42 African Animals That Start With P: Photos, Facts & Fun

Africa is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, from iconic big cats to lesser-known but equally fascinating species. In this guide, you’ll discover animals grouped by type—mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates—so it’s easy to explore the continent’s biodiversity in an organized way.

Each animal entry includes a clear description, conservation context, and a standardized facts table to help you compare sizes, diets, and habitats at a glance. Whether you’re a student, wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious, this list is designed to be informative and engaging. We’ll move methodically through the full set of african animals that start with p, ensuring nothing is skipped and every species is presented with accurate, up-to-date details.

Main Animal Sections — african animals that start with p

Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)

Plains zebras inhabit savannas and open grasslands across eastern and southern Africa. They are medium-sized equids with bold black-and-white stripes that help confuse predators. These zebras are social, living in stable family groups led by a dominant stallion. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, and they migrate seasonally in search of fresh grazing. Plains zebras are adaptable and often share habitats with wildebeest and antelope.
Fun Fact: Each plains zebra has a unique stripe pattern, like a fingerprint.

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Plains Viper (Bitis arietans)

The plains viper is one of Africa’s most widespread venomous snakes. It prefers grasslands, scrub, and savannas where its camouflage is highly effective. This heavy-bodied snake relies on ambush hunting, striking quickly at rodents and birds. Despite its fearsome reputation, it usually remains motionless rather than aggressive. Its venom is potent, making it medically significant across its range.
Fun Fact: The plains viper can remain perfectly still for days while waiting for prey.

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Porcupine, African Crested (Hystrix cristata)

The African crested porcupine is the largest porcupine species in the world. It inhabits forests, savannas, and rocky areas across much of Africa. Its long, sharp quills provide an effective defense against predators. Mostly nocturnal, it forages for roots, fruits, and bark under cover of darkness. These porcupines live in small family groups and are surprisingly vocal.
Fun Fact: African crested porcupines can rattle their quills loudly to warn predators.

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Pangolin, Ground (Smutsia temminckii)

The ground pangolin is a unique, scale-covered mammal found in southern and eastern Africa. It inhabits savannas and woodlands, where it feeds almost exclusively on ants and termites. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball, using its tough keratin scales as armor. This species is solitary and primarily nocturnal. Sadly, it is heavily threatened by illegal wildlife trade.
Fun Fact: A ground pangolin can consume thousands of insects in a single night.

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Puku (Kobus vardonii)

The puku is a medium-sized antelope native to wetlands and floodplains in central and southern Africa. It has a golden-brown coat and distinctive ringed horns in males. Pukus are grazers, feeding on grasses near water sources. They form loose herds that provide safety in numbers. Habitat loss has caused population declines in some regions.
Fun Fact: Pukus are excellent swimmers and often escape predators by entering water.

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Pelican, Great White (Pelecanus onocrotalus)

The great white pelican is one of Africa’s most recognizable waterbirds. It inhabits lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons. With its massive bill and expandable throat pouch, it scoops up fish with ease. These pelicans often hunt cooperatively, herding fish into shallow water. They are strong fliers and migrate seasonally.
Fun Fact: A great white pelican’s bill can hold more than 10 liters of water.

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Python, African Rock (Python sebae)

The African rock python is one of the largest snakes on the continent. It occupies a wide range of habitats, from forests to savannas near water. This powerful constrictor preys on mammals and birds, sometimes tackling large prey. It is generally secretive but can be defensive if threatened. Despite its size, it plays an important role in controlling rodent populations.
Fun Fact: African rock pythons can swallow prey nearly as large as themselves.

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Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)

The puff adder is a stout, slow-moving snake found across much of Africa. It prefers grasslands and open woodlands where its coloration blends into leaf litter. This snake relies on camouflage and sudden strikes rather than pursuit. It gives birth to live young, unlike many snakes. The puff adder is responsible for many snakebite incidents due to its wide range.
Fun Fact: Puff adders can give birth to more than 50 young at once.

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Pied Crow (Corvus albus)

The pied crow is a highly adaptable bird found across sub-Saharan Africa. It thrives in savannas, farmland, and even urban areas, often near human settlements. Its striking black-and-white plumage makes it easy to identify. Pied crows are intelligent and opportunistic, feeding on insects, carrion, eggs, and scraps. They are known for problem-solving skills and bold behavior around larger animals.
Fun Fact: Pied crows can use tools and have been observed dropping hard food to crack it open.

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Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens)

The pink-backed pelican is a smaller, more delicate relative of larger pelican species. It inhabits freshwater lakes, swamps, and mangroves across much of Africa. Its pale plumage with a rosy tint gives the bird its name. These pelicans often feed alone or in small groups rather than large flocks. They nest in trees, unlike many other pelican species.
Fun Fact: Pink-backed pelicans sometimes fish at night to avoid competition.

