Despite the name “Big Five,” the term doesn’t actually refer to the size of the animals. If it did, we’re sure the largest and heaviest animals in Africa – the elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe, and buffalo – would take the top spots as Africa’s BIGGEST five animals. However, the name “Big Five” has a different (and sadder) origin.
Dating back to the 17th and 18th century colonisation of Africa and the rise in wildlife trophy hunting, the Big Five (also Big 5) animals became ‘prized’ because of how dangerous and difficult they were to hunt. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo were the most challenging, often posing a serious threat to the hunters who sought them. These five animals were considered the ultimate trophies.
Today, Africa has reclaimed the term “Big Five” as symbols of pride and strength, rebranding these iconic animals as the top Big Five animals to see on safari. Safari-goers from all over the world come to catch a glimpse of lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards in their natural habitats. But many visitors are left wondering why other impressive creatures – like cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and hippos – don’t make the list. Let’s break it down.
Why are Hippos not part of the Big Five?
Have you ever wondered why hippos are not part of the big five? Despite their reputation as being the deadliest animal in Africa, hippos are mostly confined to water so never posed a serious threat to hunters. This one is a little more complicated as Hippos are, technically, the most dangerous (deadliest) mammal in Africa. Known for their aggressive nature and surprising speed (especially when defending their territory), hippos are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than any of the Big Five animals combined.
However, when it came to hunting, hippos didn’t pose much of a challenge to colonial hunters. Since they spend most of their time in water, they were less of a threat to those on land. While they’re fierce when provoked, they didn’t meet the criteria for being a “difficult” animal to hunt, so they missed out on making the Big Five list.
Why are cheetahs not part of the Big Five?
The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, so it should be part of the Big Five, right? But, despite their incredible speed (reaching up to 120 km/h or 70 m/ph), cheetahs are not considered dangerous to humans. Simply put, cheetahs are built for speed and agility, not strength.
Unlike leopards (which cheetahs are often mistaken for), these big cats are relatively shy and prefer to avoid confrontation, even with other predators. Lions, leopards, hyenas and even jackals or baboons will try to steal prey from cheetahs, so they have to be quick both catching and eating their prey.
In the days of Big Game hunting, when the term “Big 5” originated, cheetahs were easier to track and hunt compared to their stealthier and more elusive relative, the leopard (which is a member of Africa’s Big Five).
Unlike most predators and big cats, Cheetahs are diurnal (active during the day) and prefer to live a solitary life. So, while cheetahs are undoubtedly impressive and hold the title of being the fastest land animal in the world, they don’t quite meet the dangerous or hard-to-hunt criteria needed to join Africa’s Big Five.
Also read: Africa’s Beautiful Five
Why are Hyenas not part of the Big Five?
Recognised by their distinct laugh and strong bite, hyenas (spotted hyenas) are opportunistic predators and scavengers that roam wide territories across Africa. Also called ‘laughing hyenas‘ for their cackle-like calls and ‘whoops’, these misunderstood creatures often have the ‘last laugh’ as they steal prey and scavenge kills from lions, cheetahs and leopards.
But why aren’t spotted hyenas on the Big Five list? Well, much like cheetahs, hyenas have never presented a significant threat to hunters or humans. Although hyenas are proficient and active hunters, and are still considered dangerous when encountered in the wild, they’re better known as scavengers, preferring to steal a meal rather than take down large prey.
Hyenas also tend to hunt in packs and are more likely to flee than fight when approached by humans. Often, a hyena will be more curious than threatening, preferring to lurk around your campsite, waiting and looking for scraps. So, while they’re fairly large, frightening and resourceful, hyenas don’t make the cut as one of Africa’s most dangerous “Big Five” animals.
Also read: Africa’s Ugly Five
Why are Giraffes not part of the Big Five?
Giraffes are the world’s tallest animals, with their long necks towering over the African plains. You’d think their sheer height alone would qualify them for the Big Five club, right? Well, despite their impressive stature, giraffes have never been known as a significant threat to humans, even during the height of hunting in Africa. While they can pack quite a kick when threatened, they were never considered dangerous enough to make the list.
Plus, giraffes are mostly peaceful herbivore browsers, gracefully nibbling on acacia trees and keeping to themselves. They’re a sight to behold on safari, but when it came to trophy hunting, they didn’t make the cut as they weren’t challenging enough to track or dangerous enough to shoot.
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.
