Swaziland Endangered Animals

Swaziland is located in southern Africa, and consists mostly of mountains and hills with some sloping plains. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species documents the following animals as the country's endangered species.

Definition

According to the IUCN, critically endangered species risk high extinction in the near future with less than 250 individuals ranging under 38 square miles; endangered animals have less than 2,500 individuals under 1920 square miles; and vulnerable wildlife has less than 10,000 individuals ranging over 7,720 square miles.

Black Rhinoceros

The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) weighs under 3,080 lbs. and can be up to 5.75 feet high. With a worldwide population of 3,610 and a population in the country of 15, they are critically endangered.

Wild Dog

The endangered Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) weighs under 79 lbs. and hunts wildebeest, gazelle and rats. They have a worldwide population of under 5,500.

African Elephant

The African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) travels in a stable, matriarchal herd in habitats ranging form desert to forest. Worldwide population is estimated from between 402,000 and 660,000, with about 39 in Malawi, making them a vulnerable species.

Cheetah

Known for its speed, the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has proportionately longer limbs than other large cats. It has a worldwide population of 12,500 and is considered vulnerable.

References

• Definition
• Black rhino
• Wild dog

Resources

• CIA on Swaziland
• IUCN Red List
• Threatened species in Swaziland