The African Big Five

Key Points

• Out of all the species in Africa, there were a few that were popular with hunters and poachers around the globe.
• These species have been dubbed as the ‘Big Five’ as they are the most dangerously beautiful and spectacular animals in the world.
• Four out of the ‘big five’ have been put on the threatened or endangered list by the IUCN.

The term ‘Big Five’ today portrays the beauty and power of some of Africa’s most iconic animals, but it actually has a much darker history. Originally used by hunters who travelled to the African continent, these five animals were the most highly sought after, hunted as trophies to display the exotic nature of the individual’s bravery.

Sadly however, the excessive hunting and poaching of these animals has led to drastic declines in their population numbers, meaning that all but one are now considered at least Threatened or Endangered by the IUCN. Including two of the largest animals found on land anywhere in the world, these five are truly amongst the most spectacular animals on Earth.

Name: African Elephant

Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana africana

Size: 3m – 3.5m (10ft – 12ft)

Weight: 3,600kg – 5,400kg (7,900lbs – 12,000lbs)

Top Speed: 40kph (25mph)

Life Span: 60 – 70 years

Habitat: Forest, savannah and flood plains

Conservation Status: Threatened

Est. Population Size: 300,000

Fun Fact: Can drink up to 50 gallons a day!

Name: Buffalo

Scientific Name: Syncerus caffer

Size: 1.7m – 1.8m (67in – 71in)

Weight: 600kg – 907kg (1,323lbs – 2,000lbs)

Top Speed: 35kph (22mph)

Life Span: 15 – 22 years

Habitat: Woodland and grass pastures

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Est. Population Size: 900,000

Fun Fact: Has no real natural predators!

Name: Leopard

Scientific Name: Panthera pardus

Size: 125cm – 190cm (49in – 75in)

Weight: 28kg – 90kg (62lbs – 198lbs)

Top Speed: 114kph (71mph)

Life Span: 12 – 18 years

Habitat: Dry rugged terrain and open savanna

Conservation Status: Threatened

Est. Population Size: 50,000

Fun Fact: There are 30 different sub-species!

Name: Lion

Scientific Name: Panthera leo

Size: 1.4m – 2.5m (4.7ft – 8.2ft)

Weight: 120kg – 249kg (264lbs – 550lbs)

Top Speed: 56kph (35mph)

Life Span: 10 – 15 years

Habitat: Arid plains and savanna grasslands

Conservation Status: Threatened

Est. Population Size: 23,000

Fun Fact: Lives in small groups called prides!

Name: White Rhinoceros

Scientific Name: Ceratotherium simum

Size: 3.4m – 4.2m (11ft – 14ft)

Weight: 1,440kg – 3,600kg (3,168lbs – 7,920lbs)

Top Speed: 42kph (30mph)

Life Span: 45 – 50 years

Habitat: Tropical bushland and savanna grasslands

Conservation Status: Endangered

Est. Population Size: 11,670

Fun Fact: The second largest animal on the land!

Summary

Here is a list of the ‘big five’:

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