In this section, we give a series of thumbnail sketches and illustrations of African animals. It is far from complete as yet, but we will expand it, as we go along.

Where weights and measures are given for the mammals, Imperial units have been retained, as these are still the internationally accepted standard for measurements pertaining to game. Metric equivalents are given in parentheses.

Height is height at shoulder, except for giraffe, where height to the top of the horns is given. Weight is live weight. These are rough averages and may be exceeded in either direction according to area, season or individual development.

Minima and maxima are from Rowland Ward’s Records of Big Game, XXVI edition, Vol. I (Africa). Rowland Ward’s Publications, Johannesburg, 2002, and are quoted here by kind permission of the publishers. The minimum required for entry, and the current record, are given.

For in-depth descriptions on life history, variants, habits and range, please see the above work and also:

C.T. Astley Maberly: The Game Animals of Southern Africa, Thomas Nelson & Sons, Johannesburg, 1963

Clive Walker: Signs of the Wild, Struik, Cape Town, 1984Burger Cillie: Mammals of Southern Africa, Frandsen Publishers, Sandton, 1987

Kevin “Doctari” Robertson: The Perfect Shot, Safari Press, Long Beach, CA, USA, 1999

As well as:

R.J. Labuschagne an N.J. van der Merwe: Mammals of the Kruger and Other National Parks, Nat. Parks Board of SA, 1963

Further detailed information can be found on the interent: best starting point is 'Wikipedia'.