Wildlife by Continent & Region

Discover creatures native to every corner of our planet. Select a continent to view indigenous species and regional biodiversity hotspots.

Featured Global Species

MammaliaLC

Aardwolf

Proteles cristata

Diet

Obligate insectivore specialized on termites

Wild lifespan

Wild average is poorly measured; captive individuals have approached 20 years

AvesLC

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

Diet

Insectivore and aerial predator

Wild lifespan

Often much shorter, but the banding record exceeds 12 years

MammaliaEN

African Bush Elephant

Loxodonta africana

Diet

Herbivore; grazes and browses

Wild lifespan

Several decades; some approach 60–70 years

AmphibiaLC

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Diet

Opportunistic aquatic carnivore and scavenger

Wild lifespan

Often 10–15 years; exceptional captive records exceed 20 years

ReptiliaLC

African Fat-Tailed Gecko

Hemitheconyx caudicinctus

Diet

Insectivore

Wild lifespan

Often 10–15 years in responsible captive care; wild longevity is poorly measured

AvesEN

African Grey Parrot

Psittacus erithacus

Diet

Frugivore

Wild lifespan

Wild longevity is incompletely known; one compiled estimate is about 22.7 years

MammaliaVU

African Lion

Panthera leo

Diet

Obligate carnivore

Wild lifespan

Often 10–16 years; males commonly shorter-lived

SarcopterygiiAnimal group

African Lungfish

Protopterus

Diet

Aquatic carnivore and omnivore

Wild lifespan

Can live for decades under managed care