Elephant
This heaviest of all land mammals can weigh up to 6000kg. Although
generally placid, Elephants can be aggressive if threatened. Elephants of
Namibia are important in keeping water holes open, so many animals are dependent
on them for this role. Strict vegetarians, they live in herds ruled
by a matriarchy of a senior cow with the bull joining the herd only during
mating season.
Giraffe
The tallest animal on earth, the giraffe can be up to 5 m tall. Preferring open
brush plains with acacia trees, giraffes are predominantly diurnal. Loose herds
congregate with no apparent hierarchy. They do not need surface water but will drink
if it is available.
Zebra
Both Burchell's and Hartmann's Zebras are found in Namibia. Both
are grazers and gregarious. Burchell's have "shadow" stripes and lack a
dew lap. Hartmann's is larger and prefer mountainous areas and sand flats.
Hippopotamus
Semi-aquatic and spending most of the day submerged, hippos are found in small herds with
a territorial dominant bull. Grazing at night up to 30 km away, hippos may be
responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other wild animal.
Rhinoceros
Both the Black and White Rhino occur in Namibia. White is the larger, but the
Black is the more aggressive. The horns of the black Rhino are approximately the
same size, while the fore-horn of the White is much larger. The White Rhino has a
square upper lip to aid in grazing while the Black has a prehensile upper lip to aid in
browsing. Although many sources state that Rhinos have poor eyesight, Jan and Annette
Oelofse have raised two Rhinos and "have noticed that their eyesight is as normal as
any other animal".
Warthog
Warthogs favor open ground, grasslands, waterholes, and woodlands. Two pairs of
prominent wartlike folds on the face gives them their name. Tusks may reach
formidable length, curving high over the snout, and both sets are razor sharp. They
do not depend on water, but will drink if it is available and wallow. The prime food
is grasses, especially new sprouts after a burn, but berries, tree bark, and other fruit
is eaten. An occasional snake or small mammal or carrion is also relished.
