It is easier to perceive that lions are the deadliest animals in Africa since they are carnivores and are feared by all. The list of the three most deadly animals in Africa will shock you. They are:
Mosquito
Mosquitos are the smallest of the deadliest animals in Africa. According to WHO, they are responsible for 725,000 deaths per year, as of 2023. Mosquitos transmit a lot of diseases such as malaria, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever. Malaria is spread by the female Anopheles mosquito, which is most active at dawn and dusk. The greatest threat a mosquito presents is malaria, which is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. It is reported that Malaria alone accounts for 600,000 death per year, as of 2032. The good news is that mosquito bites can be prevented by using spray or repellents, wearing light-colored clothing, and sleeping under a treated mosquito net.
Hippopotamus
Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, with large round-shaped bodies. They have short legs, short tails, and big heads. They are considered the third largest land animal on Earth, after elephants and rhinos.
Hippos are considered the most dangerous terrestrial animals in Africa. Hippos live in and around freshwater bodies in Africa. Male hippos are fiercely territorial and aggressively protect their territory from intruders. Hippos can run at speeds of over 19 miles per hour on land and a male hippo’s canine teeth can exceed 20 inches and have massive jaws with a bite force of 12 600 kPa.
Female hippos can become extremely aggressive if they sense any threat coming toward their young. Though hippos have long large canine teeth, strong jaws, great bite force, and aggression, they are not carnivores. Hippos are deadly animals, despite being vegetarian. They are responsible for about 3000 death per year.
African Elephant
African elephants are the largest land animals on earth and can weigh up to 15,000 pounds. They can be unpredictable sometimes and it is best to steer clear of them, especially, elephant mothers and their young ones. Elephants that feel threatened by humans will not hesitate to attack. And they kill either by trampling or crushing. Elephants tend to be much more aggressive in areas where poaching occurs. Poaching is the illegal hunting or catching of game or fish. Poachers kill about 100 elephants every day. And Elephants kill around 500 people each year.
