Tanzania Reserve (Swala Plains Game Reserve)

[raven gale]

Welcome to Swala Plains Game Reserve in northern Tanzania, the ultimate hunting destination in Africa. You will get a chance to walk in the footsteps of iconic hunters from the early twentieth century, such as Selous, Hemingway, and Roosevelt. Prepare to embark on a spectacular hunting adventure that you will never forget. With jaw-dropping natural landscapes, a great variety of huntable game, and some of the most abundant wildlife on the African continent, you are guaranteed to make memories here that will last for a lifetime.

Returning species for this reserve:
Side-Striped Jackal (will need a rework)
Lesser Kudu (needs rework)
Warthog (rework + size increase)
Lion (rework)
Cape Buffalo (model rework + TruRACs)

Essential New Species list:
Helmeted Guineafowl (Class 1)
Egyptian Goose (Class 1)
Kirk's Dik Dik (Class 2)
Serval (Class 2)
Thomson’s Gazelle (Class 3)
Impala (Class 4)
Grant’s Gazelle (Class 4)
Spotted Hyena (Class 5)
Coke's Hartebeest (Class 6)
Sable Antelope (Class 6)
White-Bearded Blue Wildebeest (Class 6)
Greater Kudu (Class 6)
African Leopard (Class 7)
Waterbuck (Class 7)
Plains Zebra (Class 8)
Nile Crocodile (Class 8)
Hippopotamus (Class 10 - New Weapon Class)
African Bush Elephant (Class 10)

Non-essential new species (not necessary to include, but would be good additions to this map):
Rock Hyrax (Class 1)
Spur-Winged Goose (Class 1)
Bat-Eared Fox (Class 2)
African Civet (Class 2)
Honey Badger (Class 3)
African Cheetah (Class 4)
Striped Hyena (Class 4)
Bushpig (Class 5)
Fringe-Eared Oryx (Class 6)
Common Eland (Class 9)

Along with this new map, we could get a new rifle chambered in .416 Rigby. This would be an extremely powerful rifle. It would be able to use any scope that most other rifles can. This rifle would be for classes 9-10, ideal for hunting the new large animals on this map. It would be the most expensive and powerful bolt action rifle in the game, with heavy recoil but great firepower.

The rest of the information is in the thread.

Upon your arrival in this reserve, you might choose to start small, hunting waterfowl in the wetlands. Or perhaps you may attempt to go after flocks of the abundant Helmeted Guineafowl. As you trek across the open savannah, you will encounter very large migrating herds of the Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle, and Blue Wildebeest. Various different African species, large and small, are available to hunt. And if you’re up for the ultimate challenge, we have plenty of opportunities for dangerous game as well, so pack your most powerful weaponry. In addition to the deadly Cape Buffalo and ferocious Lion, you will also have to contend with the prowling African Leopard. If you go near the rivers, you will also have to watch out for the Nile Crocodile and the extremely dangerous Hippopotamus. And of course, no dangerous game safari in Africa would be complete without a chance to hunt the world’s largest land animal. Yes, that means exactly what you think it means! That’s right, in this reserve, you will finally get the once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt a trophy African Bush Elephant. So bring out the big guns, prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable hunting experience, and come face the challenge of Tanzania.

[raven gale]

Here is the hypothetical map of this reserve. As you can see, there is a long central river, along with two large lakes in the southwest and southeast that form the borders of the map and feed into the central river. The coasts of the large southwestern and southeastern lakes and the central river would have marshy/swampy areas in some nearby areas. This map is split in half by the central river, with the north having different species from the south and vice versa.

Here's how the subregions within the larger regions would break down on this map. Note that some of the region and subregion names are Swahili names, and Swahili is not a language that I can speak, so I apologize for any mistakes in spelling or grammar.

The landscapes of this map would primarily be based on the Serengeti region of northern Tanzania. It would mostly be based on Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but there would also be some inspiration taken from Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro as well.

I mentioned that the different regions of the map would have different animals. I'd like to explain what I have in mind here.

The eastern half of the central river, along with the nearby wetlands and the southeast lakeshore, would be the main areas where hippos could be found, although hippos would also live in the northeastern crater. Conversely, the western half of the river, the southwest lakeshore and the nearby wetlands would be the main areas with Nile Crocodiles. Waterbucks and the two goose species would be found all along the river, the southwest and southeast lakeshores and the wetland areas within the map.

The northeastern crater, loosely based on the Ngorongoro Crater, would be inhabited by very large numbers of Cape Buffalo, as well as Hippos, Waterbuck, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hartebeest, both species of Gazelle, Eland and the two goose species. Large numbers of Lions could also be found here.

The areas south of the central river would be a mosaic of acacia woodlands and savannas, home to Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Impala, Spotted Hyena (in the more open areas), Bushpig, and Leopard (in the more wooded areas).

