twice the python’s weight. There have even been reports of pythons swallowing human children. If these snakes eat a huge enough animal, they can last a year without another meal.
Habitat
Enemy
Squeezes within savannas, woodlands, and rocky areas and near rivers and lakes
POACHERS
African rock python Python sebae
In Action
Humans hunt and kill pythons to make clothing and shoes from their skin.
L: 12 feet (3.5 m) H: 7 inches (18 cm) W: 90 POUNDS (40 KG)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
Tight grIP
Elastic Jaws The python’s elastic jaw ligaments stretch like a rubber band, allowing it to swallow large prey.
It’s not the bite of a rock python that is fatal. Instead, the snake constricts its muscles tightly around prey, killing by suffocation or heart attack.
29
fish bane
Geography
Ninety percent of an osprey’s diet is fish, which it catches by diving feet first so deeply that only its wing tips show above the water. Once lunch is caught, the osprey can return to the sky in seconds by pumping its wings. With pivoting claws, powerful wings, and an ability to spot prey from 130 feet (40 m) high in the sky, ospreys are a fish’s worst nightmare.
Habitat
Patrols temperate and tropical coasts worldwide
nile Crocodiles
Crocodiles wait hidden right below the water’s surface, hoping that an osprey might dive after a fish—and right into the croc’s gaping jaws.
Enemies
osprey Pandion haliaetus
South Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines
owls
Although close cousins of ospreys, owls have no qualms about stealing nest eggs for a quick meal. Owls will even eat osprey hatchlings.
L: 7.5 feet (2.25 m) H: 2 feet (60 cm) W: 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
prey
Fish
Ospreys subsist almost entirely on fish. African catfish, Nile tilapia, and common carp are all standard meals.
Monitor lizards
30
Although they prefer fish, a hungry osprey will also hunt small monitor lizards and occasionally snakes and other birds.
Swivel Hook An osprey’s reversible toe grabs and grips fish from any angle.
watertight Armor These feathers have water-resistant oils that keep an osprey dry and lightweight, allowing it to fly off with its catch.
Air Lock An osprey’s nostrils close up during dives, sealing tight to keep out water.
SuperPower
Keen diving skills
Equipment
Barbed feet, water-resistant wings, curved beak Weakness
Creates nests with wire and mesh, which often injure young Fact
To cut wind resistance, ospreys carry captured fish headfirst, which makes for fast flights.
Velcro Surface Rough scales cover the bottom of each foot and hook into prey’s skin, digging deeper if the victim wriggles.
31
Africa’s Most Dangerous By far, humans are the most dangerous animals in Africa, but there are a few ruthless animals that people should stay clear of—or else.
the mob Cape Buffalo Victims stumble upon Cape buffalo in the grass and are rammed when coming too close. Others misjudge the danger and approach a lone animal. Then the entire herd attacks, with deadly results.
Leather Face Nile Crocodile Nile crocodiles kill an estimated 275 to 500 people a year in Africa. They attack if their young are threatened, and they view people who come near the water as potential prey.
The Trampler African Elephant Elephants attack around 500 people a year. Aggressive or threatened males have been known to overturn cars and stomp on people, killing them with sheer body weight.
THREAT LEVEL
Guarded
El e vat e d
night stalker African Lion Lions have learned to leave people mostly alone, but they still injure or kill anyone who comes too close to the pride. Lions have also mauled people sleeping in tents or in homes without protective fences.
high
BIG Man Hippopotamus Hippopotamuses are an ever-present hazard—they attack just to kill. These fierce beasts smash dozens of boats a year and drown victims, and they bite people who dare to come too close.
Doctor Death Mosquito The mosquito kills an estimated 800,000 people a year in Africa by infecting them with malaria, a disease that destroys blood cells and is carried in the mosquito’s needlelike mouth. A mosquito injects the disease into people while feeding on them. If infected people are not properly treated, they can die.
severe
PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE This deadly African animal kills more people a year than all other animals combined. Members of its group live in every part of the continent. They single out people to hunt, and they bite even when unprovoked.
page 33 is 287 mm wide. Gatefold is 93.5 mm wide
Page 34 is 287 mm wide to accomodate the gate fold on page 33 crop here
Tusked defender
Geography
The largest land mammal in the world, elephants use their tusks as weapons and their long teeth to rip trees from roots, dig holes for salt, and scrape away rock. Built like a tank and possessing enormous strength, acute intelligence, and an ability to adapt to a harsh climate, this survivor has outlasted ancestors such as the woolly mammoth.
Habitat
Looms over rainforests, swamps, and woodlands
nile crocodiles
A crocodile is no match against a full-grown elephant, but it will attack an elephant calf that strays from the herd at river crossings.
