When people think of a safari, it’s usually the Big 5 that comes to mind — the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. But, beyond these famous and ‘BIG’ sightings, Africa is teeming with diverse wildlife and rich eco-systems that rely on even the smallest of creatures. And, what started as a play on the Big 5, the Little 5 are now recognised as a quirky collection of small animals which mirror their larger counterparts in name and, sometimes, characteristics.
Inspired by their larger namesakes, these five small animals—the elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, buffalo weaver, ant lion, and rhino beetle—may be tiny, but their behaviours and survival tactics are just as fascinating as Africa’s larger and more well-known wildlife. Here’s a closer look at Southern Africa’s “Little Five”:
What are Africa’s Little Five?
1. Elephant Shrew
The elephant shrew, despite its name, is more closely related to elephants, aardvarks, and sea cows than to actual shrews. This tiny, fast-moving mammal, about the size of a mouse, is named for its long, trunk-like nose, which it uses to sniff out insects. Agile and territorial, elephant shrews dart through forests, savannas, and bushveld, often moving too quickly to spot.
Fun Facts about the Elephant Shrew:
- Elephant shrews are monogamous, but spend most of their time alone, reuniting only occasionally to “check-in” on one another.
- A mother shrew usually gives birth up to five times a year, with the young staying hidden for their first few weeks.
- Elephant shrews are territorial and don’t welcome strangers – intruders are quickly chased off!
2. Leopard Tortoise
The leopard tortoise gets its name from the distinctive, spotted pattern on its shell, similar to a leopard’s black and tan, ‘rosette’ spotted coat. As one of the largest tortoise species in Africa, it’s known for its slow, steady pace across semi-arid landscapes. Leopard tortoises are herbivores, and will graze on grasses, shrubs and, occasionally, even on bones or hyena droppings to help boost their calcium intake.
Fun Facts about the Leopard Tortoise:
- Leopard tortoises can live up to 50 years or more, and don’t reach maturity until they’re around 12–15 years old.
- During the dry season, leopard tortoises store water in their large anal sacs, which they to survive in harsh conditions.
3. Buffalo Weaver
The buffalo weaver is a small, rowdy bird known for its untidy nests and noisy chatter. Often seen alongside larger animals like buffalo, these opportunistic birds will catch insects around their hooves or even pick bugs off their coats. Buffalo weavers build large, communal nests from thorny sticks, favouring acacia trees in the dry savannas.
Two main sub-species of the buffalo weaver exist: the white-headed and the black buffalo weaver. They both thrive in dry savannas, building nests with sticks and thorns in acacia trees.
Fun Facts about the Buffalo Weaver:
- Their messy nests are communal, accommodating multiple pairs of birds.
- They breed only when there’s enough rainfall, making their breeding cycles highly weather-dependent.
- Buffalo weavers may seem chaotic, but they form strong monogamous bonds.
4. Ant Lion
Known for its clever hunting tactics, the ant lion is the smallest member of the Little 5.During its larval stage, this tiny insect digs small, funnel-shaped sand traps to capture ants and other unsuspecting prey. The larval ant lion, sometimes called a “doodlebug” for its wandering patterns in the sand, is a master of ambush.
Fun Facts about the Ant Lion:
- There are over 2,000 species of ant lion.
- Despite its fearsome name, the ant lion is harmless to humans.
- Ant lions prefer sunny, sandy slopes, where their traps are most effective at catching small insects.
5. African Rhinoceros Beetle
With its stout, compact body and impressive strength, the rhino beetle truly lives up to its name. This beetle measures around 3.5 to 5 cm in length and sports a large and curved horn-like structure on its head, giving it a distinct resemblance to a rhinoceros.
Its shiny dark brown to black colouring and small, sturdy frame make it a memorable sight. Known for their immense strength, rhino beetles can lift up to 850 times their body weight. Just as male rhinos fight with their horns, male rhino beetles use their horns to battle for mates, mirroring the territorial behaviour of their much larger namesake.
Fun Facts about the Rhino Beetle:
- Rhino beetles produce a “hissing” sound by rubbing their abdomen against their wing covers, a unique feature that sets them apart from other beetle species.
- Females lay around 50 eggs, with larvae spending several months feeding on decaying plant matter before transforming into adults.
- These beetles come in a variety of colours, including black, grey, and greenish tones, sometimes with a velvety texture.
Why Africa’s “Little Five” Animals are Important
While the Big Five are always impressive to see, the Little Five offer a closer look at the intricate balance of nature and the diversity of Africa’s wildlife, and serve as a reminder that even the smallest creatures play vital roles in the ecosystem.
Their small size belies the complexity of their behaviours and the essential roles they play in the wild. The Little 5 may not roar, trample, or charge, but they offer a unique insight into the smaller, lesser-known wonders of the African safari experience.
So, on your next trip to Southern Africa, take a moment to look beyond the Big 5 – the tiniest members of the animal kingdom are ready to surprise you!
Safari Cheat Sheet: Africa’s Fives
- The Big Five: Lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard and buffalo.
- The Little Five: Ant lion, elephant shrew, rhino beetle, leopard tortoise and buffalo weaver.
- The Ugly Five: Spotted hyena, vulture, blue wildebeest, marabou stork and warthog.
- The Beautiful Five: Cheetah, giraffe, African wild dog, greater kudu and and lilac-breasted roller.
- The Shy Five: Aardvark, bat-eared fox, porcupine, meerkat and aardwolf.