The areas north of the central river would have lush, slightly more hilly terrain covered in lightly wooded savannas, and dry open semi-arid grasslands. This half of them map would be home to Lesser Kudu, both Gazelle species, Warthog, Fringe-Eared Oryx, Coke's Hartebeest and Lion.

The Guineafowl, Serval, African Civet, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Elephant and Cape Buffalo would all be found all over the map. Elands would be found across the whole map but only in the open savanna and grassland environments.

The Rock Hyrax would specifically be found on the hills and highlands in the northern half of the map

[raven gale]

Here's some photos to give you an idea of what the areas around the central river might look like.

Here's some pictures of what the highlands and crater areas would look like

Here's what the flat open dry grasslands in the north of the reserve could look like

The southern half of the map would mostly be a mix of woodlands and savannas, as seen in these images.

[vocal torrent]

Love the setting and the roster!

[thick stone]

those backgrounds would be awesome if they could pull it off in this game engine

[raven gale]

Definitely, I think this would be a really beautiful map.

[hot juniper]

I think we need giraffes on that list

[mortal star]

I still think this https://discord.com/channels/393040947006406657/1070108417819156631 is the best Africa suggestion because of the biomes and layout it can have. It can also have most of these animals in the list according to Namibias potential list.

[raven gale]

I still think that my Namibia reserve suggestion is the best one I've ever come up with. That being said, there's still something so charming to me about East Africa / the Serengeti region, and I just really felt like I had to give my own take on a reserve idea for it.

Unfortunately there's some species that can be hunted in Namibia that can't be hunted in Tanzania (Giraffes or Cheetahs, for example) and some animals in Tanzania that cannot be hunted in the desert regions of Namibia (true Gazelles and Crocodiles, Hippos, etc.)

No matter how you slice it, there's going to be pros and cons to any new map in Africa. That's why I'm hoping that we get several more African maps in the future.

[mortal star]

I think this one you have is pretty good also. It one of my favorites also. But these are my favorite types of biomes and animals lol
https://discord.com/channels/393040947006406657/1131564219683307602

[raven gale]

Story Missions:
The story missions on this map would center on preventing poaching and dealing with problem animals.

As the story progresses, players would be required to investigate reports of poaching in many different parts of the reserve. The player would be put in charge of tracking down a small group of poachers that are associated with the illegal trade of Elephant ivory. This would include a truly heartbreaking mission where the player finds an dead Elephant that has been killed only for its ivory.

This storyline would ultimately lead to the discovery of a poacher camp, whose inhabitants have fled in a hurry. It would be revealed that the poachers’ camp has been completely destroyed by a very large animal, presumably an Elephant.

Before we can find out what animal did this, the player is required to investigate a report of a killer Lion that has been terrorizing local villages. Eventually the player is required to put down the “Maneater” Lion. It is revealed that the Lion was attacking people because it was wounded by the poachers from earlier before their camp was destroyed.

It is then revealed that the poachers whose camp was destroyed attempted to flee the reserve, and because of the player's tracking efforts, they were caught and arrested by the authorities while they were trying to flee the country.

Then the player is required to investigate another report of an Elephant attack, not far from the destroyed poacher camp from earlier. It is revealed that a particular problem bull Elephant has been going on a rampage, attacking hunters and local villagers, and it is the same Elephant that destroyed the poacher camp earlier. The player is eventually required to put down this problem Elephant.

The last mission requires the player to track down an enormous Nile Crocodile that has killed numerous local fishermen. The Crocodile in question ends up being found along the shore of the southwestern lake, and the player is required to kill it.

[raven gale]

Here's some ideas for this map's Side Missions

Plains Game Culling:
Because the populations of certain plains game species have completely gotten out of control in the reserve, we really need someone to hunt them to keep them from overgrazing the savannas. All meat from every kill will be donated to local villages that are suffering from severe food shortages. To make things more interesting, use special types of weapons for each species.
Objectives
Kill 1 Sable Antelope with a Rifle
Kill 2 Greater Kudus with a Bow
Kill 3 Coke's Hartebeests with a Rifle
Kill 4 Waterbucks with a Handgun
Kill 5 Grant's Gazelles with a Shotgun
Kill 5 Lesser Kudus with a Rifle
Kill 7 Impalas with a Shotgun
Kill 8 Bushpigs with a Bow
Kill 10 Thomson's Gazelles with a Handgun
Kill 12 Plains Zebras with a Rifle
Kill 12 Blue Wildebeests with a Bow

Small Game Cull:
To prevent ecological imbalance, we sometimes need to cull smaller species of animals in the reserve. To make things more interesting, use special types of weapons for each species.
Objectives
Kill 2 Rock Hyraxes with a Rifle
Kill 3 African Civets with a Bow
Kill 4 Honey Badgers with a Rifle
Kill 5 Servals with a Handgun
Kill 10 Helmeted Guineafowl with a Shotgun

