The rhinoceros, an endangered animal
This huge, prehistoric-looking animal had all but disappeared from Kenya by the early 1980s. Draconian measures and the fight against poaching saved the species. Today, there are around 650 individuals in the country. There are two species of rhinoceros: the black(Diceros bicornis) and the white(Ceratotherium simum). Don't try to tell them apart by their color - they're both gray. The black rhinoceros is smaller than its white cousin, with a less elongated, more pointed head. Its temperament, however, is much more aggressive. The black rhino is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population declined by 97.6% between 1960 and the 1990s, mainly due to poaching. In 1993, there were an estimated 2,300 black rhinos living in the wild, but thanks to conservation efforts across Kenya and southern Africa, the population has risen to over 5,000 today. The Ol Pejeta Reserve (Central Region), which today numbers 110, remains the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.
White rhinos are divided into northern and southern white rhinos. The northern white rhino is a subspecies of white rhino. It is now considered extinct in the wild. Only two females remain (Najin and Fatu), currently living in Kenya's Ol Pejeta reserve. The last male, Sudan, died in March 2018. The southern white rhino is on the IUCN's list of near-threatened species. This subspecies was on the brink of extinction at the end of the 19th century. Thanks to conservation efforts, there are now around 20,000 living in the wild in eastern and southern Africa.
The elephant, king of the animals
The African elephant(Loxodonta africana) is the largest animal on earth. Its trunk is a marvel of adaptation. At around 2 m long, it ends in two finger-like, prehensile and tactile appendages. This long, mobile and sensitive organ is used to recognize itself, blow water, stroke its young, pick plants, gather fruit, sniff the air, emit sounds and drink (the proboscis sucks up water and spits it back into the mouth). The constant movements of its large ears allow the blood, better regulated, to cool down by a few degrees. Its famous ivory tusks, which almost led to its demise, can reach 3 m in length and weigh almost 50 kg each. These specimens with their extraordinary tusks are mostly found in Kenya, in the Tsavo region, where they are nicknamed "Tuskers". Indeed, tuskers are not as well developed in other parts of the world, such as Chad.
Elephants live in herds of fifteen to twenty individuals, led by a matriarch. Older males leave the herd and generally lead solitary lives. The group's social organization is particularly efficient, and solidarity between members is total. Elephants are in constant communication, thanks to their many sounds and grunts, inaudible to the human ear. Hunted for centuries for their ivory, African elephants were threatened with total eradication. Today, their numbers are on the increase, but the problems remain. This enormous animal, which consumes a considerable amount of food and water (175 kg of forage and 90 liters of water per day), finds itself in territorial competition with man.
The lion, king of the savanna
Until recently, the lion was found throughout Africa, Asia Minor, Iran and India. Today, only a few are left in Africa, and around 200 remain in the Gir forest in north-west India. Lions are powerful predators, good jumpers and excellent swimmers. Like all felines, they have retractable claws, and unlike others, they have a particularly intense social life. The males defend the territory (between 20 km² and 400 km²) of the clan, which generally comprises two lions, a dozen females and their cubs. True to its reputation, the male lion is a lazy animal, capable of lounging for up to 20 hours a day. Females are less lazy, often hunting alone, using diversionary tactics. After the approach, the charge is made at 60 km/h over a short distance. Despite the cooperation of lionesses and sometimes males for large prey (buffalo in particular), four out of five attacks fail. If you're camping, you'll probably be lucky enough to hear the lion's raucous roar in the middle of the night, which can be heard almost 10 km away.
The leopard, the most discreet of felines
It's a muscular feline, with a strong but supple constitution. Its tawny coat is dotted with rosette-shaped black spots. In mountainous and wooded regions, the leopard is much darker, even black-brown. They live solitary lives, except during the breeding season. Leopards stalk near waterholes and rocky areas, where they sometimes seek to flush out damans and baboons. From a tree or promontory, it jumps on its prey, terracing it with its powerful paws and breaking its neck or slitting its throat. It then hoists its prey (sometimes larger than itself) onto a branch away from scavengers. Particularly discreet, it adapts to any environment, occasionally seizing domestic animals (goats, poultry and even dogs near towns).
The African buffalo, a dangerous animal
The buffalo, Africa's only species of wild cattle, is a massive, powerful and dangerous animal. Its horns curve upwards, while the two bases, which are almost flush, form a veritable helmet. The buffalo lives in vast herds on the savannah and in small groups in forested areas. Older, solitary males are particularly unpredictable, charging without reason. Buffalos are one of the few species, along with elephants, to show great solidarity. When an individual is attacked by lions, the rest of the group will not hesitate to pounce on the assailants, forcing them to flee. Be very careful when walking in wooded areas. The buffalo is by far the most wary of the Big Five.
