WILDLIFE

One of the richest mammal conservation areas in South Africa

Mammal Species

Reptile Species

Hippopotami

Crocodiles

Statistics may not be completely accurate, are constantly changing and are dependent on ever changing ecosystems.
Statistics are based on the whole St Lucia estuarine system located within iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is considered to be the richest mammal conservation area in South Africa. It is home to 115 mammal species. Due to hunting activities from the past, many of these species have been reintroduced in recent years.

Wildlife frequently seen in and around the park include the Savanna Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Brown Hyena, Wild Dog, Giraffe, Warthog, Wild Bush Pig, Leopard, Genet, Porcupine, Buffalo, white and black Rhinoceros and Zebra. Antelope species found include Greater Kudu, Common Waterbuck, Bush buck, Common Reedbuck and Red Duiker.

St Lucia being surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, many of these wild animals are frequent visitors to the town. Visitors include Hippos, Leopards, Hyenas, Monkeys and Baboons to name a few.

Elephant, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, wildlife, big five

Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Of animals that occur in Southern Africa, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has the following percentages of them as inhabitants:

Carnivors

Flesh eating mammals

Artiodactyla

Animals with hooves

Rodentia

Rats, mice, porcupines and other rodents

Chiroptera

Bats

There are 53 recorded species of snakes in the area. One should always be cautious when using self-guided trials around St Lucia. Examples of venomous snakes in the area are the Puff Adder, Forest Cobra and the Gaboon Adder. iSimangaliso is the only protected area where Gaboon Adders are found.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is home to possibly the largest population of Nile Crocodiles in South Africa. There are at least 1 200 crocodiles found in Lake St Lucia alone and is an important predator within aquatic systems in the Park.