Predator Culling:
Predator populations have been on the rise in the reserve, which increases the risk of predators attacking local tribesmen and villagers. We have to do something about it before more animal attacks occur. Use special weapons for each species.
Objectives:
Kill 1 Lion with a Rifle
Kill 2 African Leopards with a Bow
Kill 3 Nile Crocodiles with a Rifle
Kill 5 Spotted Hyenas with a Shotgun

Dangerous Game Cull:
Large dangerous game animals need to be managed as well. To keep their numbers within the reserve from growing too much, and to prevent conflicts with local villagers, we're going to need someone to harvest some of these animals.
Objectives:
Kill 1 male African Elephant with a Rifle
Kill 2 Hippos with a Rifle
Kill 5 Cape Buffalo with a Bow

[wooden shadow]

This is the perfect Africa 2.0.

[woven lark]

Sounds good all around, I'd love to get a proper class 9 rifle too

[raven gale]

I'm going to give full descriptions of each region of the map and the subregions within them.

Maasai Plains
This region in the north of the reserve is named for the Maasai people of East Africa. These dry grasslands are mostly open and flat, overlooked to the south by hills and highlands. This drier grassland area is home to very large herds of Gazelles, Zebras and Wildebeests, along with plenty of other species.

Pundamilia Plains (Images 1 and 2)
This area's open landscape is covered in primarily tall grasses with a few sections of scattered trees. There are also some small sections with more shrublands and low-growing bushes. The wide open spaces here seem to go on forever. Large numbers of Elephants roam in this area, ripping apart trees and trampling woody vegetation. By doing this, they keeping the savanna from transforming into woodland, which also keeps the long grasses growing, allowing them to dominate the landscape. The plentiful long grass here also attracts numerous grazers to the plains, such as Gazelles and Zebras.

Hadza Grasslands (Images 3 and 4)
Directly north of the more forested highlands of the reserve, this area is comparatively flat and dry. These open grasslands are covered by slightly shorter grasses, and there are even fewer trees than in the Pundamilia Plains. Massive herds of Zebras and Wildebeest can be found traveling across this area during their migration. Where there is plentiful prey, predators are bound to follow, so hunters will want to be on the lookout for wandering prides of Lions.

[raven gale]

Kijani Hills
This region is more hilly and lush than the Maasai Plains. Still mostly open savanna, this area would be a transitional zone between the more wooded and lush areas along the river and the dry grassland in the north.
Simba Basin (Images 1, 2, and 3)
This subregion has many small rocky hills (also known as kopjes), stretches of flat open savannah, and some stretches of partially wooded savannah. Known for its large numbers of prowling Lions, hunters will want to look out for the big predators.
Acacia Hills (Images 4 and 5)
This area is an open savanna, lightly wooded with several different types of Acacia trees and covered with small, rolling hills. Further south the grasses become longer and lusher as one gets closer to the river.

Nyati Highlands
A region with more changes in elevation, this region would go from mountains and plateau to a large crater. Further south the landscape gets lower and more wooded as one approaches the river.
Nyumbu Plateau (Images 1, 2, and 3)
This large plateau lies much higher up than most of the reserve. Most of this subregion is open woodland, but the highest areas of this region are rocky and more densely wooded. Animals that enjoy high elevations and dense tree cover thrive in this area. On a clear day, one can see Mount Kilimanjaro far off in the distance, to the northeast.
Nyati Crater (Images 4, 5, and 6)
This large volcanic crater is covered with mostly lush open grasslands, with patches of woodlands scattered around the crater. A lot of different animals graze in this region, and they drink at the various small lakes within the crater. Very large numbers of Cape Buffalo can be found here, along with many other large animals.

[raven gale]

Tembo Savannas
This region is a mosaic of wetlands, savannas, and woodlands. Riverine forests can be found along the river and the southwest lakeshore.
Gorofa Savanna (Images 1 and 2)
This area is mostly open green savanna with interspersed woodlands as well. A few small watering holes here are good spots for spotting drinking animals, while the lush savannas are a great area for a variety of species would be seen feeding. The riverbank to the north is a place where many crocodiles can be seen sunning themselves.
Mamba Coast (Images 3 and 4)
This region is a mix of savanna, riverine forest, open woodlands, and wetlands. The namesake coastline of the southwestern lake, along with the swampy and marshy areas of this subregion, are completely infested with very large numbers of Nile Crocodiles. If you want to hunt Crocodiles, this region is the place to go.

