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The North African Elephant Shrew (Petrosaltator rozeti) has a rodent-like appearance coming of its small body, long tail, and large ears. It is light and covered in yellowish-brown to pale sandy-pink fur and a white underside. Like other elephant shrews, the snout is long and flexible. The North African Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 4.3”-5.1” (11-13 cm) and total weight of 1.4-1.9 oz (40-55 g). The North African Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.3”-4.1” (8.5-10.5 cm), body width of 2.2”-2.75” (5.5-7 cm), and tail length of 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm). The typical lifespan of the North African Elephant Shrew is between 1-4 years.

Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, belonging to the family Elephantidae, which includes three extant species: the African Savannah elephant, the African Forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. These majestic creatures are known for their long trunks, large ears, and tusks.

The Indian elephant (Elephas Maximus Indicus) is one of three known recognized Asian elephant subspecies native to mainland Asia. In general, Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have the highest body point on their heads. The tip of their trunk has a finger-like hump. Indian Elephants have a typical shoulder height between 6.58’-11.42’ (2-3.5 m), body length of 8.2’-14.44’ (2.5-4.4 m), and width of 3.28’-6.23’ (1-1.9 m). The typical weight of the Indian Elephant is in the range of 4,409-11,023 lb (2,000-5,500 kg). Indian Elephants have lifespans between 50-80 years.

The African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) is the large living animal with bulls reaching a shoulder height of up to 4 meters, the largest living terrestrial animal is also known as the African Savanna Elephant. Both sexes have curved tusks that develop and are rising throughout their lives. African Bush Elephants have a typical shoulder height between 8.5’-13’ (2.6-4 m), body length of 10’-16.5’ (3-5 m), and width of 4.27’-6.89’ (1.3-2.1 m). The typical weight of the African Bush Elephant is in the range of 5,500-15,400 lb (2,500-7,000 kg). African Bush Elephants have lifespans between 60-75 years.

African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta Cyclotis) originates from humid rainforests and the Congo Basin in West Africa. It is the smallest of the three species of living elephants to a height of 2.4 meters. Both sexes of the African Forest Elephant have straight down-pointing tusks. African Forest Elephants have a typical shoulder height between 5.92’-9.83’ (1.8-3 m), body length of 7.22’-12.13’ (2.2-3.7 m), and width of 2.82’-4.59’ (.86-1.4 m). The typical weight of the African Forest Elephant is in the range of 8,818-13,889 lb (4,000-6,300 kg). African Forest Elephants have lifespans between 60-70 years.

In the northeast of Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the Borneo elephant, also called the Borneo Pygmy Elephant (Elephas Maximus Borneensis), is a subspecies of the Asian elephant. The Borneo Pygmy Elephant is the smallest Asian elephant subspecies in size, and are baby-faced with oversized ears. Borneo Pygmy Elephants have a typical shoulder height between 8.17’-9.83’ (2.5-3 m), body length of 10.17’-12.47’ (3.1-3.8 m), and width of 3.94’-5.25’ (1.2-1.6 m). The typical weight of the Borneo Pygmy Elephant is in the range of 6,000-10,000 (2,720-4,535 kg). Borneo Pygmy Elephants have lifespans between 55-70 years.

Afrotheria is a fascinating and diverse superorder of mammals that originated in Africa. This group encompasses various species with distinct appearances and habitats, such as elephants, aardvarks, manatees, and several others. They're united not by visible similarities but by genetic ties.

The African Wild Ass (Equus africanus) is a descendant from the donkey and has a short gray coat that fades to white on their underside. The African Wild Ass is native to east Africa and can be found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. They typically live in deserts and arid areas like bushlands. African Wild Asses have a shoulder height between 49”–57” (124-145 cm), overall standing height of 55.1”-65” (140-165 cm), and body length of 78.7”-92.5” (200-235 cm). The weight of an African Wild Ass is between 507-606 lb (230-275 kg). African Wild Asses have a typical lifespan of 25-40 years.

