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In Africa, the Big five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo.^[1] The term was coined by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot,^[2]^[3]^[4] but is now more widely used by game viewing tourists and safari tour operators.^[5]^[2]^[6] They are examples of charismatic megafauna, featuring prominently in popular culture, and are among the most famous of Africa's large animals.

The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different big-five animal on each denomination. Countries where all can be found include Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.^[7]^[8]

Species

Elephant

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) are the largest extant land-based animals. Elephants are herbivores with thick, almost hairless skin; a long, flexible, prehensile trunk; upper incisors forming long, curved, ivory tusks; and large, fan-shaped ears. Elephants are difficult to hunt because, despite their large size, they are able to hide in thick bush and are more likely to charge than the other Big Five species. They become aggressive when their young are threatened.^[9]

Rhinoceros

The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) are large herbivores with two upright horns on their nasal bridge. The black rhino is classified as critically endangered and the white rhino as near threatened, and both are subject to extensive poaching. Among big-five game hunters, the black rhinoceros is more highly prized.^[10] The current existing rhinos throughout the savanna are southern white rhinoceros, eastern black rhinoceros, south-western black rhinoceros and south-central black rhinoceros.

African buffalo

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large horned bovid. It is the only animal among the Big Five that is not on the "endangered" or "threatened" list.^[11] The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is considered by many to be the most dangerous of any of the Big Five:^[12] buffalos have reportedly been known to ambush and attack humans.^[13]

Lion

The lion (Panthera leo) is a large, carnivorous feline found in both Africa and northwestern India. It has a short, tawny coat; a tufted tail; and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. As a large and charismatic apex predator with cultural significance, lions are among the most popular species to view on safari tours.^[14]^[15]^[16]

Leopard

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large, carnivorous feline. Its fur is generally tawny with dark rosette-shaped markings. The leopard is the most seldom seen of the Big Five because of its nocturnal habits (it is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas), and because it is wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger. Leopards can be located in the grasslands, dense brushes, deserts, and forested areas of African savannas.

Conservation status

Africa's Big Five have become major concerns for wildlife conservationists in recent years. The African lion and African leopard are both classified as vulnerable. The African savanna elephant is listed as endangered by the IUCN as of 2021. The southern white rhinoceros and African buffalo are classified as near threatened while the black rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered.^[17]

References

^ Capstick, Peter H. (1984). Safari, the last adventure. St. Martin's Press. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-312-69657-3. Generally known as the "Big Five," the group we're talking about comprises lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and rhino, although not necessarily in that order.
^ ^a ^b Zijlma, Anouk. "The Big Five: Index". Africa for Visitors. About.com. Archived from the original on 9 February 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
^ Capstick, Peter H. (1983). Death in the Dark Continent. St. Martin's Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-0-312-18615-9. No human being could begin to outrun any of the big five, nor would he last more than a few seconds in any contest of strength.
^ Du Toit, Richard (2001). Africa's Big Five. Struik Publishers. ISBN 978-1-86872-582-3.
^ "Understanding and Protecting the Big Five in South Africa". goeco.org. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
^ Nelson, Marsea. "Ten Wild Facts about the "Big Five"". www.worldwildlife.org. worldwildlife.org. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
^ Planet, Lonely (28 October 2013). "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 - top 10 countries". lonelyplanet.com.
^ "Rhinos Return to Rwanda's Akagera National Park after 10 Years". ugandatravelblog.com. 2 May 2017. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
^ Fodor's African Safari, 1st Edition: From Budget to Big Spending Where and How to Find the Best Big Game Adventure in Southern and Eastern Africa. Fodor's. 2004. p. 142. ISBN 978-1-4000-1234-3.
^ "Current Zoology" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 January 2022.
^ Stumpf, Bruce G. "Africa on the Matrix: The Cape Buffalo". Archived from the original on 20 December 2002. Retrieved 23 October 2010.
^ Wieland, Terry (2006). Dangerous-Game Rifles. Countrysport Press. p. 286. ISBN 978-0-89272-691-2.
^ "African Animals Hunting facts and tips - Buffalo Hunting". safariBwana newsletter. Archived from the original on 8 July 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2010.
^ Capstick, Peter H. (1984). Safari, the last adventure. St. Martin's Press. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-312-69657-3.
^ "African Lion". safaribwana.com. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
^ Robinson, Steve (2008). "Unpleasant Truth About Canned Shooting". shakariconnection.com. Shakari Connection. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
^ "Diceros bicornis".

External links

20 Incredible African Safari Animals & Where to See Them

Weight, diet, life span and other lifestyle details of the Big Five

[capstick-safari-1] Capstick, Peter H. (1984). Safari, the last adventure. St. Martin's Press. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-312-69657-3. Generally known as the "Big Five," the group we're talking about comprises lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and rhino, although not necessarily in that order.