[vocal torrent]

😎

[raven gale]

Kiboko Lowlands
This region of the reserve is mostly low lying land. From dense woodlands to riverine forest, savannas, swamps and marshes, this region has a variety of different habitat types. All of the areas along the river, in the wetlands, and along the southeastern lakeshore would be home to hippos.
Kinamasi Wetlands (Images 1, 2, and 3)
This is a large section of marshes and swampy areas, along with riverine forest and woodlands. Wetlands and forests line the riverbank. Exceptionally large numbers of geese, waterbucks, and hippos can be found in this part of the reserve.
Misitu Valley (Images 4 and 5)
This area is a low valley with a mix of dense woodlands and lightly wooded savannas. Large numbers of plains game can be found here, along with numerous Leopards who stalk the woodlands looking for prey. Hunters will want to be cautious here, because the Leopards blend in well with the tall grass and the woodlands.
Baobab Cove (Images 6, 7, and 8)
This large region is the host to open grassy savannas, open woodlands, and riverine forest. Large baobab trees dot the landscape in the savanna here. Large packs of hyenas prowl in the open areas, herds of plains game travel across the savanna, and many pods of hippos guard the river and the lakeshore.

[raven gale]

Okay folks, I want to add one more antelope species to this map's animal roster, but can't decide which one to add. The candidates I'm considering are the Kirk's Dik Dik, Coke's Hartebeest, and Topi. Let me know which one of these weird-looking antelopes you would like to see on this map's animal roster.

[shut bluff]

The Tiny ten is really fun to hunt IRL, when I was in Africa I got a really big common duiker…so I say go for for the heartabeest

[raven gale]

Does anyone else have any input?

[frigid sleet]

The three antelope you listed there would be all fine additions, but I noticed on the main list that you included Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) and (Southern) Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus taurinus). And given this is meant to be Northern Tanzania, might I suggest the Fringe-eared Oryx (Oryx besia callotis) and the White-bearded Wildebeest. Both antelope live in Northern Tanzania and the White-bearded Wildebeest is world famous for the Serengeti Migrations, now I will admit I did lump both the Eastern (Connochaetes taurinus albojubatus) and Western (Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi) White-bearded Wildebeest

[woven lark]

I adore all three of these, topi and hartebeest are class 6 to me, and i'd guess dik dik at class 2? does that sound right?

[frigid sleet]

Dik-dik could work as a Class 1 Species too, they just look so small

[wooden shadow]

That is….a wide variety of calibers…

[raven gale]

I'll add the Fringe-Eared Oryx to the list. Not sure if I'll change out the ordinary Blue Wildebeest for the White-bearded Wildebeest though, the differences between them are so small that you can't tell the difference unless you really know what to look for.

I went ahead and added the Kirk's Dik Dik (I assume that they would be Class 2) and the Fringe Eared Oryx (Class 8) to the animal roster. The Dik Dik would be found in savannah habitats throughout the map, while the Oryx would be found in most of the northern areas of the map (excluding the crater area in the northeast)

[woven lark]

dang, that guy with the .375 must have been desperate for a light snack

[wooden shadow]

Already processed!

[woven lark]

like when you buy turkey from the deli counter and its cut so thin it tears while you get it out of the bag

[wooden shadow]

The gut pile flew 50ft away!

[woven lark]

I'd definitely use the .22h

[vocal torrent]

What country is swala set in?

[wooden shadow]

Northern Tanzania!

[raven gale]

Swala Plains Game Reserve (Tanzania Map with Hippos, Elephants, and Hyenas)

Changed the title to be more specific to clear up any confusion.

[sour token]

I think nyassa wildebeest would be better by the way this is what they look like

[frigid sleet]

As far as they go in Tanzania they live in the southern half, not the northern

Though I do agree they look unique

[sour token]

At least live in Tanzania unlike a certain animal in a certain reserve

[raven gale]

What are you referring to?

[frigid sleet]

Lesser Kudu in Vurhonga I’m guessing

[raven gale]

ah yeah okay that makes sense

[raven gale]

In hindsight, I think it would make more sense to have the Blue Wildebeests on this map be the White-Bearded Blue Wildebeest (as pictured in the first picture) which is the subspecies found in the Serengeti region of Tanzania. Along with the release of this map, the Blue Wildebeests on Vurhonga would be rebranded as the "Southern Blue Wildebeest" (second image). The only real differences between the two subspecies (in the game anyway) would be the differences in coloration. Think of them the same way you think of the different subspecies of turkeys that we have the game currently.

[raven gale]

I feel like this Serengeti-themed map wouldn't be complete without the Coke's Hartebeest, a large migratory antelope that is native to Kenya and Tanzania. This would be yet another Class 6 animal on this map's roster. This species would be found all over the northern half of this map.

[raven gale]

and with the animal list now having 28 species, I think that's the last species I'll add to it.

[shut bluff]

Has Gerenuk been discussed?

[raven gale]

I originally wanted to include the Gerenuk in this idea but they have a pretty limited range in Tanzania so I decided to exclude that species

[shut bluff]

Might as well add them to the list. Also they have the same range as lesser kudu, they’re an East African staple species.

[raven gale]

Gerenuks aren't anywhere near as common in the region as most of the other antelopes on the list, plus I can't add any more species to the species list in the original post because of Discord's character limit for posts. I also don't want this idea to become too heavy on the antelopes, so I'm not going to add anymore to it.

