Swaziland, is a small country in located in Southern Africa. It is a landlocked country that shares borders with South Africa and Mozambique. In terms of the geography of the country, it is varied. The country offers residents as well as the animal population, mountainous regions that are broken up by canyons of three major rivers, along the Mozambican border, rain forests in the northwestern part of the country, vast savannas in the eastern section of the country. An escarpment, lies on the western border of Swaziland.
The beautiful country of Swaziland has a vast array of animals; some unique to the country and many that can be found throughout the whole of Africa. Ungulates, or hoofed animals include: the
African buffalo,
Waterbuck,
Blue duiker, Nastal duiker, Nyala,
Klipspringer, Oribi, Tsessebe,
Steenbok,
Southern reedbuck,
Giraffes,
Roan Antelope,
Impala, Black Wildebeest. Species of carnivores include:
serval, side-striped jackal,
Honey badger,
striped polecat, African lion, Aarwolf, and
Cheetah. Other animals native to Swaziland include the Square-lipped rhinoceros, Zebra,
African Elephant, Rock Dassie, and a host of bats, primates, and rodents.
Unfortunately, because of hunting, quite a few species of animal are now extinct in Swaziland and a few others are on the endangered species list. However, because of the efforts of many conservationist groups, many native animals have been reintroduced back into the animal population of the country. These animals are thriving in protected sanctuaries, national zoos, and big game parks. Three of the largest game parks in Swaziland are Hlane, Mlilwane, and Mkhaya. Visitors to either of these parks can view these majestic, but endangered animals in an environment that is similar to one that that they would have otherwise found in nature. The animals are protected by strict anti-poaching laws. It is against the law for hunters or poachers to kill these animals and the penalties are stiff if anyone is caught doing so. Much of the refuges are staffed and patrolled by Swazi residents in neighboring communities. These animals include the
black rhinoceros, white rhino, roan and sable antelope, the wild dog, the African elephant, Nguni breed of cattle, and the cheetah.