Enemies
african elephant Loxodonta africana
The Congo Basin, Mali, Namibia, Botswana, and the southeastern coast
Lions
When a lion pride is especially hungry, it may attempt to take down sick, injured, or small elephants.
POACHERs
L: 25 feet (7.5 m) H: 9.5 feet (2.9 m) W: 5.5 tons (5 tonnes)
INTELLIGENCE
Poachers are elephants’ greatest foes. The tusked creatures have long been illegally killed for their ivory, and sadly the practice continues. pls clone image to fill space
AGILITY
34
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
ALLy
Dust
The African savanna is hot with little shade. To protect their skin, elephants spray dust over their bodies which acts as a sunblock.
Air Conditioning Large, flat ears flap like fans to keep elephants from overheating.
Giant Pitchforks Huge tusks that grow to 130 pounds (60 kg) attack, dig, and uproot.
SuperPowers
Mighty size and intelligence Equipment
Two large tusks, huge body, ear fans, multipurpose trunk Weakness
Poor fuel efficiency; unable to digest 90 percent of food Fact
Elephants can swim; when underwater, they use their trunks as snorkels.
Shock Absorber Fibrous heel cushions work like giant shock absorbers, making an elephant’s footsteps nearly silent.
All-in-One Elephant trunks have more than 100,000 muscles that grab, drink, breathe, and trumpet.
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Scuba Gear Crocodiles have sensory devices on top of their heads for seeing, breathing, and hearing underwater.
Crested Armor Each scale of a crocodile’s skin grows a hard crest to create a bumpy armor.
Superpower
Superfast snapping jaws Equipment
Tough, plate-covered skin; long tail; webbed hind feet Weakness
Weak jaw-opening muscles that can be held closed with duct tape Fact
Crocodiles have an organ called a gizzard that grinds food into digestible sizes.
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Master Grip Sixty cone-shaped teeth seize hold of prey with more than 5.5 tons (5 tonnes) of pressure.
killer smile
Geography
The Nile crocodile’s jaws are full of constantly growing teeth. When one falls out, another replaces it—this way, crocodiles are always fully equipped. Their vicious tooth-lined jaws can snap shut in 0.3 seconds. With their whiplash tails, huge jaws, and excellent swimming skills, it’s no wonder crocodiles have survived for millions of years.
Most of Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar Habitat
Enemy
Glides in freshwater lakes, rivers, swamps, and woodlands
POACHERS
nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus
In Action
Humans kill crocs to make shoes and belts from their skin. In Ethiopia, they are also poached for their meat.
L: 11 FeeT (3.4 m) H: 2.5 FeeT (75 cm) W: 1,100 POUNDS (500 KG)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
Thrash and dine
Watertight Chamber When underwater, a flap of skin closes inside the throat, allowing the croc to swallow without drowning.
Crocodiles can’t chew. To make mouth-size morsels, they seize prey in their jaws and whip it around, tearing it apart. They then swallow the pieces whole, including hooves, horns, and bones.
37
prey snatcher
Geography
The Sahel and southern Africa except rainforests and the southern tip
Spotted hyenas live in large packs of up to eighty animals. After a hunt, these insatiable beasts gorge themselves, eating up to one-third of their body weight. They devour every morsel, leaving nothing to waste. Scavengers as well as hunters, they are one of the most versatile, daring predators. They are even willing to challenge lions and steal their prey.
Scavenges in savannas, woodlands, and mountains
Lions
Hyenas fearlessly kill lion cubs. In return, these fearsome cats kill hyenas to protect their pride and territory. They also steal hyena kill.
Enemies
Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta
Habitat
Wild dogs
Wild dogs—who work much better together than hyenas do—will steal meals away from hyenas.
L: 4 feet (1.2 m) H: 2.75 feet (85 cm) W: 100 pounds (45 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
prey
wildebeests
While hyenas stalk small prey individually, they team up to hunt wildebeests. Hyenas will even chase them into the water.
zebras
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It takes about 11 hyenas to separate a zebra from the pack. They wait for one to fall behind and then attack its tender stomach.
four-Cylinder Engine A huge four-chambered heart pumps lots of blood, giving energy for long hunts.
Super Hearing A hyena’s ears pick up sounds from miles away, so it can stalk its prey from a long distance without seeing it. SuperPower
Bone-pulverizing jaws and teeth Equipment
Megamuscles, long muzzle, sharp and flat crushing teeth Weakness
Difficult births (almost half of hyenas are stillborn) Fact
A hyena’s powerful stomach and digestive acids can break down hooves, skulls, and horns.