[shut bluff]

If you insist.

[frigid sleet]

I'm looking back at my #1171201469177925653 and realized this reserve would give a better home to Lesser Kudu then Vurhonga

[sour token]

Aren’t they mostly found in the horn of Africa

[raven gale]

yeah, primarily.

[sour token]

Then a Ethiopian reserve would be awesome you get animals that aren’t as though of for African game like mountain nyala and besia
I was surprised when I found out you could hunt besia

[raven gale]

I think a couple of people have made pretty good Ethiopia reserve suggestions already.

[raven gale]

The original post is right here so people don't have to scroll so long to get to it.

[raven gale]

Multimount Idea: Leopard's Lunch

Features a Bushpig that is being chased by a male African Leopard (the main predator of bushpigs in the wild)

If anyone else has any other multimount ideas for this reserve, feel free to post them here.

[shut bluff]

When two titans clash
From doom eternal

[wooden shadow]

You should add either Olive Baboon or Vervet Monkey,the Predator Prey rivalry between Baboons/Vervet Monkeys and Leopard is Infamous,Serval jumping up to catch a group of flying gunieafowl.

[raven gale]

I would consider adding Vervet Monkeys to the species list, but I've run out of characters in the original post so I kind of can't add anything else.

I'm not a big fan of the idea of hunting primates in COTW anyway, I just find it a bit unsettling to imagine actively hunting something so similar to humans. If we get them on a second Africa map then I won't complain, but there's many other animal species that I'd much rather see them add to the game.

[raven gale]

I like that idea a lot actually. Honey Badgers could have some seriously cool multimounts in the game.

I also think it would be cool to have a multimount featuring a Leopard and Warthog fighting, that could be a pretty brutal one.

[shut bluff]

In the San Diego zoo a wolverine escaped from its enclosure, it entered into the polar bear habitat where it proceeded to rip the throat out of the bear….that would make a cool multi mount as well

[raven gale]

If Wolverines ever get added, there needs to be a multimount where one is fighting a bear. Doesn't matter what type of bear tbh.

[shut bluff]

Just going straight for the throat

[raven gale]

Also, if we get any African map with Zebras, there absolutely has to be a multimount where there's a Lioness chasing a Zebra

A multimount with some Lions and Hyenas having a battle would also be really awesome

[raven gale]

The wetlands and lakeshore in the Mamba Coast subregion would be filled with large numbers of Nile Crocodiles, as we can see in these images. This would make it similar to the beaches and mangrove swamps filled with Saltwater Crocodiles on Emerald Coast. Hunters will want to be on the lookout for the big reptiles here.

[raven gale]

Here's a concept of what the map of this reserve could hypothetically look like

[oblique parrot]

I would love to see leopards icl

[stable laurel]

Yes, in Selous Game Reserve, for example.

[frigid sleet]

The Selous Game Reserve is outside of the Lesser Kudu’s range

The furthest south they go is Ruaha National Park which is still northwest of Selous

[vocal torrent]

Another great African setting!

[shut bluff]

Just realized…there’s no mention of striped Hyena.

[raven gale]

Fair point. Not going to add this to the main species list since I already have a Hyena species in there, but it is another potential species that can be included in this map.

[raven gale]

I have moved the Fringe-Eared Oryx down to Class 6, the Waterbuck to Class 7, and the Nile Crocodile to Class 8. I think these classes are a lot more well-suited to the sizes and the toughness of each of these species.

[raven gale]

Bump for the Sable Antelope

[raven gale]

Once I'm done making range maps for each of the species in my #1070108417819156631 I will then start making range maps for each of the species I've included in this one

[turbid basin]

The best list of Tanzania species (in my opinion):

• Lion ( Class 9 )
• Cape Buffalo ( Class 9 )
• Common Eland ( Class 8 ) - New
• Nile Crocodile ( Class 8 ) - New
• Plains Zebra ( Class 7 ) - New
• Waterbuck ( Class 6 ) - New
• Blue Wildebeest ( Class 6 )
• Sable Antelope ( Class 6 ) - New
• African Leopard ( Class 6 ) - New
• Lesser Kudu ( Class 4 )
• Warthog ( Class 4 )
• Impala ( Class 4 ) - New
• Black-backed Jackal ( Class 2 ) - New
• Helmeted Guineafowl ( Class 1 ) - New
• Egyptian Goose ( Class 1 ) - New

15 species

The best list of Zimbabwe species (in my opinion):

• African Bush Elephant ( class 10 ) - New
• Common Hippo ( class 10 ) - New
• Southern White Rhino ( class 10 ) - New
• Lion ( Class 9 )
• Cape Buffalo ( Class 9 )
• Common Eland ( Class 8 ) - New
• Nile Crocodile ( Class 8 ) - New
• Plains Zebra ( Class 7 ) - New
• Greater Kudu ( Class 7 ) - New
• Waterbuck ( Class 6 ) - New
• Blue Wildebeest ( Class 6 )
• Sable Antelope ( Class 6 ) - New
• African Leopard ( Class 6 ) - New
• Warthog ( Class 4 )
• Impala ( Class 4 ) - New
• Black-backed Jackal ( Class 2 ) - New

16 species

[raven gale]

If we get more than one Africa map in the future, I would be okay with them splitting the species list from this map into a few different maps. This is meant to be a catch-all African grasslands map idea though, so that's why it is the way it is.

