Angola is a coastal country in southwestern Africa. A biologically diverse nation, scientists and conservationists have long been interested in the country. In 2019, researchers published a book detailing Angola’s nearly 2,000 species of flora and fauna, of which hundreds are animals indigenous to Angola.
Animals in Angola
According to the latest counts, approximately 291 mammals, 117 amphibians, 278 reptiles, and a whopping 983 bird species have been observed in Angola.
Common mammals you may stumble upon in Angola include giant otter shrews, Congo golden moles, aardvarks, red-tailed monkeys, plains zebra, Beecroft’s flying squirrels, antelopes, and hedgehogs. Fischer’s thick-toed geckos, large-scale grass lizards, and olive marsh snakes are typical representatives of the country’s reptilian population. In terms of amphibians, a variety of frogs, toads, and squeakers call Angola home.
A birding haven, Angola’s skies see nearly 1,000 avian species every year. Common bird species in the region include common ostriches, albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, herons, egrets, flamingos, and storks. Angola also has a couple of African penguin populations, which are endangered.
Threatened Animals in Angola
Below is an incomplete list of notable endangered animals here.
| Animal | Scientific Name | IUCN Classification |
|---|---|---|
| African Penguin | Spheniscus demersus | Endangered |
| African Bush Elephant | Loxodonta africana | Vulnerable |
| African golden cat | Caracal aurata | Vulnerable |
| Plains zebra | Equus quagga | Near Threatened |
| Mountain zebra | Equus zebra | Vulnerable |
| South-central black rhinoceros | Diceros bicornis minor | Critically Endangered |
| South-western black rhinoceros | Diceros bicornis occidentalis | Near Threatened |
| Cape buffalo | Syncerus caffer | Near Threatened |
| Royal sable antelope | Hippotragus niger variani | Critically Endangered |
| Spikenose Wedgefish | Rhynchobatus luebberti | Critically Endangered |
Extinct Animals in Angola
Since archeologists spend lots of time researching Angola wildlife, the country’s fossil record is impressive. And while most animals from the dinosaur eras are, technically, extinct animals in this country, no modern species that inhabit the country have died off.
Throughout the 20th century, conservationists believed the giant sable antelope to be extinct. However, a pregnant female was photographed by a wildlife camera in 2006, confirming that at least a small population still existed in the wild.
Animals Indigenous to Angola
There are hundreds of animals native to Angola. Examples include:
- Gabela helmetshrike
- Red-crested turaco
- Giant sable antelope
- Angolan dwarf galago
- Vernay’s African climbing mouse
- Gnathonemus barbatus
- Lacustricola mediolateralis
- Angolan adder
- Branch’s swamp snake
- Ashy reed frog
Dangerous Animals in Angola
Angola’s lands, air, and surrounding waters host several potentially lethal animals. The seven most dangerous animals here are Nile crocodiles, Cape buffalo, puff adders, African lion, black rhinos, mosquitos, and common hippos.
National Animal of Angola
The giant sable antelope — also known as the royal sable antelope — is the national animal of Angola. Instead of “national animal,” however, Angolans call it the “national icon.”
The Flag of Angola
The flag of Angola was adopted on November 11, 1975, the same day the country gained its independence. The flag is comprised of an upper red half representing bloodshed during the fight for independence and a bottom half in black representing Africa. In the center of the flag are images of a star symbolizing cooperation and advancement, a half-gear representing industrial workers and production and a machete for agricultural productivity as well as armed struggle. The yellow color of the center emblem stands for the wealth of the nation.