Bone Grinder Hyena jaws equipped with broad, flat molars crush bone with up to 800 pounds (365 kg) of pressure.
Lowrider Long front legs and short back legs create a low, uneven stride that saves energy and acts as a springboard for speed bursts of 30 miles per hour (50 km/h).
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Toxic Fangs A groove in each fang channels deadly venom into victims with every cobra bite.
Protective Goggles A clear scaly lens covers each eye, protecting the snake’s vision and letting it sleep with its eyes open.
Superpower
Deadly paralyzing poison Equipment
Flat, striking head; puffed hood; poison-injecting fangs Weakness
Depends on external heat energy (hibernates if too cold) Fact
To intimidate, a cobra spreads its hood, which is made from elongated ribs covered with skin.
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Snake Scale Cobra scales are rough on the back for protection and smooth on the belly for gliding.
Ultimate Flexibility A cobra has hundreds of backbones with dense muscles that allow side-to-side and climbing motions.
ultimate venom
Geography
Mainly found in North Africa; also from Ethiopia south to Tanzania
The venom of the Egyptian cobra is more potently toxic than that of almost any other snake. A single strike can kill even a full-grown elephant, freezing nerve signals to muscles and rendering the victim incapable of breathing. This destructive venom, combined with a muscular body that can climb trees, makes the Egyptian cobra the king of snakes.
Habitat
Enemy
Slithers in grasslands, savannas, and woodlands
mongooses
egyptian cobra Naja haje
In Action
With quick reflexes and a resistance to cobra poison, mongooses are one of the few animals that dare to hunt Egyptian cobras.
L: 6 FeeT (2 m) H: 3 inches (8 cm) W: 20 POUNDS (9 KG)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
Poison to fight Poison
To create antivenin, diluted venom is injected into horses, which then make antibodies in their blood. When a person is bitten, the harvested antibodies help the immune system defend itself.
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supreme climber
Geography
Parts of sub-Saharan Africa to Cape Province
Capable of acrobatic jumping and climbing, the leopard is the only big cat that sleeps high up in the trees. It even drags along prey up to twice its weight to protect its kill from scavengers down below. Though not the largest or strongest of the big cats, the leopard is versatile, tough, and willing to eat almost anything. No animal is safe when the leopard is hungry.
Stalks everywhere; is the only large predator in rainforests
lions
Leopards give up prey when challenged by lions, which are twice their size and much stronger.
Enemies
african LEOPARD Panthera pardus
Habitat
hyenas
Hyenas scavenge leftover leopard kill and sometimes seize the prey directly from the big cats.
L: 4 feet (1.2 m) H: 2.5 feet (75 cm) W: 100 pounds (45 kg)
INTELLIGENCE
AGILITY
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
Evasion
prey
Waterbuck
Waterbuck weigh up to 500 pounds (225 kg). They evade hunters by going into the water, but leopards are excellent swimmers.
Gazelles
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These small and lightweight antelopes are the perfect size for a leopard to catch and pull up into tree branches.
Amphibious Tracks Wide paws allow a strong grip on tree trunks and help leopards swim across rivers and in deep water.
Invisibility Cloak A leopard’s tawny coat is covered with a rosette pattern that helps it blend into shadows, grass, and trees.
SuperPower
Superior climbing skills Equipment
Short, powerful limbs; muscular neck; retractable claws Weakness
Smallest of all the large cats Fact
Leopards can eat the widest range of food of any large cat, including bugs, fish, mammals, and lizards.
Launch Pad Strong hind muscles power the leopard 10 feet (3 m) up into a tree or 20 feet (6 m) across the ground.
Wide Lens Leopard pupils open extra wide to let in more light for sharp night vision.
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ultimate offense
Eagle’s attack
ultimate defense
Martial eagles fly so high that they are invisible to prey before diving.
ANTELOPE’S HORNS
PANGOLIN’S ARMOR
Two twisted horns are quite large, yet light. They are hollow.
When pangolins curl up, their keratin scales overlap, creating a protective shell.
python’s Embrace Pythons wrap around prey, constricting their muscles until the victims die.
RHINO’S HORNS OSPREY’S TALONS Lion’s Pounce Lions are not fast, but their strong leg and back muscles produce killing lunges.
A reversible toe allows for a sharp grip on fish from any angle.
crocodile’S BITE Crocodiles replace teeth constantly, and snap hard enough to crush bone.
A horn with a soft outer and hard inner layer can be honed like a knife.
WARTHOG’S TUSKS Warthogs use their tusks to ward off enemies while they run to their burrows.
