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
Leopard 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
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