The Big Five Animals of Tsavo – The Tsavo Conservation Area has the largest elephant population in the region and possibly in all of Africa. About 40 percent of Kenya’s elephants live here. It is also home to more than 18 percent of the rare and endangered black rhinos, most of which are found in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary within Tsavo National Park.
The elephant population is slowly increasing at a rate of about 4 to 5 percent each year, despite the ongoing problem of poaching. Although poaching is illegal, cases of wildlife trade have been reported, with 2011 being the worst year in recent times.
The area also protects other rare species such as the critically endangered Hirola and the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Strong efforts are being made to improve the conservation of these animals.
Leopard
Most leopards in Tsavo National Park are found in the Yatta Plains, which cover about 300 kilometers and make up more than 40 percent of the park. Leopards are carnivores and feed on fish, antelopes, warthogs, monkeys, rodents, zebras, wildebeests, and other animals.
- Night Hunts: Leopards are shy and hunt mostly at night. They prey on owls, porcupines, bats, and sometimes hyenas.
- Daytime: They usually rest in caves, on trees, or on large rocks during the day.
African Lion
The park has a healthy lion population. Lions are often found near water sources where prey animals gather. They are part of the Big Five and are highly sought after by safari visitors.
African Buffalo
Buffaloes are common in Tsavo and usually move in groups for protection. Both males and females have horns. They can be aggressive, especially outside protected areas. The Cape buffalo is often seen in the savanna grasslands of Tsavo.
African Elephant
Tsavo is home to large herds of elephants, attracting researchers and filmmakers. Elephants live in family groups led by an older female. Calves weigh about 120 kilograms at birth and stand around 80 centimeters tall. Adults drink 90 to 140 liters of water daily and use their trunks for feeding, drinking, bathing, and digging for water during droughts.
Rhinoceros
Tsavo has mainly black rhinos, which are endangered. Around 200 rhinos live in the park. They are protected, but past poaching greatly reduced their numbers. Both black and white rhinos can be seen, though black rhinos are more common.
