The Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves, boasting a plethora of wildlife, with well over 150 species of mammals, 520 bird species, over 2000 plant species, including 456 tree and shrub species, 112 reptile species, 34 species of Amphibians and over 49 species of fish – the Kruger Park is by far the destination spot should you be wanting to spend some time with our animal brothers and sisters.
We at Drive South Africa have decided to compile a list of the Top 7 best of wildlife in the Kruger Park, setting aside 7 different categories, complete with 5 nominations in each category; ultimately ending in the number one best of animal within the game reserve.
The nominations in each Top 7 category are as follows:
1. The largest animal in the Kruger National Park
Nominees:
- Rhinoceros
- Hippopotamus
- Giraffe
- African Elephant
- Baboon
And the winner is...
The African Elephant, weighing in at approximately 5455kg, this is by far the largest land animal in the world.
2. The smallest animal in the Kruger National Park
Nominees:
- Antlion
Photo By growandtell.files.wordpres
- Rhino Beetle
- Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
- Rock Elephant Shrew
- Leopard Tortoise
And the winner is...
The Rock Elephant Shrew, which is the size of a human fingertip, resembling a mouse. This mammal tends to feed on insects. One can identify an Elephant shrew from its distinctive long nose, which resembles a mini elephant trunk – hence its namesake.
Photo By Layzeboy Photography Nature & Wildlife
3. The fastest animal in the Kruger National Park
Nominees:
- Wildebeest
- Lion
Photo By Venkatraman Pasupathinarayanan
- Thompson’s Gazelle
- Cheetah
- Leopard
.jpg)
And the winner is...
The Cheetah is the fastest land animal around the world. Reaching speeds of up to 80-100km per hour, the Cheetah will be able to outrun any other predator. Bear in mind though, these top speeds can only be reached at short intervals at a time. (They are NOT distance runners...)
Photo By World Resources Institute
4. The most secretive animal in the Kruger National Park
Nominees:
- Serval
- Pangolin
- Large spotted Genet
- Civet
- Porcupine
And the winner is...
The Serval is the most secretive animal to be found in the Kruger. Being a nocturnal animal, this small spotted cat tends to spend its days’ lazing in the thickets of bushes, situated along the rivers of the Kruger National Park.
5. The strangest looking animal in the Kruger National Park
Nominees:
- Meerkat
- Ground Hornbill
- Pangolin
.jpg)
- Giraffe
- Elephant Shrew
And the winner is...
The Pangolin is by far the strangest animal in the Kruger National Park. Descendent from dinosaur days, this scaly anteater is a mammal from the order of Pholidota. Marked by hardened, plate-like scales, which are made up of keratin, the Pangolin curls itself up into a ball when threatened, its overlapping scales acting as armour for the creature.
6. The most aggressive animal in the Kruger National Park
Nominees:
- Crocodile
- Lion
- Spotted Hyena
- Hippopotamus
- White Rhinoceros
And the winner is...
The Hippopotamus is indeed the most aggressive animal. Showing aggressive tendencies towards human beings, without any provocation is somewhat of the norm when it comes to Hippos. They are extremely territorial, and will stop at nothing to ensure possible threats are aware of this.
7. The most endangered animal in the Kruger National Park
Nominees:
- African Wild Dog
- Black Rhinoceros
- Bats
- Honey Badger
- Ground Hornbill
Photo By Peter Hall
And the winner is...
The African Wild Dog is the most endangered animal at the Kruger National Park. The only viable population of African Wild Dog around the world can be found in the Kruger National Park, with dwindling numbers of only 350 Wild Dogs at the Park, radical steps need to be put into place to ensure this fascinating species does not become extinct.
Be sure to get yourself to the Kruger National Park, where you will be able to spend time exploring and discovering wildlife of all shapes, sizes and spheres. Should you wish to book a space in the Kruger National Park, feel free to contact us, we will be able to assist you with car hiring as well as accommodation.
- Share this page
No comments yet.Be first!