The Big 5 refers to 5 large and dangerous African animals that were historically difficult for hunters to kill: the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Each animal is described in 1-2 sentences, noting key identifying features and behaviors. The document aims to explain why these 5 animals in particular were deemed the most challenging for big game hunters to hunt and kill.

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

2. Form peer groups; males defend
territories
OUT OF
AFRICA
SAFARI AT
KRUGER
NATIONAL
ELEPHANT PARK
CAPE BUFFALO
Largest land mammal
Length: 22'8" – 25' (includes Massive animal with short neck, ox-like
outstretched trunk) barrel shape, short legs
Weight: 6,600 – 11,000 lbs. Horns in both sexes and flaring to the
Tusks diverge and curve forward side
Huge ears Length: 8' – 11'4"
Habitat: Rain forests to subdeserts, Height: 4'8" – 5'4"
swamps, and seashores Weight: 1,100 – 1,540 lbs.
5
Breeding: 1 calf born after gestation of Habitat: Savanna and never far from
22 months
Cohesive herd of nine to 11 females
and calves
water
Breeding: Year-round in some area; In search of
seasonal in others; 1 calf after 11
Males leave at 12 years and wander
alone or live with other males
month gestation
Sociable and stay in herds
Bulls past their prime associate in
the
bachelor groups or alone
BIG