Zanzibar wildlife includes the endangered Pemba flying fox which is considered the largest bat species in the world, as well as other animals like vervet monkeys, tortoises, bush crabs, among so many others. When Zanzibar is mentioned to a number of travellers, fine white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters is what comes to mind, as well as the unending views of the Indian Ocean. There is so much more however that Zanzibar Island has to offer, with quite a variety of wildlife that tourists who do venture out on various activities in Zanzibar Island get to encounter and see while on Zanzibar beach holidays.
The wildlife of Zanzibar consists of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna, spread across this beautiful archipelago of Zanzibar. Zanzibar Island has varying vegetation including coastal forests which inhabit quite a variety of Zanzibar wildlife that tourists who do Explore Tanzania can see and appreciate. Zanzibar wildlife is mostly of small species like small animals, birds and butterflies plus reptiles. Below are some of the Zanzibar wildlife that tourists can see while on Zanzibar holidays;
Coconut Crab
Coconut crabs are large hermit crabs also known as palm seeds and robber crabs. Coconut crabs are the largest arthropods living on land, growing up to 1m in length. Coconut crabs have lungs not gills, thereby making them able to live on land. Coconut crabs have quite a high sense of smell which helps them detect food across large areas. Coconut crabs live for quite a long time, with some living for 40-60 years. Coconut crabs are edible.
Zanzibar leopard
Zanzibar leopards have not been sighted since 1995 that they have been declared extinct since. Zanzibar leopards are said to have evolved from the African leopard. The Zanzibar leopard became extinct due to poaching and hunting down of the Zanzibar leopard by locals who then found them quite troublesome and were seen as a danger.
Red Colobus Monkeys
Red colobus monkeys are some of the most commonly seen Zanzibar wildlife, especially in the Unguja Island of Zanzibar. The Zanzibar red colobus monkeys are regarded as endangered species, and are thus one of the conservation priorities in Zanzibar.
Pemba flying fox
Pemba flying foxes are threatened species living in the subtropical mangrove forests in the various parts of Zanzibar Island. The Pemba flying foxes are one of the largest types of fruit bats, with faces resembling a fox and an orange underfur covering most of its body.
Chameleons
Chameleons are one of the most commonly seen Zanzibar wildlife, seen throughout the island. It is the Meller chameleon also known as the giant one-horned chameleon that is commonly seen in Zanzibar.
Blue Sykes’ monkey
Blue sykes’ monkey is also known as the White throated monkey only found in Zanzibar, South Africa, Ethiopia and the Congo. Blue sykes’ monkey can easily be seen in grasslands, mangrove forests from where they get a variety of food including plants and animals.
Aders’ Duiker
Aders’ duiker is a forest dwelling mammal that looks like a mall deer, found throughout the forests of Zanzibar as well as along the coast of Kenya. Aders’ duiker often times eat fruits, flowers, and leaves on the ground. Feral dogs and other predators, as well as hunting are their main threat.
Apart from the above mentioned Zanzibar wildlife, other animals in Zanzibar that travellers may spot while visiting include bush baby, hyrax, monitor lizards, Zanzibar servaline Genet, feral pigs, Javen civet cat, marsh mongoose, tortoises, dik-dik, green turtles, sperm whales, humpback whales, manta rays, lobsters, octopuses, scorpion fish, moray eels, dolphins, red-knobbed starfish, among so many others are some animals or Zanzibar wildlife to look out for while on various activities in Zanzibar Island.
Zanzibar Island has a number of forests and marine parks, which all protect and inhabit the various wildlife of Zanzibar. Some of the most prominent marine parks and forests include Menai Marine Park, Misali Marine Park, Mnemba Marine Park, Chumbe Marine Park, as well as the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Ngezi Forest Reserve, and Kiwengwa/Pongwe Forest Reserve.
Zanzibar wildlife is something out of the normal that travellers can look forward to seeing and encountering while on Zanzibar holidays, away from the usual attractions and activities in Zanzibar Island. When Zanzibar Island is mentioned, most a times it is the white sand beaches, scenic views of the Indian Ocean, water sports like scuba diving, swimming with turtles as well as the amazing Zanzibar nightlife among so many others that travellers do look towards to encountering. Zanzibar however has a number of other attractions, including Zanzibar wildlife, Zanzibar birds and so much more.
Get in touch with a reputable tour operator to help you create one of the most unforgettable Zanzibar holiday packages, incorporating a number of other attractions and activities in Zanzibar, including seeing the various Zanzibar wildlife.
