Post on 14-Apr-2017
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
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