Below you can find a complete list of Mozambican animals. We currently track 249 animals in Mozambique and are adding more every day!
Mozambique is home to a large collection of unique wildlife. Some examples include zebras, crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, impala, common wildebeest, lions, and African wild dogs just to name a few. The African elephant is one of many popular animals to observe in this country.
Mozambique is a country of possibilities. At one time, the population of the African elephant fell so low, they were in terrible danger of becoming extinct. Now, their population is slowly recovering. At the same time, scientists continue to discover new species of animals in the forests of Mozambique. In the last ten years, several new species of butterfly have been discovered deep in the forests as well as a number of snakes.
When it comes to the various types of unique wildlife in Mozambique there are 740 species of bird, 236 mammal species, more than 225 reptile species, 90 amphibian species, and 1450 species of fish!
The Official National Animal of Mozambique
The official national animal of Mozambique is the African elephant. African elephants symbolize the strength and resilient spirit of this country. They live in Mozambique as well as 36 other countries in Africa. They are the biggest walking animals on the globe!
The African elephant itself is a resilient mammal. Its population has decreased over the decades due to poaching. Poachers killed these elephants for their ivory tusks in order to sell this material so people could make jewelry, dishes, and more. Their population has suffered from habitat loss as well. Not surprisingly, they faced the possibility of becoming extinct. However, this incredible animal continues to survive despite its history of challenges. Though its conservation status is Endangered, these elephants receive protection today in various national parks and nature preserves in Mozambique.
The Most Dangerous Animals in Mozambique
Every country has animals that are non-threatening and animals that are more aggressive. The most dangerous animals in Mozambique include:
- Mozambique Spitting Cobra – This venomous snake inflicts the majority of the 1.5 million snake bites that occur in sub-Saharan Africa each year. These snakes can spit up to 8 feet and have accurate aim! Its venom can be deadly to a human depending on how much the person receives. But even a small amount of this snake’s venom can cause pain, swelling, and blindness if a person is hit in the eyes. As a note, this unusual animal will try to hide or escape before resorting to using its venom.
- Lion – Since 2000, there are an estimated 100 lion attacks each year and around 70 of those attacks proved fatal. Lions are experiencing habitat loss, so they are encountering humans more today than in the past. These animals are powerful, fast, and are able to blend well into their environment.
- Hippopotamus – Hippos cause approximately 3,000 human deaths each year. They hold the title of the most dangerous animal in all of Africa. These popular animals have a reputation for being cute and slow-moving. But they are unpredictable and will attack if they think a human is invading their territory. The sheer size of these mammals along with their long, spike-like teeth and powerful jaws can prove deadly to an unsuspecting human.
- Crocodile – In 2018, there were 30 humans killed by crocodiles in Mozambique. These are dangerous animals due to the fact that they can swim silently and blend into their environment. They have strong jaws and are very fast. People who are fishing or collecting water for their households sometimes fall victim to this reptile.
Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Mozambique
- African Elephant – These elephants live in savannahs and in dry woodlands. They can be seen in Banhine National Park and in Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique.
- Zebra – Treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands are the habitats of zebras. Gorongosa National Park and Limpopo National Park are two places to see zebra in this country.
- African Buffalo – The habitat of African buffalo includes lowland rainforests and savannas. These unusual animals must live close to water. Chimanimani National Park and Gorongosa National Park are both home to African buffalo.
- Impala – Impala live on savannas and woodlands where they can eat grass most of the day. Zinave National Park is one place to see impala in this country.
- African Fish Eagle – This popular animal lives on grasslands as well as near swamps and marshes. It’s just one spectacular bird among many living in Gorongosa National Park.
- African Wild Dog – African wild dogs live on the open plains and woodlands of Mozambique. Quirimbas National Park is home to African wild dogs as well as other unusual wildlife.
Endangered Animals in Mozambique
Unfortunately, there are some endangered animals among all of the unique wildlife living in Mozambique. Loss of habitat and poaching are two reasons why some of these animals have this conservation status. Also, the civil war that took place in Mozambique a few decades ago has had a lasting effect on many animal populations. Some of the endangered animals in Mozambique include:
- African Wild Dogs
- Southeastern Black Rhino (Critically Endangered)
- Vincent’s Bush Squirrel
- African Penguin
- Blue Whale
Mozambican Animals
Aardvark
Can move 2ft of soil in just 15 seconds!