The Cyprus Dwarf Elephant (Palaeoloxodon Cypriot) is an extinct species that inhabited Cyprus Island during the Late Pleistocene up until approximately 11,000 BC. The molar analogy confirms the suggestion that the genus evolved from the long protruding straight-tusked elephant. Cyprus Dwarf Elephants had a typical shoulder height between 4.25’-4.58’ (1.3-1.4 m), body length of 5.58’-5.91’ (1.7-1.8 m), and width of 2.4’-2.5’ (.73-.76 m). The typical weight of the Cyprus Dwarf Elephant was in the range of 440-550 lb (200-250 kg). Cyprus Dwarf Elephants had estimated minimum lifespans of 68 years.

African insectivores, belonging to the group Afroinsectiphilia, are a diverse set of small to medium-sized mammals native to Africa, primarily adapted to feed on insects. This group includes animals like tenrecs, golden moles, and elephant shrews.

Listed as the most wanted lost species, the Somali Elephant Shrew (Galegeeska revoilii) is endemic to Somalia. Even so, it has also been spotted in other Horn of Africa countries like Ethiopia and Djibouti. It is also called Somali sengi. The Somali elephant shrew keeps lifelong partners. The Somali Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 6.7”-12.2” (17-31 cm) and total weight of .9-2.1 oz (25-60 g). The Somali Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.1”-5.9” (8-15 cm), body width of 2.6”-4.5” (6.5-11.5 cm), and tail length of 7.1”-13” (18-33 cm). The typical lifespan of the Somali Elephant Shrew is between 1-4 years.

A relatively common animal in South Africa is the Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) preferring rocky areas. It is insectivorous and also a good pollinator as it uses its slender tongue to feed on insects or propagate nectar lily. It is also called the Cape rock sengi. The Cape Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 8.7”-11.4” (22-29 cm) and total weight of 1.4-2.9 oz (40-83 g). The Cape Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 5.9”-7.7” (15-19.5 cm), body width of 4.3”-5.7” (11-14.5 cm), and tail length of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cape Elephant Shrew is between 2-6 years.

The dense forest of East Africa and lowlands montane are the best places to see the Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew (Rhynchocyon petersi). It is multi-colored, with the front half reddish-brown and the back half black. Its hind limbs are longer than its forelimbs, making it agile. The Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 9.1”-11.8” (23-30 cm ) and total weight of 1-1.54 lb (450-700 g). The Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 5.7”-7.5” (14.5-19 cm), body width of 3.3”-4.5” (8.5-11.5 cm), and tail length of 9.1”-9.8” (23-25 cm). The typical lifespan of the Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew is between 4-5 years.

The Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) is an extinct mammoth species that lived during the Pleistocene period up to its extinction at the beginning of the Holocene. The nearest relative is the Asian elephant. The wooly mammoth had been well adapted during the last ice age to the cold climate. Woolly Mammoths had a typical shoulder height between 8.5’-11.17’ (2.6-3.4 m), body length of 9.19’-12.47’ (2.8-3.8 m), and width of 4.59’-6.23’ (1.4-1.9 m). The typical weight of the Woolly Mammoth was in the range of 13,205-17,593 lb (5,990-7,980 kg). Woolly Mammoths had lifespans between 60-80 years.

The African Dormouse, also known as the woodland dormouse, is a kind of tiny rodent showing similarities in appearance to that of a squirrel in combination with features of a mouse. Scientifically identified as Graphiurus murinus, the wild African Dormouse lives in subtropical or tropical climates. African Dormice have a height of 1.4”-2” (3.5-5 cm), body length between 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.2 oz (18-34 g). The tail length of an African Dormouse is 2.4”-4.3” (6-11 cm). African Dormice have a typical lifespan of 4 years in the wild and up to 5-6 years in captivity.

The title for the smallest elephant shrew goes to the Etendeka Round-eared Sengi (Macroscelides micus) common in northwest Namibia. It is also called the Etendeka round-eared elephant shrew. It has a profile of a long-nosed mouse, a skin that is pink but covered in red fur, and long thin legs. The Etendeka Round-Eared Sengi has a body length in the range of 3.1”-3.9” (8-10 cm) and total weight of .9-1.1 oz (25-31 g). The Etendeka Round-Eared Sengi has a rough standing height between 2”-2.6” (5-6.5 cm), body width of 1.2”-1.6” (3-4 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-3.9” (8-10 cm). The typical lifespan of the Etendeka Round-Eared Sengi is between 1-4 years.

