You all know about the “Big Five” animals. But did you know that South Africa is also home to the “Little Five”?
Like the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros – the Little Five (also known as the “Small Five”) share similar names. However, in the eyes of everyday folks, the latter group’s tinier sizes and reputations don’t quite match that of the former.
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Fortunately, in the hearts of visitors to Mzansi’s safari parks and game reserves, these little creatures are just as special and make for unmissable must-sees… if you can find them!
GET TO KNOW THE LITTLE FIVE
On your next safari, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Little Five, starting with:
1. ANT LION
The ant lion is a tiny predator in its own right. Image: Macrolife.it/ CanvaThe ant lion may be the smallest member of the bunch, but it’s fierce in its own right.
Inhabiting arid and sandy areas of Southern Africa, the ant lion larva possesses large, spiky mandibles to grab and hold onto their prey, including ants and other small insects. To catch them, they dig conical depressions in dry, soft sand, using these as traps.
When they mature, ant lions can develop wings and resemble a combination of dragonflies and grasshoppers.
2. BUFFALO WEAVER
The red-billed buffalo weaver is named for two reasons: for its tendency to trail after African buffalo and for its nesting skills.
Following the buffalo, this bird feasts on insects disturbed by the buffalo’s hooves or those found on the bigger animal’s coat. They are also known for constructing multi-chambered nests from thorns, twigs and grass – large enough to house multiple families of weavers, but untidy affairs all the same.
3. ELEPHANT SHREW
With an elephantine-like head, you are right to think that the elephant shrew is aptly named. Even more so, when you realise that they actually belong to the same family as elephants (and aardvarks, too).
Per African Bush Camps, the elephant shrew is insectivorous and can be found in dense forests, open plains or bush. While they can live in the wild for two-to-four years, they are easy prey for the likes of birds and snakes.
4. LEOPARD TORTOISE
The leopard tortoise is striking to behold. Image: EcoPic/ CanvaThe leopard tortoise might not be as fast as its feline counterpart, but it certainly sports an equally distinctive appearance. Its domed carapace is an ornate display of yellow-brown, leopard-like spots and dark patterns.
The fourth largest tortoise in the world, an adult member of this species can weigh between 20 kilograms and 40 kilograms. You can find them in grasslands, feeding on flowers, grasses, leaves, weeds and succulents.
5. RHINOCEROS BEETLE
The rhinoceros beetle is so-called for its big, rhino-like horns. The males use them to attract females, fight off rivals, dig and climb. Like rhinos, they’re also herbivores, feeding on fruit and insects.
Additionally, they’re known as the “Hercules beetle”: this 60-millimetre-long insect can carry 30 times its own body weight without breaking a metaphorical sweat (though some folks argue that it’s actually 850!).
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY
Regardless of their rep and stature, the Little Five shouldn’t be dismissed. Rather, they’re unique animals that deserve all the hype that they get – and they’re capable of closing the small gap between a good safari and a great safari.
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve seen these animals before or are planning to on your next trip out in the South African wilderness!