Africa is the second largest continent covering 11.7 million square miles (30.3 million sq. km) accounting for 20% of the world’s land area. Although Africa is home to the only remaining original member of the 7 Wonders of the World, it is often most frequently associated with the world of wildlife. The continent has 16,000 miles (26,000 km) of coastline. Africa has the world’s largest combination of density, population and variety of free roaming wild animals. The continent also has the largest collection of carnivores with the lion truly serving as the king of beasts. Africa is home to the Big 7 which includes the: lion, leopard, crocodile, elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, and the lowland gorilla. Africa has over 3,000 protected areas and some of these are home to the continent’s wonders of nature.