Aardwolf
The aardwolf has five toes on its front paws
African Bullfrog
The African bullfrog is one of only three species of frog that have “teeth.”
African Bush Elephant
Can drink up to 50 gallons a day
African Civet
Secretes up to 4g of musk every week!
African Clawed Frog
A particularly ferocious amphibian!
African Fish Eagle
African fish eagles belong to the genus of sea eagles
African Jacana
The males raise the young
African Palm Civet
Solitary but gathers in groups!
African Wild Dog
Also known as the painted dog!
Agama Lizard
The agama forms small social groups that contain both dominant and subordinate males.
American Cockroach
Despite its name, actually originated from Africa and the Middle East
Ant
First evolved 100 million years ago!
Antelope
Renew their horns every year!
Armyworm
They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food
Banana Spider
People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.
Barb
There are over 1768 known species!
Barn Owl
Found everywhere around the world!
Barn Swallow
Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.
Bat
Detects prey using echolocation!
Bat-Eared Fox
Bat-eared foxes can run up to 35 MPH!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.
Bee
Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years
Beetle
There are more than 350,000 different species
Bichir
The bichir species is more than 400 million years old
Bird
Not all birds are able to fly!
Bird Snake
Usambara vine snakes sit perfectly still and sway in the wind like a stick.
Biscuit Beetle
The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast
Black Mamba
Black mambas are the longest venomous snake in Africa, and second longest in the world.
Black Rhinoceros
Horns can grow to 1.5m!
Black Widow Spider
They typically prey on insects!
Blind Snake
The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.
Brazilian Treehopper
“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”
Brown-banded Cockroach
Females glue egg cases to furniture
Brown Dog Tick
Can live its entire life indoors
Brown Hyena
They don’t laugh
Buffalo
Has no real natural predators!
Bumblebee
The most common species of bee!
Bush Baby
In a series of leaps, this creature can cover almost 30 feet of distance in just a few seconds.
Bush Viper
Bush vipers are predators, sinking their fangs into prey while dangling from a tree limb
Butterfly
There are thought to be up 17,500 species!
Caecilian
Some species' babies use their hooked or scraper-like teeth to peel off and eat their mother's skin
Caracal
Has 20 different muscles in it's ears!
Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!
Cat
First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!
Caterpillar
The larvae of a moth or butterfly!
Catfish
There are nearly 3,000 different species!
Centipede
There are about 3,000 documented species!
Chameleon
There are more than 160 different species!
Cheetah
The fastest land mammal in the world!
Chicken
First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!
Cicada
Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans
Cichlid
There are more than 2 000 known species!
Cockroach
Dated to be around 300 million years old!
Codling Moth
Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.
Common Buzzard
The most common raptor in the UK!
Common Furniture Beetle
The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood
Common House Spider
House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.
Cow
There are nearly 1.5 million worldwide!
Crab
There are 93 different crab groups
Crab Spider
Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings
Crane
Many are critically endangered species!
Cricket
Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together
Crocodile
Have changed little in 200 million years!
Crow
A group of these birds is called a Murder.
Dik-Dik
A dik-dik is named after a sound it makes when it is frightened
Dog
First domesticated in South-East Asia!
Dog Tick
Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals
Donkey
First domesticated 5,000 years ago!
Dragonfly
It's larvae are carnivorous!
Duck
Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!
Dung Beetle
The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight
Dusky Shark
The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.
Eagle
Has exceptional eyesight!
Earthworm
They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs
Earwig
There are nearly 2,000 different species!
Eastern Green Mamba
It is completely arboreal, and its green color is one of the adaptations that make life in the trees possible.
Eel
Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!
Egyptian Goose
A duck species that resembles a goose when flying
Eland
Both females and males have horns.
Electric Catfish
The electric catfish can discharge an electric shock up to 450 volts
Elephant
Spends around 22 hours a day eating!
Elephant Shrew
Found exclusively on the African continent!
Falcon
The fastest creatures on the planet!
False Widow Spider
False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders
Fiddler Crab
The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.