[turbid basin]

yeah

[raven gale]

I'm going to make some range maps for the animals on the potential species list

[raven gale]

Rock Hyrax Range map - they would be found on the rocky outcrops and highlands in the northern regions of the map

Elephant range map

Hippopotamus range map - the water sources that are in the highlighted area would be where their resting and drinking zones would be located, while the surrounding grasslands and woodlands would be where their feeding zones would be, where they go at night to feed.

[raven gale]

I have decided to add the Striped Hyena to the species list. I think their more solitary nature would make them a nice counterpart to the Spotted Hyena, which lives in larger groups usually. Since I have already decided to have the Spotted Hyena only be found in the southern half of the map, the Striped Hyena would only be found in the northern half, to help differentiate them.

[raven gale]

Now that we know that we're getting two maps next year, I'm hoping that we'll get this map (or any Africa map tbh) in 2025

[kindred moss]

What about African Cheetah?!

[raven gale]

I have included the cheetah in a different map idea:
https://discord.com/channels/393040947006406657/1070108417819156631

[raven gale]

gonna dig back into making some more range maps soon, but I need to do some more research first for some of the species in this reserve idea.

[raven gale]

Waterbuck, Egyptian Goose, and Spur-Winged Goose range map

Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Impala and Bushpig range map

Leopard Range map

Spotted Hyena range map

I'll post some more potential range maps after I get back from vacation next week.

[broken sky]

Just looked up what a dik dik is

There's gonna be people shooting them with .470 ne

[wooden shadow]

not even that outrageous. Hunting them with big bores is pretty common because tracking them is terrible.

[broken sky]

wouldnt they explode?

[south jackal]

@raven gale this is great, couldn't have done it better

[raven gale]

thanks

[raven gale]

bump for Tanzania 🇹🇿

[kindred moss]

New Species Idea! “African Cheetah” (Class 5/6) the / means Either or

Thought?! Plus To have Thompsons Gazelles and not Cheetahs aka their main Predator is kinda shocking

[raven gale]

I already included the African Cheetah on my Namibia reserve idea, and I didn't want to have too much overlap in terms of the species that are in these two map concepts. If you want to check out that reserve concept, I'll leave a link to it below. It also has many other iconic African species like the White Rhinoceros, Giraffe and Ostrich, which I also left out of this map idea for similar reasons.
https://discord.com/channels/393040947006406657/1070108417819156631

[raven gale]

at some point I want to rework the species list in order to differentiate between essential and non-essential new animals

[raven gale]

I have done that now. It was hard to decide what species should be taken off of the list, so I mostly removed ones that aren't very iconic and/or animals that could easily be included on a different future Africa map

[raven gale]

I think I'm going to add the Bat-Eared Fox to the non-essential species list. They're pretty cool and they seem to be pretty common in the region where this map is set.

[south jackal]

They are super cool, please do

[raven gale]

they're on the non-essential species list now

[vocal torrent]

🫡

[lavish iron]

I love what you have done obviously Wellington has the main pic but you have put so much time and effort into this I love it

[raven gale]

Along with this map, there should be reworks for all of the species that are returning from Vurhonga. The Side-Striped Jackal would need a full remodel, the Lesser Kudu would need some adjustments to its model, the Warthog would need a rework and a size increase, Lions would definitely need a rework to their models and fur, and the Cape Buffalo needs some model improvements along with TruRACs.

[raven gale]

I'm going to go over all of the essential new animals on this map

Helmeted Guineafowl (class 1 upland game bird, common throughout Sub-Saharan Africa)

Egyptian Goose (Class 1, common waterfowl species in Africa from Egypt to South Africa)

Kirk's Dik-Dik (Class 2, very small species of antelope from eastern and southwestern Africa)

Serval (Class 2, small species of wild cat that can be found across most of Sub-Saharan Africa)

Thomson's Gazelle (Class 3, a small and fast species of antelope from Eastern Africa)

Grant's Gazelle (Class 4, common antelope species from Eastern Africa)

Spotted Hyena (Class 5, the most widespread Hyena species in Africa, with pack hunting behavior)

Coke's Hartebeest (Class 6, medium-sized antelope species that lives in the grasslands of Eastern Africa)

Sable Antelope (Class 6, an iconic large antelope that lives in woodlands and savannas in eastern and southern Africa)