Among the largest golden mole found in Africa, specifically, South Africa is the Giant Golden Mole (Chrysospalax trevelyani). The small mammal is easy to identify because of the lack of external ears and tail, eyes covered by skin or hair, wedged-shaped head, leather pad, powerful limbs, and claws. The Giant Golden Mole has a body length in the range of 7.9”-9.4” (20-24 cm) and total weight of .9-1.2 lb (410-540 g). The Giant Golden Mole has a rough standing height between 3.1”-3.9” (8-10 cm) and body width of 3”-3.5” (7.5-9 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Golden Mole is between 3-4 years.

The Cape Golden Mole (Chrysochloris asiatica) habitat is diverse. It can be moist soil with mixed clay or just sandy. It is endemic to the southwestern regions of South Africa. The Cape golden mole is a solitary mammal that feeds on soil invertebrates with a dense coat of silky fur. The Cape Golden Mole has a body length in the range of 3.9”-4.7” (10-12 cm) and total weight of .9-1.7 oz (25-47 g). The Cape Golden Mole has a rough standing height between 1.6”-2” (4-5 cm) and body width of 1.6”-2” (4-5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cape Golden Mole is between 3-4 years.

The porcine snout, long nose, sharp claws, and powerful legs make the Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) excel well in digging burrows for its nest and open termite mounds. It is native to Africa, nocturnal, with a good sense of smell. The Aardvark has a stocky body, a short tail, and pinkish-gray skin. The Aardvark has a body length in the range of 41.3”-51.2” (105-130 cm) and total weight of 88-176 lb (40-80 kg). The Aardvark has a rough standing height between 23.6”-29.9” (60-76 cm), body width of 11”-13.4” (28-34 cm), and tail length of 17.7”-27.6” (45-70 cm). The typical lifespan of the Aardvark is between 15-30 years.

The Southern Elephant seal is the only known largest Carnivora marine mammal under the Clade Pinnipedia. The animal’s name arises from the large proboscis present in adult males. They show the greatest sexual dimorphism, with males being unusually larger and heavier than females. Southern Elephant Seals have a total length between 8.5’-19.67’ (2.6-6 m), body height of 19.7”-49.6” (50-126 cm), and width of 24.4”-70.9” (62-180 cm). The typical weight of the Southern Elephant Seal is in the range of 772-8,160 lb (350-3,700 kg). Southern Elephant Seals have lifespans between 14-22 years. The sizes of Southern Elephant Seals differ greatly between genders.

The Giant Otter Shrew (Potamogale velox) possesses both features of a shrew and an otter. The face is flat with stiff whiskers and a muscular tail. You can find it in the aquatic environments of Central and East Africa. It is nocturnal and carnivorous, feeding mainly on aquatic animals. The Giant Otter Shrew has a body length in the range of 10.6”-13.8” (27-35 cm) and total weight of .88-1.72 lb (400-780 g). The Giant Otter Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.3”-4.3” (8.5-11 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.7” (7-9.5 cm), and tail length of 9.1”-11.4” (23-29 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Otter Shrew is between 3-5 years.

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) has a profile of a hedgehog. However, it is still small, stout, with a short tail and prominent ears. Its limbs and muzzles are of moderate length. It is mostly found in tropical dry forests, dry shrublands, and dry savannas of Madagascar. The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a body length in the range of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm) and total weight of .25-.56 lb (113-255 g). The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2”-2.75” (5-7 cm) and body width of 1.8”-2.75” (4.5-7 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is between 5-19 years.

From a distance, you may think the Greater Hedgehog Tenrec (Setifer setosus) is a hedgehog. However, it has no relationship with hedgehogs other than resemblance. It is found in dry savannah, subtropical or tropical areas, shrub land, low grasslands, and even urban areas in Madagascar. The Greater Hedgehog Tenrec has a body length in the range of 5.9”-9.1” (15-23 cm) and total weight of .39-.77 lb (175-350 g). The Greater Hedgehog Tenrec has a rough standing height between 3.3”-5.3” (8.5-13.5 cm), body width of 2.75”-4.3” (7-11 cm), and tail length of .6”-.7” (1.5-1.8 cm). The typical lifespan of the Greater Hedgehog Tenrec is between 8-13 years.

