WHAT ARE THE BIG 5?The “Big 5” refers to the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo and African elephant. 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 long

heavy muzzle Male develops mane beginning in

third year Length: 8 to 11 feet Height: 3 feet 8 inches to 4 feet Weight: 268 to 528 lbs. Habitat: Grasslands and savannas,

woodlands, and dense bush Breeding: Year round; 1 to 4 cubs;

3.5 months’ gestation Prides include up to 30 or 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 feet 4 inches to 4 feet 2 inches

Tail: 27 to 32 inches Height: 23 to 28 inches Weight 62 to 143 pounds Habitat: Every type except interior

of large deserts Breeding: 1 to 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 on both sexes Slate-gray to yellow-brown Length: 11 feet 4 inches to 13 feet

4 inches Height: 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 2

inches Weight: 3,740 to 5,060 pounds Habitat: Savannas with shade

trees, water holes, and mud wallows

Breeding: 1 calf born in March or April

Nearly pure grazer Form peer groups; males defend

territories

Cape Buffalo Massive animal with short neck,

ox-like barrel shape, and short legs Horns on both sexes and flaring to

the side Length: 8 feet to 11 feet 14 inches Height: 4 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 4

inches Weight: 1,100 to 1,540 pounds Habitat: Savanna, near water Breeding: Year round in some

areas; seasonal in others; 1 calf after 11 months’ gestation

Sociable and stay in herds Bulls past their prime associate in

bachelor groups or alone

African Elephant Largest land mammal Length: 22 feet 8 inches to 25 feet

(includes outstretched trunk) Weight: 6,600 to 11,000 lbs. Tusks diverge and curve forward Huge ears Habitat: Rain forests to deserts,

swamps, and seashores Breeding: 1 calf born after

gestation of 22 months Cohesive herd of 9 to 11 females

and calves Males leave at 12 years and

wander alone or live with other males

Out ofAfrica

Safari atKruger

NationalPark

In search of the

BIG 5