What are the big five animals? The big five animals are the wild’s most fierce animals which also makes them the most sought after animals in the wild by tourists only rivalled by the huge mountain gorillas. These five animals earned their big five name in the olden days, from hunters who found hunting any of these 5 animals near to impossible; it is said that in most cases these animals would kill their hunters and that only a few hunters successfully hunted any of the big five animals hence making them popular as the most fierce animals in the wild. These animals are the lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. They are found in almost all Africa’s wild life habitats and majorly consecrated in the Eastern region of Africa. In this piece of writing we want to break down some information and facts about these big five animals to help you understand them better.
Before we get into the different animals, you should know that in East Africa you can find these animals in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. The most popular big five national parks in these countries are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo national park and pian upe game reserve in Uganda, maasai mara game reserve, tsavo national park, Amboseli national park, lake Nakuru national park, samburi national park, and many more in Kenya, Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation area, tarangerie national park and others in Tanzania and in Rwanda Akagera National park.
Now: the animals.
- Let’s start with the lion, the king of the jungle
The lions are distinct golden coated animals with shaggy manes and regal demeanors especially the males. Hence, the king of the jungle. They live in savannah grasslands and a few areas with acacia woods. They are social animals that live in prides. The males with their majestic manes and powerful roars make them a symbol of strength and power. They are carnivores and feed on other weaker animals as prey. They weigh between 330 to 600 pounds for the adults of course lesser for the young ones. The female are pregnant for about 4 months and will give birth to 1 – 4 cubs in one sitting.
The lions can be seen in all the parks mentioned above and in Queen Elizabeth national park; you can also see the tree climbing lions.
- Now onto the largest land mammal the elephant.
Weighing up to 15,000 pounds these huge mammals are known as the largest land animals. Their size is their greatest weapon against the predator and it’s one of the things that make them on of the big five. Their most distinct features include the large ears, the tusks, the nose and the long and big limbs. They are social animals living in female led groups. They are herbivores so will feed on grasses and shrubs may be and small insects. They have highly developed brains and strong family bonds that make them incredibly intelligent and social creatures.
You can see the elephants in all the parks mentioned above and their highest population can be found in Amboseli national park and Queen Elizabeth national park.
- Now to the Cape Buffalo
This cow like animal is characterized with large horns and a robust build that gives them an advantage over its predator in the wild. They live in the grasslands, savannas, and wetlands feeding on grasses, shrubs, leaves, small insects and swamp vegetation. With their powerful horns, they are aggressive in nature. They roam in large herds, protecting their young and territory.
They are not as popular the 1 and 2 but pretty beautiful to see in the wild. You can find them in any of the parks mentioned above.
- Rhinoceros
Very huge mammals almost coming close to the elephants; they have armor-plated skin with distinctive horns and very poor eyesight but very good sensitive there are two main species: black and white rhinos but east Africa has more white than black rhinos. They live is a sought of seclusion in the savannah away from most animals.
You will sure to spot these animals in a few of the parks mentioned here. However, to be certainly sure you will see them in Lake Nakuru National Park and ziwa rhino sanctuary.
- Finally, the Leopard
Most elusive animal in the wild, you will see it one min and in the next min it has disappeared, the leopard is pretty fast and undeniably fierce. They feed on weaker animals in the wild that’s they are carnivores. They are characterized with spotted coats, agility, nocturnal behavior; their spotted coats help them to blend in seamlessly into the shadows and hence disappearing from the humans or setting a perfect prey trap for the weaker animals. They are solitary animals and expert hunters, using their stealth and agility to catch prey.
The leopards live in all the parks mentioned above, however whether you will see them for more than 5 mins on your safari, may be a toll order because these animals are masters of hiding and running away.