WILDEBEEST’S SPEED Long, strong legs can run up to 105 km/h (65 mph) to evade predators.
ultimate offense
Eagle’s attack
ultimate defense
Martial eagles fly so high that they are invisible to prey before diving.
ANTELOPE’S HORNS
PANGOLIN’S ARMOR
Two twisted horns are quite large, yet light. They are hollow.
When pangolins curl up, their keratin scales overlap, creating a protective shell.
python’s Embrace Pythons wrap around prey, constricting their muscles until the victims die.
RHINO’S HORNS OSPREY’S TALONS Lion’s Pounce Lions are not fast, but their strong leg and back muscles produce killing lunges.
A reversible toe allows for a sharp grip on fish from any angle.
crocodile’S BITE Crocodiles replace teeth constantly, and snap hard enough to crush bone.
A horn with a soft outer and hard inner layer can be honed like a knife.
WARTHOG’S TUSKS Warthogs use their tusks to ward off enemies while they run to their burrows.
WILDEBEEST’S SPEED Long, strong legs can run up to 105 km/h (65 mph) to evade predators.
Glossary
acceleration The rate at which something
changes speed. Some creatures—such as the cheetah—can accelerate more quickly than cars.
ally An animal that helps another animal, usually to the mutual benefit of both animals.
antivenin A substance containing antitoxins that is injected to treat bites from venomous snakes. camouflage A physical characteristic that helps
an animal blend into its environment. A leopard is camouflaged by its coat pattern because the coat’s yellow color and spots look like grass.
canine teeth The two pairs of pointed teeth on the
top and the bottom of the mouth. Most meat eaters have long, sharp canine teeth that help them tear meat. Some plant eaters (like gorillas) have long canine teeth that they bare to frighten opponents.
carnivore An animal that eats mostly meat, though its diet may include other types of food, such as plant matter. claws Sharp, curved nails on the toes of animals.
Some big cats have retractable claws that they can pull in, which allows them to run faster. The osprey has a toe that can twist forward or backward.
climate The prevailing conditions in temperature, wind, and precipitation in an area.
than 10 inches (25 cm) a year—and has very little plant life. The two largest deserts in Africa are the Sahara in northern Africa and the Kalahari in southern Africa.
diet The type of food and drink regularly consumed by an animal.
drag A physics term referring to anything that
slows down motion. Both air and water create drag. The wind or water pushes against an animal when it is running or diving and reduces its speed.
enemy An animal that is harmful or has a negative
relationship with an animal. For example, poachers are enemies to elephants because they want to harm or kill the animal for its tusks.
gizzard A specialized organ in the digestive system that is used to grind down food. Some animals with gizzards swallow rocks to help churn food. These rocks are referred to as gizzard stones. grassland A region that is covered in grass. Africa is almost 50 percent grassland. This very fertile land supports many different species.
Great Lakes of Africa An area in southeast Africa that has many large lakes. It includes Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The lakes provide a water source to many animals.
Congo Basin The drainage area surrounding the Congo River. It contains the world’s second-largest rainforest.
habitat The place where an animal lives in the
constriction A process by which something
herbivore An animal that eats only plants.
contracts. Some snakes kill by constricting their prey with muscles that squeeze an animal tighter each time it breathes out. Finally, the prey’s lungs can’t fill with air and it dies from suffocation.
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desert A region that gets very little rain—less
wild. Common habitats include grass, trees, rivers, and oceans.
hibernate To slow energy use and activity. Some snakes will hibernate if there is not enough water or sunlight to sustain their activity level.
hood The flap of skin around a cobra’s neck that is supported by extra ribs and that can stretch out to warn enemies when the cobra feels threatened. hoof This curved covering of keratin guards the
front of or completely encloses the feet of some animals. It protects them from dangerous terrain.
horn A tough, fibrous protrusion from the head
that is made from keratin or bone. A rhino’s horn is made of solid keratin, while many antelope horns are hollow bone with a keratin covering.
incisor teeth Two pairs of flat cutting teeth that
are usually found between the pointed canine teeth. Both plant and animal eaters use incisors to cut.
insect A member of a group of animals that have six legs, three-part bodies, and no backbone. Locusts, ants, and termites are types of insects. keratin A type of protein that comes in the form of fibers. Different arrangements of the fibers make up hair, nails, horns, hooves, scales, and more.
malaria A human disease that causes extreme fever and chills. Mainly spread by the mosquito, malaria is one of the most deadly diseases in the world—especially in Africa. mammal A member of a group of warm-blooded animals (including humans) that have fur or hair, feed their young with milk secreted by special glands, and have backbones. Other mammals include elephants, lions, and gorillas.
mangrove This family of trees grows in mixes of
saltwater and freshwater. They send out long roots into the ground like stilts and create sheltered ecosystems for marine and freshwater life. The largest mangrove swamps in Africa are found along the southeastern coastline.
molar teeth A set of round or flat teeth, found in the back of the mouth, that are used for grinding. Herbivores have molars for grinding plants, but some carnivores also have molar teeth. Hyenas have strong molars for crushing bones.
montane Describes a region at relatively
high altitude that is characterized by cooler temperatures and slightly higher than average levels of rainfall.
