Wildlife at Paradise Lost
Surrounded by palm forest, a marine estuary and the freshwater Ramisi River, Paradise Lost has a diverse range of habitats for wildlife. It is common to see families of Sykes monkeys frolicking through the palms adjoining Amani House. At night, the nocturnal bush babies are often seen on the mango trees which abound at Shirazi.
Here are some of the more common species you may encounter:
BABOON
Scientific Name: Papio Cynacephalus
Swahili Name: Nyani
Baboons are highly intelligent and social animals that are often seen travelling in packs across the plains or feeding and resting in trees. Their highly developed social order leads to great deal of group interaction and battles for pecking order. They can become a pest in areas where they have been fed, something that tourists should never do.
GENET
Scientific Name: Genetta Genetta
Swahili Name: Kano
This shy nocturnal animal lives mostly in trees and rocks where it uses its formidable climbing skills. With a long catlike body, it is a superior hunter, feeding on frogs, insects and small rodents.
HYRAX
Scientific Name: Heterohyrax brucei
Swahili Name: Pimbi
This small creature closely resembles a rodent, but is in fact an ungulate that is the closest living relative of the Elephant. The tree hyrax is renowned for its blood curdling nocturnal cry, while the rock hyrax is often seen scuttling for cover among rock formations.
SYKES MONKEY
Scientific Name: Cercopithecus
Swahili Name: Kima
This gregarious and common monkey is recognizable from its bearded face and yellow tinged coat. Very intelligent and social, Monkeys can be become a pest in populated areas, and should never be fed or encouraged.
NILE CROCODILE
Scientific Name: Crocodylus niloticus
Swahili Name: Mamba
This gregarious and common monkey is recognizable from its bearded face and yellow tinged coat. Very intelligent and social, Monkeys can be become a pest in populated areas, and should never be fed or encouraged.