Fire Ball Python
The fire ball python morph is known for its rich golden and reddish-brown coloration.
Firefly
The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world
Flamingo
Sleeps on just one leg!
Flea
Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air
Fly
There are more than 240,000 different species!
Fox
There are 12 different species in the world!
Frog
There are around 7,000 different species!
Fruit Bat
Among the largest bats in the world
Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world
Fulvous Whistling Duck
They build a ramp from their nest, which leads to a nearby water source
Gaboon Viper
Gaboon vipers are the largest vipers in Africa.
Gazelle
Named for the Arabic word for love poems
Gecko
There are thought to be over 2,000 species!
Gerbil
Originally known as the Desert Rat!
German Cockroach
The most common type of urban roach
Glass Lizard
Can grow up to 4ft long!
Glow Worm
Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!
Gnat
Males form large mating swarms at dusk
Goat
Most closely related to the Sheep!
Golden Oriole
Migrates between Europe and Asia!
Grasshopper
There are 11,000 known species!
Green Bee-Eater
Mainly eats honeybees!
Green Mamba
Green mambas are fast, and can travel up to 7 miles per hour.
Guinea Fowl
Found in a vairety of African habitats!
Gypsy Moth
One of the most invasive species in the world
Hamster
Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!
Hare
Can reach speeds of over 40 mph!
Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.
Hedgehog
Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!
Heron
Inhabits wetlands around the world!
Hippopotamus
Has pink anti-bacterial sweat!
Honey Badger
One of earth's bravest creatures!
Honey Bee
There are only 8 recognized species!
Hoopoe
Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!
Horse
Has evolved over 50 million years!
Horsefly
Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.
Housefly
The fly has no teeth
Human
Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!
Huntsman Spider
Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.
Hyena
There are four different species!
Ibis
Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!
Impala
Able to jump over 10 feet high
Insects
There are an estimated 30 million species!
Jacana
The jacana has the ability to swim underwater
Jackal
Can maintain speeds of 16 km/h!
Jumping Spider
Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies
Kingfisher
Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!
Klipspringer
Klipspringers can jump as high as 10-12ft!
Kori Bustard
It's easily identified by its crest, large size, and wingspan
Kudu
Lives in herds of up to 24 individuals!
Ladybug
There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!
Lappet-faced Vulture
Lappet-faced vultures are tidy and wash their heads in a body of water after they’ve eaten
Leech
Has 10 pairs of eyes!
Leopard
Spends much of the time high in the trees!
Leopard Tortoise
The most widely distributed tortoise in Africa!
Lesser Jacana
The lesser jacana is nomadic, often moving in search of temporary wetland habitats.
Liger
The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!
Lion
Lives in small groups called prides!
Lizard
There are around 5,000 different species!
Locust
Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.
Madora Moth
Mopane worms (larva) only live for 3 - 4 days after evolving into an adult (madora), during which they mate and lay eggss
Maggot
Will only live in wet areas
Magpie
They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!
Marabou Stork
The marabou stork does not have a voice box.
Mayfly
There are 2,500 known species worldwide!
Mealybug
They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
Millipede
Some species have a poisonous bite!
Mole
Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!
Mongoose
Range in size from just 1 to 3 foot!
Mongrel
Has characteristics of two or more breeds!
Monitor Lizard
Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!
Monkey
There are around 260 known species!
Moorhen
Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!
Mosquito
Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood
Moth
There are 250,000 different species!
Mouse
Found on every continent on Earth!
Mozambique Spitting Cobra
Mozambique Spitting Cobra is one of Africa's most dangerous snakes.
Mule
The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!
Nightingale
Named more than 1,000 years ago!
Nile Crocodile
When a female Nile crocodile’s hatchlings are in danger, she may hide them in a special pouch inside her throat.
No See Ums
There are more than 5,000 species.
Nyala
They have a high-pitched alarm call that sounds like a barking dog.
Olive Baboon
Olive baboons will sometimes form strong friendships with each other
Oranda Goldfish
Oranda goldfish are one of the most popular fancy goldfish breeds
Orb Weaver
Females are about four times the size of males
Osprey
They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!
