LETHAL FAUNA Cape Verde
— Territory Dossier —

🇨🇻 Cape Verde

Atlantic archipelago — no native land predators, all marine hazards
0
Native venomous snakes
10
Volcanic islands
Atlantic
Tiger sharks offshore
FIG. 01 Mammal
№ 01 / 03
Mammal · Canidae

Domestic Dog (Rabies)

Canis familiaris
Threat Level
21,000+ rabies deaths/year in Africa
Description

Africa carries about 36% of global rabies burden — 21,476 deaths per year, almost all transmitted by dog bites. Most victims are children under 15.

The Danger

Once rabies symptoms appear, mortality is near 100%. Post-exposure vaccination works only before symptoms. Stray dogs are main reservoir. Major problem in DRC, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania.

Habitat

Across all of Africa. Highest rabies burden: DRC, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya. Eradicated in: South Africa (urban), Egypt (mostly).

Behavior & Lifestyle

Stray and unvaccinated dogs are main reservoir. Children most vulnerable due to height and inability to defend themselves.

FIG. 02 Fish
№ 02 / 03
Fish · Carcharhinidae

Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas
Threat Level
Swims up African rivers
Description

Stocky, aggressive shark up to 3.5 m. Uniquely tolerant of fresh water — found in the Zambezi 200 km inland, in Lake Nicaragua.

The Danger

Top contender for most dangerous shark to humans. Hunts in shallow, murky water where people swim. Many attacks attributed to great whites are actually bull sharks.

Habitat

Coasts and rivers — South Africa (Indian Ocean), Mozambique (Zambezi), Egypt (Red Sea), Senegal, Ghana coast.

Behavior & Lifestyle

Aggressive and territorial. Tolerates salinity from 0 to 53 ppt. Attacks unprovoked more than other sharks.

FIG. 03 Fish
№ 03 / 03
Fish · Scorpaenidae

Devil Firefish

Pterois miles
Threat Level
Venomous spines — Red Sea native
Description

Up to 35 cm. Striking red-white striped fins with venomous spines. Native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean coast of Africa.

The Danger

13 venomous dorsal spines cause intense pain, swelling, nausea, occasionally breathing difficulty. Rarely fatal but agonizing. A hazard for divers and waders.

Habitat

Coral reefs of the Red Sea and East African coast — Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique.

Behavior & Lifestyle

Slow-moving, fearless due to venom defense. Spreads fins to corner prey. Active at dusk hunting small fish and shrimp.