White-Bearded Blue Wildebeest (Class 6, an East African variety of Blue Wildebeest)

Greater Kudu (Class 6, large antelope species that is one of the most sought-after trophies in Africa)

African Leopard (Class 7, big cat species that is widespread in Africa, also one of the Big Five)

Waterbuck (Class 7, large antelope species from many parts of Africa that, as the name implies, mostly inhabits areas that are close to water)

Plains Zebra (Class 8, a large and iconic animal of the African savannas)

Nile Crocodile (Class 8, large species of crocodilian that is widespread in Africa and very dangerous)

Hippopotamus (Class 10, very large semi-aquatic mammal with very thick skin, extremely dangerous)

African Bush Elephant (Class 10, the world's largest land mammal)

Here are the small non-essential new species, which would be great additions to this map but could also be saved for another future African map:

Rock Hyrax (Class 1, small animal that lives in rocky areas of Africa
Spur-Winged Goose (Class 1, another widespread goose species in Africa)
Bat-Eared Fox (Class 2, small canine from many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, with a very distinctive appearance)
African Civet (Class 2, a large viverrid from many parts of Africa, with some resemblance to the Common Raccoon)
Honey Badger (Class 3, a large mustelid that lives throughout many parts of Africa and Asia, known for its ferocity)

Here's all of the larger non-essential species:
Striped Hyena (Class 4, a smaller species of hyena that lives in northern and eastern Africa along with much of western and southern Asia)
Impala (Class 4, an abundant species of antelope in Africa that is commonly hunted)
Bushpig (Class 5, a species of wild swine that lives in many parts of southern and eastern Africa)
Fringe-Eared Oryx (Class 6, an East African relative of the Gemsbok)
Common Eland (Class 9, the second-largest species of antelope in the world, found in grasslands in Southern and Eastern Africa)

[raven gale]

Here's what the map for this reserve could look like

[raven gale]

and here's where the information about each of the regions (and their subregions) starts

[raven gale]

If we were to get this map, I'd like to see Cape Buffalo get TruRACs, and also maybe a new Great One for them. Since they'd be one of the returning species on the species list, the release of this map would be a perfect time to introduce a Cape Buffalo Great One

[clear shard]

Wow, this is amazing! 😄 I'd love to see a map like this. 🙂 You did a great job with the missions, setting and animals. 🙂 And the story sounds cool too. 😄

[kindred moss]

I still would love to see cheetahs on an Africa 2.0 map along with lions and leopards, you gotta have all three if you want that wow factor. Plus, it just feels wrong to have lions with cheetahs and no leopards or lions with leopards and no cheetahs. Also, what class do you think cheetahs would be?

[clear shard]

Possibly a class 5.

[vocal torrent]

This is a better suggestion from my own standpoint as if focuses on a specific area.

Whereas my suggestion has morphed from Zimbabwe/SA into a general call for an Africa 2 map

[raven gale]

I mean, again I wouldn't be against including Cheetahs on a second Africa map. My concern is that this map idea already has a lot of predators (Hyenas, Lions, Leopards, etc.) so throwing Cheetahs in too might make it too over saturated with predator species.

[kindred moss]

Understandable but if there’s four species of predators cheetah being the fourth, I don’t think it would be that oversaturated as long as there’s enough prey animals

And again cheetahs and leopards could also probably both get low population

[raven gale]

if enough people want them to be in this map idea, I might put them onto the "Non-essential new species" list.

[clear shard]

I'm honestly open up to all kinds of cool animal ideas for a new African map, as Africa has so many cool species. 🙂 But it HAS to have the Impala antelope! XD

[shut bluff]

A lot people probably don’t know this, but Tanzania has sitatunga

[clear shard]

Never head of that but it looks amazing. 🙂

[raven gale]

React to this post with 👍 if you think the African Cheetah should be added to the potential species list. React with 👎 if you don't think it should.

[inland perch]

Would love to have a cheetah with the king markings in my lodge someday

[shut bluff]

I think a Namibia map would be better for cheetah so I’m going to give it a 👎

[kindred moss]

My favorite animal hands down 👍 since it’s Prey source the Thompson gazelle is also on here so it also just makes sense to have cheetahs too

[raven gale]

Keep in mind that the cheetah was also included in my Namibia map idea, so if you would prefer the Cheetah to be added with a map that has a more desert environment, that post is for you
#1070108417819156631

[kindred moss]

That is true, but cheetahs are just as common in eastern Africa as they are in Southern Africa they also well known for being one of the main predators to Thompson gazelle and let’s be real It’s hard not to love the spotted speedy boys.