Otter
There are 13 different species worldwide
Owl
The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees
Pangolin
Bad eyesight, but great sense of smell
Parrot
Can live for up to 100 years!
Peregrine Falcon
Fastest animal on Earth
Pheasant
Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!
Pigeon
They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.
Praying Mantis
The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.
Puff Adder
This large snake is so-named because it will puff up its body to appear bigger than it is when directly threatened by a predator or person.
Quail
Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!
Rabbit
There are more than 50 different species!
Rat
Omnivores that eat anything!
Red-Billed Quelea Bird
Is the most populous bird in the world
Rhinoceros
It's horns are made from keratin!
River Turtle
Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!
Robin
There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!
Rodents
The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.
Rooster
Will mate with the entire flock!
Sable Ferret
Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.
Sand Crab
The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail
Scorpion
There are around 2,000 known species!
Sea Eagle
The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner
Seahorse
Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!
Serval
Can leap more than 1 meter into the air!
Sheep
Around 35 million in the English countryside!
Shrew
The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.
Shrimp
There are 2,000 different species worldwide!
Skink Lizard
Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.
Slug
They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce
Smokybrown Cockroach
Has up to 45 eggs per egg case
Snail
There are nearly 1,000 different species!
Snake
There are around 3,000 known species worldwide
Snouted Cobra
The snouted cobra, also known as the banded snouted cobra, is one of the most venomous snakes in all of Africa.
Sparrow
There are 140 different species!
Spider Wasp
They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.
Spitting Cobra
Spitting cobras are types of cobras that can spit venom at predators and prey.
Squirrel
Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!
Stick Insect
There are more than 3,000 different species!
Stiletto Snake
Because of their unique venom delivery system, stiletto snakes are almost impossible to hold safely in the usual way (with fingers behind the head) without being bitten.
Stork
They can’t sing like other birds.
Swan
Populations have been affected by pollution!
Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.
Termite
Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!
Thrush
The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.
Tick
They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite
Tiger Beetle
The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world
Tortoise
Can live until they are more than 150 years old!
Tree Frog
Found in warmer jungles and forests!
Tsetse Fly
Tsetse flies are large biting flies that live in the tropical regions of Africa.
Turaco
Their name means “banana-eater,” but they rarely ever eat bananas.
Turtles
Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.
Twig Snake
Twig snakes are among the few rear-fanged colubrids whose bite is highly venomous and potentially fatal.
Vervet Monkey
Rarely found more than 450m from trees!
Vine Snake
A slender body and elongated snout give the vine snake a regal look.
Vinegaroon
Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted
Viper
Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most
Vulture
There are 30 different species worldwide!
Warthog
Has two sets of tusks on it's face!
Wasp
There are around 75,000 recognised species!
Water Buffalo
Has been domesticated for thousands of years!
White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
There are two different types of white ferrets!
White Rhinoceros
The second largest animal on the land!
Wildebeest
Can trek more than 1,000 miles every year!
Wolf Spider
Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.
Woodlouse
This animal can roll up into a ball
Woodpecker
There are 200 different species!
Worm
Doesn’t have eyes.
Wryneck
They feign death by making their bodies limp and closing their eyes.
Zebra
Stripe patterns are unique to each individual!
Zebu
There are around 75 different species!
Zonkey
The offspring of Zebra and Donkey parents!
Zorse
The offspring of a Zebra and Horse parents!
