Introduction

Abstract

The mammalian fauna of Africa, and particularly its ungulate component, has evolved to a variety and multitude unparalleled elsewhere—at least in recent times—both in terms of different species and of sheer numbers. Its diversity and profusion have greatly impressed Western man ever since he began invading and colonizing Africa, and continue to do so to the present day. Until quite recently, large tracts of land, with their natural habitats and their wild animals, have remained relatively unaffected by “civilization”, but the latter is advancing inexorably in all directions, and truly “wild places” become ever harder to find. Yet, at the same time, Western man experiences a growing need for just such places, to escape from his overpopulated and polluted surroundings and to re-establish some long-lost contact with “nature.” The recent upsurge of tourism in many African countries bears witness to this need, and the African ungulates contribute a large share in attracting this tourism, which provides substantial earnings for the host countries.