1. WHAT ARE THE BIG 5?
The “Big 5” refers to the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Cape Buffalo. 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 RHINO
Large, robust cat, with a longish heavy Large, spotted cat, with short Rhinoceroses are among the largest of
muzzle powerful limbs, heavy torso, thick the herbivores
Male develops mane beginning in third neck, and long tail Barrel-shaped bodies, thick legs, and
year Short sleek coat tawny yellow to three-toed feet
Length: 8 – 11'; Height: 3'8" – 4' reddish brown Very long head, with wide square
Weight: 268 – 528 lbs. Length: 3'4" – 4'2" mouth; massive hump at the top of
Habitat: Grasslands and savannas; Tail: 27 – 32" neck
woodlands; and dense bush Height: 23 – 28" Horns in both sexes
Breeding: Year-round; 1 – 4 cubs; 3.5 Weight 62 – 143 lbs. Slate-gray to yellow-brown
months gestation Habitat: Every type except interior of Length: 11'4" – 13'4"
Prides include two to three to 40 lions large deserts Height: 5'4" – 6'2"
Females are lifelong residents of their Breeding: 1 – 4 cubs born year-round Weight: 3,740 – 5,060 lbs.
mothers’ territories Solitary and territorial but sometimes Habitat: Savannas with shade trees,
Adolescent males roam as nomads until shares hunting ranges water holes, and mud wallows
they mature Eats whatever form of animal protein Breeding: 1 calf form in March or April
is available Nearly pure grazer
Form peer groups; males defend
territories