Mozambican Animals List
- Aardvark
- Aardwolf
- African Bullfrog
- African Bush Elephant
- African Civet
- African Clawed Frog
- African Fish Eagle
- African Jacana
- African Palm Civet
- African Wild Dog
- Agama Lizard
- American Cockroach
- Ant
- Antelope
- Armyworm
- Banana Spider
- Barb
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Bat
- Bat-Eared Fox
- Bed Bugs
- Bee
- Beetle
- Bichir
- Bird
- Bird Snake
- Biscuit Beetle
- Black Mamba
- Black Rhinoceros
- Black Widow Spider
- Blind Snake
- Boomslang
- Brazilian Treehopper
- Brown-banded Cockroach
- Brown Dog Tick
- Brown Hyena
- Buffalo
- Bumblebee
- Bush Baby
- Bush Viper
- Butterfly
- Caecilian
- Caracal
- Carpenter Ant
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Chameleon
- Cheetah
- Chicken
- Cicada
- Cichlid
- Cockroach
- Codling Moth
- Common Buzzard
- Common Furniture Beetle
- Common House Spider
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Crane
- Cricket
- Crocodile
- Crow
- Cuckoo
- Dik-Dik
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Donkey
- Dormouse
- Dragonfly
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Dusky Shark
- Eagle
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Eastern Green Mamba
- Eel
- Egyptian Goose
- Eland
- Electric Catfish
- Elephant
- Elephant Shrew
- Falcon
- False Widow Spider
- Fiddler Crab
- Fire Ball Python
- Firefly
- Flamingo
- Flea
- Fly
- Fox
- Frog
- Fruit Bat
- Fruit Fly
- Fulvous Whistling Duck
- Gaboon Viper
- Gazelle
- Gecko
- Gerbil
- German Cockroach
- Glass Lizard
- Glow Worm
- Gnat
- Goat
- Golden Oriole
- Grasshopper
- Green Bee-Eater
- Green Mamba
- Guinea Fowl
- Gypsy Moth
- Hamster
- Hare
- Hawk Moth Caterpillar
- Hedgehog
- Heron
- Hippopotamus
- Honey Badger
- Honey Bee
- Hoopoe
- Horse
- Horsefly
- Housefly
- Human
- Huntsman Spider
- Hyena
- Ibis
- Impala
- Insects
- Jacana
- Jackal
- Jumping Spider
- Kingfisher
- Kitefin Shark
- Klipspringer
- Kori Bustard
- Kudu
- Ladybug
- Lappet-faced Vulture
- Leech
- Leopard
- Leopard Tortoise
- Lesser Jacana
- Liger
- Lion
- Lizard
- Locust
- Madora Moth
- Maggot
- Magpie
- Marabou Stork
- Mayfly
- Mealybug
- Millipede
- Mole
- Mongoose
- Mongrel
- Monitor Lizard
- Monkey
- Moorhen
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mouse
- Mozambique Spitting Cobra
- Mule
- Nightingale
- Nile Crocodile
- No See Ums
- Nyala
- Olive Baboon
- Oranda Goldfish
- Orb Weaver
- Osprey
- Otter
- Owl
- Pangolin
- Parrot
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pigeon
- Praying Mantis
- Puff Adder
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Rat
- Red-Billed Quelea Bird
- Rhinoceros
- River Turtle
- Robin
- Rock Python
- Rodents
- Rooster
- Sable Ferret
- Sand Crab
- Scorpion
- Sea Eagle
- Seahorse
- Serval
- Sheep
- Shrew
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Slug
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Snail
- Snake
- Snouted Cobra
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Spitting Cobra
- Squirrel
- Stick Insect
- Stiletto Snake
- Stork
- Swan
- Tarantula Hawk
- Termite
- Thrush
- Tick
- Tiger Beetle
- Tortoise
- Tree Frog
- Tsetse Fly
- Turaco
- Turtles
- Twig Snake
- Vervet Monkey
- Vine Snake
- Vinegaroon
- Viper
- Vulture
- Warthog
- Wasp
- Water Buffalo
- White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
- White Rhinoceros
- Wildebeest
- Wolf Spider
- Woodlouse
- Woodpecker
- Worm
- Wryneck
- Zebra
- Zebu
- Zonkey
- Zorse
Animals in Mozambique FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What animals live in Mozambique?
Some of the most amazing and unusual animals live in Mozambique. Some of the most notable members of Mozambique wildlife include African elephants, lions, African wild dogs, dolphins, hippos, zebras, ostriches, sea turtles, impala, and crocodiles. Don’t forget the Mozambique spitting cobra!
What is the national animal of Mozambique?
The national animal of Mozambique is the African elephant. These unusual animals perfectly symbolize resilience. Their population is slowly recovering from almost becoming extinct.
Are there monkeys in Mozambique?
Yes. The vervet monkey, the blue monkey, the chacma baboon and the yellow baboon all live in Mozambique.
Are there lions in Mozambique?
Yes, lions live in Mozambique. Gorongosa National Park is just one of the places where these unique animals live in a protected environment.