The Lowland Streaked Tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) is endemic to Madagascar, especially in the lowland rainforests either digging underground or in shallow waters. The body is small with markings of yellow or chestnut-brown stripes. The snout is long and pointed. The Lowland Streaked Tenrec has a body length in the range of 4.7”-6.7” (12-17 cm) and total weight of .28-.62 lb (125-280 g). The Lowland Streaked Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2.2”-3.1” (5.5-8 cm) and body width of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lowland Streaked Tenrec is between 2-2.5 years.

Native to southern African waters, the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) exists in large colonies. This is the only species of penguin found in Africa and is sometimes called South African penguins, Cape penguins, black-footed penguins, or jackass penguins. It produces loud donkey-like bays. African Penguins have an overall height between 24”-27” (61-69 cm) and body width of 7.5”-8.7” (19-22 cm). The typical weight of the African Penguin is in the range of 4.4-8.8 lb (2-4 kg). African Penguins have lifespans between 10-30 years.

The African Civet (Civettictis civetta) is a large viverrid that lives in woodlands and secondary forests in sub-Saharan Africa. Its characteristic coloration is black and white with blotches that cover its entire body in a cryptic pattern. Black bands surround the eyes, similar to a raccoon. The African Civet has a body length in the range of 26.4”-35” (67-89 cm) and total weight of 15.4-44.1 lb (7-20 kg). The African Civet has a body height between 15.75”-20.5” (40-52 cm), body width of 7.5”-9.8” (19-25 cm), and tail length of 13.4”-18.5” (34-47 cm). The typical lifespan of the African Civet is between 15-28 years.

The West African Oyan (Poiana leightoni) is a linsang species that lives in the Upper Guinean forests in West Africa. Physically, they have a slender and long body with an elongated head and a pointed muzzle. The fur is yellow to red-brown with dark oval spots on the neck, and spots on its back. The West African Oyan has a body length in the range of 11.8”-15” (30-38 cm) and total weight of 1.1-1.5 lb (.5-.7 kg). The West African Oyan has a body height between 4.9”-6.3” (12.5-16 cm), body width of 3.3”-4.1” (8.5-10.5 cm), and tail length of 13”-16.9” (33-43 cm). The typical lifespan of the West African Oyan is between 9-16 years.

The Giant African Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) is a widespread millipede species in lowland parts of East Africa, from Mozambique to Kenya. It mostly lives in forests, but it is also found in costal habitats that have a few trees. The species has approximately 256 legs. The Giant African Millipede has an overall length between 11”-13.4” (28-34 cm), width of .6”-.75” (15-19 mm), and weight of 6.4-9.6 oz (181-272 g). The typical lifespan of the Giant African Millipede is between 7-10 years.

The Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) is a large land snail that has been a significant cause in pest issues around the world. As a voracious feeder, the Giant African Snail eats a wide range of plant material, and it is a vector for plant pathogens which causes severe damage to agriculture. Giant African Snails have an overall length between 7.87”-11.81” (20-30 cm), width from 3.54”-4.72” (9-12 cm), overall height of 3.46”-5.12” (8.8-13 cm), and weight in the range of .44-1 lb (.2-.45 kg). Their shell length is commonly between 5.9”-8” (15-20.3 cm) with a height of 2.75”-3.94” (7-10 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant African Snail is 5-9 years.

The African dwarf frog, Hymenochirus, is an aquatic frog native to Equatorial Africa. It is often mistaken for the African clawed frog, a frog in the same family of similar appearance. The African dwarf frog is also known as the dwarf clawed frog. The African Dwarf Frog has an overall length between 2”-3” (5.1-7.6 cm), body width of .83”-1.34” (2.1-3.4 cm), sitting height of roughly .67”-1.02” (1.7-2.6 cm), and weight between .05-.07 oz (1.5-2 g). The typical lifespan of the African Dwarf Frog is between 8-15 years.