From the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East to the savanna of East Africa, the deep jungles of the Congo to the marshes of the Okavango Delta. This region is home to some of the world's best known and loved creatures, however it is also home to some lesser known, rare & endangered species. Such as the Aardwolf, the Arabian Sand Cat, the Tiny Black Footed Cat and the Giant Elephant Shrew. The greatest threat to animals this region comes from deforestation, the bushmeat trade and poaching.

Varied from desert, sub tropical and tropical. Generally hot.

RSCC animals of the region

Arabian sand cat

Felis margarita harrisoni

Sand cats never drink water, they get all the fluids they need from their prey.

They have very large canine teeth relative to their size

They have special hairs on the soles of their feet to help grip sand.

Status

Threatened

The birthplace of Man, the region comprises of many different tribes, nomads from the Bedouin of North Africa to the Pygmies of the Congo.

Cape Thatching Reed, this plant is native to the fynbos of Southern Africa, where it is used for thatching homes. You can see it growing at RSCC, it has also been used for thatching the roofs of some of our buildings. It is sustainable and gives excellent insulation from the elements.

One of the most unusual delicacies of the region is Mopani Worms, collected in Botswana, Zimbabwe & South Africa in spring, cooked in salt water then dried in the sun. Mopani Worms are the caterpillar of the Emperor Moth and are a favoured snack of the locals.