The Big 5 refers to 5 African animals that were historically considered the most difficult for big game hunters to hunt: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. These large animals were challenging to hunt due to their size, strength, and ferocity when threatened. The term was coined by big game hunters to refer specifically to these 5 animals, rather than other iconic African species like the hippo, zebra, or giraffe.

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
muzzle Large, spotted cat, with short Rhinoceroses are among the largest of
Male develops mane beginning in third powerful limbs, heavy torso, thick the herbivores
year neck, and long tail Barrel-shaped bodies, thick legs, and
Length: 8 – 11'; Height: 3'8" – 4' Short sleek coat tawny yellow to three-toed feet
Weight: 268 – 528 lbs. reddish brown Very long head, with wide square
Habitat: Grasslands and savannas; Length: 3'4" – 4'2" mouth; massive hump at the top of
woodlands; and dense bush Tail: 27 – 32" neck
Breeding: Year-round; 1 – 4 cubs; 3.5 Height: 23 – 28" Horns in both sexes
months gestation Weight 62 – 143 lbs. Slate-gray to yellow-brown
Prides include two to three to 40 lions Habitat: Every type except interior of Length: 11'4" – 13'4"
Females are lifelong residents of their large deserts Height: 5'4" – 6'2"
mothers’ territories Breeding: 1 – 4 cubs born year-round Weight: 3,740 – 5,060 lbs.
Adolescent males roam as nomads until Solitary and territorial but sometimes Habitat: Savannas with shade trees,
they mature shares hunting ranges water holes, and mud wallows
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