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Painted Dog (African Wild Dog) (Lycaon pictus)

The painted dog is one of Africa’s most efficient predators. It lives in savannas and open woodlands, ranging over vast territories. Its mottled coat pattern is unique to each individual. Painted dogs are highly social and rely on coordinated pack hunting. Sadly, habitat fragmentation and disease have severely reduced their numbers.
Fun Fact: Painted dogs have one of the highest hunting success rates of any large carnivore.

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Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)

The palm-nut vulture is a unique raptor with a diet unlike most birds of prey. It inhabits forests and wetlands near rivers and coastlines. Although it will eat fish and carrion, its primary food source is palm fruit. This dietary flexibility allows it to thrive in diverse environments. It is often seen soaring or perched high in trees.
Fun Fact: Palm-nut vultures are one of the few birds of prey that regularly eat fruit.

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Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas)

The patas monkey is the fastest primate on land. It lives in open savannas and semi-arid regions of Africa. Long limbs and a slender body help it sprint away from predators. Patas monkeys spend much of their time on the ground, unlike many other monkeys. They feed on insects, fruits, and seeds.
Fun Fact: Patas monkeys can run at speeds up to 55 km/h.

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Penguin, African (Spheniscus demersus)

The African penguin is the only penguin species that breeds on the continent. It inhabits coastal waters and islands of southern Africa. This penguin feeds mainly on small fish and squid. Once abundant, its population has declined sharply due to overfishing and habitat disturbance. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites.
Fun Fact: African penguins make a braying sound, earning them the nickname “jackass penguins.”

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Praying Mantis (Tenodera spp.)

Praying mantises are widespread insects found across Africa. They inhabit grasslands, forests, and gardens. Their elongated bodies and folded forelegs give them a distinctive appearance. Mantises are ambush predators, feeding on insects and occasionally small vertebrates. They play an important role in controlling pest populations.
Fun Fact: A praying mantis can rotate its head nearly 180 degrees.

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Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus)

The pygmy falcon is Africa’s smallest bird of prey. It inhabits dry savannas and open woodlands. Despite its size, it is a fierce hunter, preying on insects and small birds. Pygmy falcons often nest in abandoned weaver bird nests. They are commonly seen perched on exposed branches.
Fun Fact: Pygmy falcons frequently live alongside social weavers, benefiting from their large nests.

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Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)

The pygmy hippopotamus is a rare, forest-dwelling relative of the common hippopotamus. It inhabits dense rainforests and swamps of West Africa. Smaller and more solitary than its larger cousin, it spends much of its time hidden in vegetation. Its diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, and grasses. Habitat loss has greatly reduced its population.
Fun Fact: Pygmy hippos have partially webbed feet that help them move through muddy forests.

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Pouched Rat, African Giant (Cricetomys gambianus)

African giant pouched rats are large rodents found across sub-Saharan Africa. They inhabit forests, savannas, and farmland. These rats have cheek pouches used to transport food. They are intelligent and have even been trained to detect landmines. Despite their size, they are agile climbers.
Fun Fact: African giant pouched rats can carry objects nearly their own size in their cheek pouches.

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Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum)

The pearl-spotted owlet is a small but bold owl species found across much of Africa. It inhabits woodlands and savannas. Active during the day, it often harasses larger birds. Its spotted plumage provides excellent camouflage. This owl feeds on insects, birds, and small mammals.
Fun Fact: Pearl-spotted owlets are known to mob much larger raptors.

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Pel’s Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli)

Pel’s fishing owl is one of Africa’s largest owl species. It lives along rivers and lakes bordered by forest. This nocturnal bird feeds primarily on fish, which it snatches from the water with powerful talons. Its deep hooting call echoes through waterways at night. Habitat disturbance threatens some populations.
Fun Fact: Pel’s fishing owl can catch fish weighing over 1 kg.

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Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)

The purple heron is a tall, slender wading bird found in African wetlands. It prefers reed beds and marshes where it hunts fish and amphibians. Its reddish-brown plumage distinguishes it from other herons. Purple herons are secretive and often remain hidden among vegetation. They migrate seasonally across Africa and Eurasia.
Fun Fact: Purple herons can stand motionless for long periods while hunting.

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Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)

The pied kingfisher is a striking black-and-white bird common near African waters. It inhabits rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Unlike most kingfishers, it often hovers before diving for fish. Pied kingfishers are highly social and may nest in colonies. Their sharp calls are a familiar sound near water.
Fun Fact: Pied kingfishers can hover for several seconds before diving.

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Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)

The pin-tailed whydah is a small finch-like bird famous for its long tail feathers. It inhabits grasslands and open areas across Africa. Males display dramatically during breeding season. This species is a brood parasite, laying eggs in other birds’ nests. Outside breeding season, males resemble females.
Fun Fact: Male pin-tailed whydahs can grow tail feathers longer than their entire body.

