The Big Five

"The Big Five" was a term given to the five most dangerous, and therefore most desired to hunt. Although there is still a significant amount of poaching, and it is again on the rise, The Big Five is mainly a tourist term.

Last Thursday I finished my Big Five checklist which was super exciting!

So who are the Big Five?

The Cape Buffalo, Syncerus caffer

These animals are known for their unpredictable nature, sometimes they'll run away and sometimes they'll run you over (in which case, you better be a good tree climber). They can weigh between 1,000 and 2,000lbs and their horns can't always be penetrated by rifle bullets.

Leopard, Panthera pardus pardus

Classified as vulnerable on the IUCN red list, these gorgeous cats have faced excessive hunting for their pelts and skulls as well as habitat loss and fragmentation. They have incredible adaptability and have a wide range of prey that they drag into tall trees to consume.

African Lion, Panthera leo

Otherwise known as "simba" the swahili word for lion, these cats are one of the biggest faces of African wildlife. Currently lions are threatened by human wildlife conflicts occurring due to lack of land for pastoralists. The Living with Lions project works to maintain peace between communities and lion populations by warning people when the lions are near.

Black Rhino, Diceros bicornis

Critically endangered because of magical properties in ivory horn which, if within your possession, can cure hangovers, act as an aphrodisiac, bring back the dead, and possibly allow you to fly. This of course is completely idiotic, but rhino poaching sadly, is a huge issue still today. SAVE THE FAT GREY UNICORNS!

African Elephant, Loxodonta africana

A member of the big five as ivory tusks are of huge value, actually, they are worth more than any fine for poaching. These charismatic megafauna are incredibly intelligent, being able to remember individuals for over fifty years, which paths to take during droughts, and even feel grief of loss of loved ones.




So that is the Big Five, some absolutely incredible animals. I am so so so happy I got to see them all!