WHAT ARE THE BIG 5?

The “Big 5” refers to the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Cape Buffalo. Why not the hippo, zebra, hyena, or giraffe you may ask? How about

the cheetah—that would be an animal you would probably like to see as much as a buffalo. Well, the term “Big 5” was actually coined by big game

hunters. It refers to the difficulty in bagging these large animals, mostly due to their ferocity when cornered and shot at.

LION

Large, robust cat, with a longish heavy muzzle

Male develops mane beginning in third year

Length: 8 – 11'; Height: 3'8" – 4'

Weight: 268 – 528 lbs.

Habitat: Grasslands and savannas; woodlands; and dense bush

Breeding: Year-round; 1 – 4 cubs; 3.5 months gestation

Prides include two to three to 40 lions

Females are lifelong residents of their mothers’ territories

Adolescent males roam as nomads until they mature

LEOPARD

Large, spotted cat, with short powerful limbs, heavy torso, thick neck, and long tail

Short sleek coat tawny yellow to reddish brown

Length: 3'4" – 4'2"

Tail: 27 – 32"

Height: 23 – 28"

Weight 62 – 143 lbs.

Habitat: Every type except interior of large deserts

Breeding: 1 – 4 cubs born year-round

Solitary and territorial but sometimes shares hunting ranges

Eats whatever form of animal protein is available

RHINO

Rhinoceroses are among the largest of the herbivores

Barrel-shaped bodies, thick legs, and three-toed feet

Very long head, with wide square mouth; massive hump at the top of neck

Horns in both sexes

Slate-gray to yellow-brown

Length: 11'4" – 13'4"

Height: 5'4" – 6'2"

Weight: 3,740 – 5,060 lbs.

Habitat: Savannas with shade trees, water holes, and mud wallows

Breeding: 1 calf form in March or April

Nearly pure grazer

Form peer groups; males defend territories

ELEPHANT

Largest land mammal

Length: 22'8" – 25' (includes outstretched trunk)

Weight: 6,600 – 11,000 lbs.

Tusks diverge and curve forward

Huge ears

Habitat: Rain forests to subdeserts, swamps, and seashores

Breeding: 1 calf born after gestation of 22 months

Cohesive herd of nine to 11 females and calves

Males leave at 12 years and wander alone or live with other males

CAPE BUFFALO

Massive animal with short neck, ox-like barrel shape, short legs

Horns in both sexes and flaring to the side

Length: 8' – 11'4"

Height: 4'8" – 5'4"

Weight: 1,100 – 1,540 lbs.

Habitat: Savanna and never far from water

Breeding: Year-round in some area; seasonal in others; 1 calf after 11 month gestation

Sociable and stay in herds

Bulls past their prime associate in bachelor groups or alone

OUT OF

AFRICA

SAFARI AT

KRUGER

NATIONAL

PARK

In search of the

BIG 5