Capital(s)

Mbabane & Lobamba

Official Language(s)

SiSwati & English

Fun Fact

Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy

National Animal

Impala

National Bird

Purple-crested Turaco

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Eswatini

The Animal Laws of Eswatini PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Eswatini. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Eswatini

Impala

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Impala is a graceful antelope found in the savannas and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. Known for its speed and agility, it can leap over 30 feet in a single bound to escape predators. Impalas feed on grasses, leaves, and shoots, allowing them to thrive in a variety of habitats. They are an important prey species for many of Africa’s large carnivores, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Aardwolf

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Aardwolf is a small, insect-eating member of the hyena family found in eastern and southern Africa. Unlike its larger relatives, it feeds almost exclusively on termites, using its long, sticky tongue to consume thousands in a single night. Aardwolves are primarily nocturnal and are recognized by their striped coats, pointed ears, and mane that can be raised when threatened. Their specialized diet helps control termite populations and supports healthy ecosystems.

Purple-crested Turaco

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Purple-crested Turaco is a colorful bird found in woodlands and riverine forests of eastern and southern Africa. It is easily recognized by its bright green plumage, crimson wing feathers, and distinctive purple crest. Feeding mainly on fruits, flowers, and leaves, it plays an important role in seed dispersal. Its loud, barking calls are often heard before the bird is seen.

Swazi Rock Snake

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Swazi Rock Snake is a large, nonvenomous python native to parts of southern Africa, particularly in rocky hillsides, grasslands, and savannas. A subspecies of the African rock python, it is a powerful constrictor that preys on mammals, birds, and reptiles. Despite its impressive size, the Swazi Rock Snake is generally secretive and spends much of its time hidden among rocks, dense vegetation, or burrows. It plays an important role in controlling populations of small and medium-sized animals within its ecosystem.

Blue Wildebeest

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Blue Wildebeest is a large antelope found in the grasslands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa. Known for its shaggy mane, curved horns, and powerful build, it is famous for taking part in massive seasonal migrations in search of fresh grazing. Blue Wildebeests feed primarily on grasses and are an important prey species for predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles. Their migrations help shape and maintain healthy grassland ecosystems.

White Rhinoceros

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

White Rhinoceroses are the largest species of rhinoceros and are found in grasslands and savannas of southern Africa. They are recognized by their broad, square lips, which are adapted for grazing on grasses, and their two prominent horns. Despite their massive size, white rhinos are generally social animals that often gather in small groups. While conservation efforts have helped some populations recover, they remain threatened by poaching for their horns.