[vocal torrent]

I’m in the middle

[raven gale]

I'm gonna let people vote on this for the next 12 hours before I make a permanent decision.

also keep in mind that this is a poll for whether to add the Cheetah to the non-essential potential species list, not the essential species list (which is more than long enough already)

[raven gale]

Based on the results, I've decided to add the African Cheetah to the potential species list

I think the cheetah would probably be a Class 4 species, they're slightly smaller than Snow Leopards so they'd probably be in the same class

[raven gale]

If Cheetahs were included on the map, they'd probably inhabit the areas north of the central river in the open plains and savannahs, where the gazelles on this map would also live. This would also keep them separate from the Spotted Hyenas and Leopards in the southern parts of the map. The Cheetah population would probably be less than 12 on the map.

[raven gale]

by the way, I knew about this, but Sitatunga are mostly in western Tanzania while this map is more based on the Serengeti and a few surrounding areas. Sitatunga are more appropriate for a central African map rather than an Eastern Africa map like this one.

[raven gale]

Moved the Impala back onto the Essential New Species list because they probably wouldn't be too hard to include (they'd only inhabit the southern half of the map anyway) and at this point I feel like they're an essential species to include on any future second African map.

[south jackal]

I wouldn't say any, something very small game focused or rainforests, also more north can't or shouldn't have them or at least doesn't need them but on a map like this they would benefit greatly #1325971453023354881

[raven gale]

Fair point, what I meant was that Impala are essential for any Africa map that lies within their irl range (which is where the second Africa map is very likely to be, based on the vast majority of player suggestions)

[raven gale]

the splitting of this species into the Southern Blue Wildebeest (on Vurhonga Savanna) and the White-Bearded Blue Wildebeest (on this map) could be pretty similar to the splitting of Caribou subspecies into the Woodland Caribou and Grant's Caribou. Both subspecies could have the same horn models, they would just have slightly different fur and bodies. Maybe the Southern Blue Wildebeest could also get a few touch-ups to its model as well (it's not bad but it's certainly showing its age).

[woven lark]

Bump for impala!

[raven gale]

bump for Tanzania 🇹🇿

[raven gale]

bump again

[south jackal]

That's so incredibly beautiful

[raven gale]

Swala Plains Game Reserve (New African Map in Tanzania)

changed the post title to make it a bit more straightforward

[raven gale]

eventually I want to make range maps for the rest of the species on the map, I've just been busy with other things lately

[pastel zinc]

Moving @red creek's post here:

What would y'all say to a Tanzania map? With this map comes the largest game animal in the world, the African Elephant and to accommodate such a large trophy requires a large and magnificent Trophy Lodge. Where you can display all your trophies from small to very large.
New Weapon: .577 Double Express Rifle
Species List:
Helmeted Guineafowl (New)
Egyptian Goose (New)
Bat-eared Fox (New)
Caracal (New)
Common Duiker (New)
Klipspringer (New)
Thompson's Gazelle (New)
Bohor Reedbuck (New)
Grant's Gazelle (New)
Impala (New)
Topi Antelope (New)
Spotted Hyena (New)
Leopard (New)
Hartebeest ( New)
Waterbuck (New)
Sable Antelope (New)
Greater Kudu (New)
Roan Antelope (New)
Common Eland (New)
African Bush Elephant (New)

Tanzania Reserve

[shut bluff]

A Tanzanian map would be Legendary

I would personally add zebra to that list and maybe Lesser kudu, Gerenuk, Sitatunga, and striped hyena(because those three can be hunted in Tanzania irl)

And I would change the gun to something different like a Ruger No 1, or a Fuchs Double Barrel Bolt action. We already have the 470 king, to me it doesn’t make a lot of sense to have another double barrel that does the same job.

But personal changes I would make if I was in control of everything aside. I love the idea!

[red creek]

Sitatunga & Gerenuk were some I was considering, but I cut them from the final lineup and I didn't include Zebra because I'm a sucker for Horned and Antlered species. I went with the .577 over all the others because I wanted something with a lot of power, specifically for Elephant.

[kindred moss]

Awesome list though I would personally add cheetah to the list too! Having Both large African spotted cats on Tanzania would be a God to move, especially since you could get creative with the two species

[lunar radish]

Suspicious lack of rock hyraxes..

[hot juniper]

Introducing the new Great One

[kindred moss]

@pastel zinc Add Cheetah To the Roster and You Got Yourself a Deal!

[red creek]

I didn't have the heart to add Cheetah. They're one of my favorite animals of all time. I could never imagine hurting one, even though it's a game.

[red creek]

I was considering it, but I went with the birds.

[kindred moss]

Hey, no shame they’re my favorite animal too. That’s why I want them on.

[red creek]

Definitely needs to be the Great One for this map!

[kindred moss]

I understand but personal cheetahs are my favorite animal too…. That’s why I do want them on also having a reserve with all three African Large cats would be a God Tier Move!

[raven gale]

Tanzania Reserve (Swala Plains Game Reserve)

[raven gale]

If we got this map, I'd love to get a new multimount featuring a Leopard fighting a Hyena over an Impala carcass

Photo credit: Life Form Taxidermy