Africa is renowned for its diverse wildlife and large predators. While often associated with bears, no native, wild bear species currently live in Africa. The continent’s ecological landscape is dominated by other powerful carnivores that fill various niches.
Africa’s Extinct Bear
Africa was once home to its own bear species: the Atlas Bear (Ursus arctos crowtheri). This brown bear subspecies was native to North Africa, inhabiting the Atlas Mountains and surrounding areas from Morocco to Libya. The Atlas Bear had brownish-black fur, sometimes with reddish-orange underparts, and could reach 2.7 meters (9 feet) long, weighing around 450 kg (1,000 pounds).
Its diet was likely omnivorous, consisting of roots, acorns, nuts, small mammals, and carrion. The Atlas Bear became extinct in the late 19th century, with the last individual believed killed in 1870. Overhunting, habitat loss, and modern firearms contributed to its demise.
Large Carnivores of Africa
Africa’s ecosystems are shaped by a variety of large carnivores that occupy the top of the food chain. These species play important roles in maintaining the health and balance of their habitats, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs.
Lions (Panthera leo) are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, preferring grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. They are social predators, living in prides where females typically lead hunts for large ungulates like zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo. Lions help regulate herbivore populations.
Leopards (Panthera pardus) are adaptable felines found in diverse sub-Saharan African habitats, including savannas, rainforests, and mountainous regions. These solitary and opportunistic hunters have a broad diet, preying on various species from small rodents to medium-sized ungulates. Leopards often drag their kills into trees to protect them from other predators and scavengers.
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) inhabit the open grasslands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa. Known for their speed, cheetahs are specialized hunters of smaller to medium-sized prey, such as gazelles and impalas. Their pursuit strategy involves short, high-speed chases.
Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are abundant throughout sub-Saharan Africa in grasslands, savannas, and sub-deserts. They are skilled hunters, often taking down medium to large hoofed animals like zebra and wildebeest, and are efficient scavengers. Their bone-crushing jaws allow them to consume nearly all parts of a carcass, aiding in ecosystem clean-up and nutrient cycling.
African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), also known as painted dogs, are found in the savannas and arid zones of sub-Saharan Africa. These social animals hunt in packs, cooperatively pursuing prey such as gazelles, antelopes, and warthogs. They play a role in regulating herbivore populations and are considered keystone species.