Eswatini

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is home to several game reserves and national parks, including Hlane Royal National Park, where visitors can see rhinos, lions, and elephants in their natural habitat.

Flora and Fauna

Eswatini (pronounced ess-SWAH-tee-nee) is home to over 3,500 plant species, with around 25 species unique to the region. The country's varied landscapes support the growth of aloes, orchids, and begonias, which thrive in its distinct ecosystems.

Eswatini is inhabited by 107 mammal species and 507 bird species. Notable mammals include elephants, giraffes, white rhinos, and the rare black rhino. Carnivores such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also present, though encounters are less frequent. The bird population is diverse, with martial eagles, bateleurs, and various species of vultures among the many species found.

In siSwati (Pronounced "see-SWAH-tee") culture, both plants and animals hold great importance. Certain plants are used in rituals to ward off negative spirits, and livestock, such as goats, chickens, and cattle, play a crucial role in cultural traditions, including marriage ceremonies.

National Flora and Fauna

  • National Animal: The African elephant (Loxodonta africana), widely cited and featured on the coat of arms.
  • National Bird: The purple-crested turaco (Gallirex porphyreolophus) known in siSwati as ligwalagwala is recognised as a royal national emblem by Eswatini’s tourism authority.
Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1969: Definitive series - ½ cent, Caracal (Caracal caracal).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1969: Definitive series - 2 cent, Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1969: Definitive series - 3½ cent, African Elephant (Loxodonta africana).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1969: Definitive series - 50 cent Burchell's Zebra (Equus burchelli).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1980: Flower series - 10 cent, Pineapple Lily (Eucomis autumnalis).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1980: Flower series - E1 (Eswatini’s currency; one lilangeni = 100 cents), Dwarf grassveld sugarbush (Protea simplex).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1987: Butterfly series - 15 cent, Guineafowl Butterfly (Hamanumida daedalus).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1987: Butterfly series - 20 cent, Red Forest Charaxes (Charaxes boueti).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1987: Butterfly series - 25 cent, Paradise Skipper (Abantis paradisea).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1987: Butterfly series - 30 cent, Broad Bordered Acraea (Acraea anemosa).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1987: Butterfly series - 50 cent, Blue Eyed Pansy (Junonia orithya ssp. madagascariensis).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1987: Butterfly series - 55 cent, Zebra White (Pinacopteryx eriphia).

Eswatini Stamp

Issued 1987: Butterfly series - 1 lilangeni, Common Dotted Border (Mylothris chloris ssp. agathina).