You have probably heard of the famous Big Five and wondered what makes them so special. The word ‘Big Five’ initially referred to the five animals that are most difficult to hunt on foot. The big five include lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
For years, they have been known to be the most dangerous animals and hunters prided themselves on capturing them. As a result, they are the most poached animals. The rhino is the most endangered species of The Big Five. Rhinos are captured and killed for their horns which are used as traditional medicine and other purposes. Here are some fun facts about the big five:
- The African elephant is the world’s largest land mammal and can live up to 70 years.
- Leopards are the most difficult to spot because they are the wizards of camouflage thanks to their rosetted coats. They are also excellent climbers.
- Unlike leopards who spend most of their time alone, lions are quite social and live in groups referred to as prides. A pride consists of up to 30 lions and the hunters of the pride are the female lions who bring back the meat for the males to eat first.
- A buffalo’s primary predator is the lion. Buffalos are quite protective and territorial.
- Rhinos on the other hand have a unique disability. They have a poor vision but a very strong sense of smell and that’s what they rely on to go about their activities.
Planning a ‘safari’ (Swahili word that translates to journey or expedition) is the best way to get to see The Big Five and other wild animals in their natural habitat as well. Kenya is the most popular destinations of the Africa Safari. From the astonishing views to the amazing wildlife, it will be a trip to remember.