16 of the most fascinating animals of Zambia

The roan antelope is one of the largest African antelopes. They can stand up to 150 centimetres (59 inches) tall and weigh up to 280 kilograms (620 pounds). These antelopes can be aggressive and have even been known to kill lions with their strong, curved horns.

The roan antelope lives in forest, savannah, shrubland, and grassland habitats throughout Zambia. You can also find it in other African countries including Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Malawi.

Poaching and habitat loss mean that the roan antelope has been eliminated from large parts of its former range, but it is now recovering, surviving in and around protected areas. The IUCN lists the roan antelope as least concern. There are over 50,000 mature individuals in the wild.

14. Beira pygmy toads

The Beira pygmy toad is a difficult species to track down. As a result, little is known about this tiny amphibian. We do, however, know that the toad is found in two separate areas: a floodplain across part of Mozambique and southern Malawi and floodplains in central and southwestern Zambia. Its natural habitat is tropical or subtropical flooded, lowland grasslands.

The IUCN lists the Beira pygmy toad as least concern, and there are no known threats to its survival.

15. Slaty egrets

The slaty egret is a small wading bird that lives in south-central Africa. It has slate-grey feathers, a rust-coloured patch on its throat, and long, yellow-green legs and feet. This bird lives in wetland habitats in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa. Here, it wades through the water, looking for small fish, frogs, snails, and insects.

Its numbers are decreasing and, according to the IUCN, the slaty egret is classed as vulnerable. This is mainly due to habitat destruction, which is caused by flooding and human agricultural expansion.

16. Oribis

The oribi is a small African antelope. It measures between 51 and 75 centimetres (20 to 30 inches) high and weighs around 14 kilograms (31 pounds). Males have spiky horns, while both males and females have tan-red coats with white markings. They can be found in the savannah and grassland of sub-Saharan Africa, residing in countries including Zambia, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Mali.

Oribis like to live in tall grass, which provides food and much-needed cover from predators. These animals get enough water from the grass they eat so they don't have to live near water sources.

While the IUCN reports that oribi numbers are decreasing outside of protected areas because of habitat destruction caused by farming and hunting, it lists this species as least concern.