The Big Five

The “Big Five” is a term originally coined by safari hunters to describe the five African animals that were the most dangerous to hunt. The term is still used today. Click the chevron to advance.

LION (panthera leo)

The lion occurs across Africa, with a tiny population also remaining in the Gir forest of India. Males can exceed 500lb in weight.

CONSERVATION STATUS: vulnerable

The Big Five

The “Big Five” is a term originally coined by safari hunters to describe the five African animals that were the most dangerous to hunt. The term is still used today. Click the chevron to advance.

BLACK RHINO (diceros bicornis)

The black rhinoceros has a reputation for being aggressive – but it has still been poached almost to extinction for its horn.

CONSERVATION STATUS: critically endangered

The Big Five

The “Big Five” is a term originally coined by safari hunters to describe the five African animals that were the most dangerous to hunt. The term is still used today. Click the chevron to advance.

LEOPARD (panthera pardus)

Leopard are nocturnal and rarely seen, even where common. Mainly found in Africa, they also occur in various areas across Asia.

CONSERVATION STATUS: near threatened

The Big Five

The “Big Five” is a term originally coined by safari hunters to describe the five African animals that were the most dangerous to hunt. The term is still used today. Click the chevron to advance.

CAPE BUFFALO (syncerus caffer)

The Cape Buffalo has an unpredictable nature and has never been domesticated, unlike the Asian Water Buffalo.

CONSERVATION STATUS: least concern

The Big Five

The “Big Five” is a term originally coined by safari hunters to describe the five African animals that were the most dangerous to hunt. The term is still used today. Click the chevron to advance.

ELEPHANT (loxodonta africana)

The African Elephant is larger than its Asian relatives, standing up to 13ft tall at the shoulder. Its life span is similar to a human.

CONSERVATION STATUS: vulnerable