Nile River This life-giving river, generally regarded as the longest in the world, flows north through Africa. Many animals, such as the Nile crocodile, make their homes there. pack A group of the same type of animals who live and hunt together. Both wild dogs and hyenas work together in packs; this is partially what makes them successful hunters. parasite Any creature that lives on, in, or with
another animal and depends on that animal for food, protection, or something else that it needs to survive. Sometimes this relationship is mutually beneficial, but other times parasites harm or do not affect their hosts.
poacher A hunter that illegally targets and kills animals for their hide, fur, meat, or other physical items. predator An animal that hunts other animals. prehensile A physical trait that is adapted for
holding on to or grasping something. For instance, some creatures have tails that they wrap around branches to hold them in place. Some animals even have prehensile tongues, lips, or noses.
prey Animals that are hunted and eaten by other animals.
pride A group of lions, usually made up of five or
six females, their cubs, and one or two adult males. A pride usually contains up to fifteen members.
rainforest A region with dense tree coverage that
receives more than 8 feet (2.5 m) of rain a year. Rich with resources, rainforests host many species.
reptile A member of a group of cold-blooded
animals with dry, scaly skin. Crocodiles, snakes, and chameleons are all reptiles.
stereoscopic A trait meaning that something—
whether a pair of eyes or a microscope—is capable of seeing, recording, or in another way processing three-dimensional images. Stereoscopic vision helps creatures such as the chameleon spot and capture prey.
stomach acid The combination of acids made in
the stomach. The main ingredient of stomach acid is hydrochloric acid. This very strong acid dissolves meat and plants.
rosette Circular markings that form a pattern
telescopic Having parts that extend out like a telescope. A chameleon’s and a pangolin’s tongue are both able to telescope, or extend out, well beyond the mouth.
Sahel A semiarid belt of land between the Sahara and the African savanna.
termites Pale, soft insects that live in colonies underground and feed on dead plant material. They look like white ants and are a staple—along with ants—in the diets of pangolins.
on the coats of some big cats, camouflaging them by resembling shifting shadows and shade and allowing them to stalk their prey unseen.
savanna A region with subtropical or tropical weather, wide grasslands, and a few scattered trees. The African savanna covers more than 40 percent of the continent south of the Sahara and is home to many of Africa’s largest animals. scale A small, thin plate that protects animals from attackers. Some animals have scales that are made up entirely of keratin; others have scales made of skin cells with keratin inside. scavenger An animal that eats animals that have died naturally or were killed by other predators.
semidesert A desertlike climate that receives more rainfall than most deserts but less than average. Semideserts are often found between deserts and their surrounding climates.
shelter Protection from predators and the
elements. Different animals find or create shelter by burrowing, constructing dens, or living in trees.
territory An area inhabited and defended by an
animal or a group of animals. This area contains the food needed for the animals’ survival. Many species mark their territory with urine to signal to others that they are not welcome.
tusk A large modified tooth that grows outside the mouth. Elephant tusks are overgrown incisor teeth, while wart-hog tusks are long canine teeth. Some creatures are poached for their tusks. venom A poisonous substance that a snake injects into the tissue of its prey through biting to paralyze or kill it. In some cases, such bites are lethal to humans and can only be stopped with antivenin. woodlands A region that is largely made up of forests, consisting of trees, shrubs and grasses, and varying levels of sunlight and shade.
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Credits All illustrations by Liberum Donum (Juan Calle, Santiago Calle, Andres Penagos). All images courtesy of Shutterstock unless noted below. Corbis: Front and back cover Getty: 27 main; 35 main iStock: 11 bottom; 18 bottom; 24 main; 26 bottom middle; 34 bottom National Geographic: 7 top left; 29 bottom Photolibrary images: 6 bottom right; 7 bottom right; 11 bottom middle; 19 main; 37 bottom; 39 main; 40 main
Acknowledgments Special thanks to Jacqueline Aaron, Kat Engh, Justin Goers, Emelie Griffin, Bret Hansen, Stacy Luke, Sheila Masson, Susan McCombs, Elina Rubuliak, and Brandi Valenza.