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Plated Lizard (Gerrhosaurus major)

Plated lizards are robust reptiles found in eastern and southern Africa. They inhabit rocky areas and savannas. Their armored scales offer protection from predators. These lizards feed on insects, fruits, and small animals. They are active during the day and bask in sunlight.
Fun Fact: Plated lizards can wedge themselves into rock crevices to avoid predators.

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Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)

The pancake tortoise is a flat-shelled tortoise native to East Africa. It inhabits rocky outcrops and hillsides. Its flexible shell allows it to squeeze into narrow crevices. Unlike most tortoises, it is an agile climber. Illegal pet trade threatens wild populations.
Fun Fact: Pancake tortoises can flatten their bodies to escape predators.

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Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The peregrine falcon is a powerful raptor found worldwide, including Africa. It occupies cliffs, savannas, and urban structures. Famous for its speed, it hunts birds mid-air. Peregrines have recovered well from past population declines. They are symbols of successful conservation.
Fun Fact: Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on Earth, reaching over 320 km/h in dives.

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Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus)

Palm swifts are small, fast-flying birds associated with palm trees. They inhabit savannas and urban areas across Africa. These birds spend most of their lives in the air. They nest inside palm fronds using saliva to glue materials together. Palm swifts feed on flying insects.
Fun Fact: Palm swifts can sleep while gliding.

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Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The pied avocet is a striking wading bird occasionally found in African wetlands. It has long legs and a distinctive upturned bill. Avocets feed by sweeping their bills through shallow water. They migrate seasonally between continents. These birds are highly social during breeding.
Fun Fact: Pied avocets use synchronized movements to herd prey.

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Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.)

Paper wasps are common insects across Africa. They build umbrella-shaped nests from chewed plant fibers. These wasps are predators of other insects and help control pest populations. Paper wasps are social, living in small colonies. They defend their nests aggressively when threatened.
Fun Fact: Paper wasps create paper-like nests without using any wood pulp machines.

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Plain Tiger Butterfly (Danaus chrysippus)

The plain tiger butterfly is widespread across Africa. It inhabits grasslands and open areas. Its bright orange wings warn predators of toxicity. This butterfly feeds on nectar and is a strong flier. It is often seen year-round in warm regions.
Fun Fact: Plain tiger caterpillars feed on toxic plants that make them unpalatable.

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Plains Zebra Mongoose (Mungos mungo)

The plains zebra mongoose is a small carnivore found in African savannas. It lives in social groups with complex communication. These mongooses feed on insects, reptiles, and small mammals. Their striped fur resembles zebra patterns. Cooperative behavior helps them defend territory.
Fun Fact: Zebra mongooses use different alarm calls for different predators.

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Prawn, African Freshwater (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii)

African freshwater prawns inhabit rivers and lakes. They play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. These crustaceans feed on algae and detritus. They are harvested locally for food. Clean water is essential for their survival.
Fun Fact: African freshwater prawns help control snail populations that spread disease.

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Plains Pipit (Anthus pallidiventris)

The plains pipit is a small, ground-dwelling bird found in African grasslands. It feeds mainly on insects. Its brown plumage provides camouflage. Plains pipits often walk rather than hop. They are migratory within Africa.
Fun Fact: Plains pipits can travel long distances during seasonal movements.

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Plains Termite (Macrotermes spp.)

Plains termites are essential ecosystem engineers in Africa. They build massive mounds across savannas. These insects break down plant material and enrich soil. Termite colonies are highly organized. Many animals rely on termite mounds for shelter.
Fun Fact: Some termite mounds can reach over 8 meters tall.

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Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma spp.)

Pygmy sunfish are tiny freshwater fish found in African wetlands. They inhabit slow-moving waters with vegetation. These fish feed on small invertebrates. Their small size makes them vulnerable to habitat changes. They play a role in aquatic food webs.
Fun Fact: Pygmy sunfish are among the smallest fish species in Africa.

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Plains Weaver (Ploceus spp.)

Plains weavers are social birds known for intricate nests. They inhabit savannas and open woodlands. Males weave elaborate grass nests to attract females. These birds feed on seeds and insects. Colonies can include hundreds of nests.
Fun Fact: A single plains weaver may build multiple nests in one season.

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Conclusion

Africa’s wildlife showcases incredible diversity, from massive snakes to social grazers and striking birds. By exploring this full list of african animals that start with p, you gain a clearer picture of how varied and interconnected these ecosystems are. Each species plays a role in maintaining ecological balance. Learning about their habits and conservation needs helps foster appreciation and protection. Curiosity is often the first step toward stewardship of the natural world.