[About-2] Zijlma, Anouk. "The Big Five: Index". Africa for Visitors. About.com. Archived from the original on 9 February 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2006.

[capstick-dark-3] Capstick, Peter H. (1983). Death in the Dark Continent. St. Martin's Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-0-312-18615-9. No human being could begin to outrun any of the big five, nor would he last more than a few seconds in any contest of strength.

[4] Du Toit, Richard (2001). Africa's Big Five. Struik Publishers. ISBN 978-1-86872-582-3.

[5] "Understanding and Protecting the Big Five in South Africa". goeco.org. Retrieved 14 December 2018.

[6] Nelson, Marsea. "Ten Wild Facts about the "Big Five"". www.worldwildlife.org. worldwildlife.org. Retrieved 14 December 2018.

[7] Planet, Lonely (28 October 2013). "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 - top 10 countries". lonelyplanet.com.

[8] "Rhinos Return to Rwanda's Akagera National Park after 10 Years". ugandatravelblog.com. 2 May 2017. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2017.

[9] Fodor's African Safari, 1st Edition: From Budget to Big Spending Where and How to Find the Best Big Game Adventure in Southern and Eastern Africa. Fodor's. 2004. p. 142. ISBN 978-1-4000-1234-3.

[10] "Current Zoology" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 January 2022.

[11] Stumpf, Bruce G. "Africa on the Matrix: The Cape Buffalo". Archived from the original on 20 December 2002. Retrieved 23 October 2010.

[12] Wieland, Terry (2006). Dangerous-Game Rifles. Countrysport Press. p. 286. ISBN 978-0-89272-691-2.

[13] "African Animals Hunting facts and tips - Buffalo Hunting". safariBwana newsletter. Archived from the original on 8 July 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2010.

[14] Capstick, Peter H. (1984). Safari, the last adventure. St. Martin's Press. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-312-69657-3.

[safaribwana.lion-15] "African Lion". safaribwana.com. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2010.

[16] Robinson, Steve (2008). "Unpleasant Truth About Canned Shooting". shakariconnection.com. Shakari Connection. Retrieved 2 October 2010.

[17] "Diceros bicornis".

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+{{short description|African game-hunting species}}
-[[File:Big five gam.jpg|thumb|300px|The Big Five]]
+{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
-[[File:Big Five Game.jpg|thumb|300px|The Big Five in art]]
+[[File:Big five gam.jpg|thumb|300px|The big five]]
-In [[Africa]], the '''Big Five game''' animals are the [[lion]], [[African leopard|leopard]], [[rhinoceros]], [[African elephant|elephant]], and [[African buffalo|Cape buffalo]].<ref name="capstick-safari">{{cite book|last=Capstick|first=Peter H.|title=Safari, the last adventure|year=1984|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-69657-3|page=148|quote=Generally known as the "Big Five," the group we're talking about comprises lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and rhino, although not necessarily in that order.}}<!--|accessdate=1 October 2010--></ref> The term was coined by [[big-game hunting|big-game hunters]], and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot,<ref name="About"/><ref name="capstick-dark">{{cite book|last=Capstick|first=Peter H.|title=Death in the Dark Continent|year=1983|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-18615-9|page=13|quote=No human being could begin to outrun any of the big five, nor would he last more than a few seconds in any contest of strength.}}<!--|accessdate=1 October 2010--></ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Du Toit|first=Richard|title=Africa's Big Five|year=2001|publisher=Struik Publishers|isbn=978-1-86872-582-3}}</ref> but is now also widely used by [[safari]] tour operators.<ref>{{cite web |title=Understanding and Protecting the Big Five in South Africa |url=https://www.goeco.org/article/understand-the-big-five-in-south-africa |website=goeco.org |accessdate=14 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="About">
-{{cite web | last = Zijlma | first = Anouk | title= The Big Five: Index | work = Africa for Visitors | publisher = [[About.com]] | url = http://goafrica.about.com/library/bl.bigfive.index.htm | accessdate = 2006-12-29  | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070209033821/http://goafrica.about.com/library/bl.bigfive.index.htm| archivedate= 9 February 2007| url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Marsea |title=Ten Wild Facts about the "Big Five" |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/good-nature-travel/posts/ten-wild-facts-about-the-big-five |website=www.worldwildlife.org |publisher=worldwildlife.org |accessdate=14 December 2018}}</ref>
+In [[Africa]], the '''Big five game''' animals are the [[lion]], [[leopard]], [[rhinoceros]], [[elephant]], and [[African buffalo]].<ref name="capstick-safari">{{cite book|last=Capstick|first=Peter H.|title=Safari, the last adventure|year=1984|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-69657-3|page=148|quote=Generally known as the "Big Five," the group we're talking about comprises lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and rhino, although not necessarily in that order.}}<!--|access-date=1 October 2010--></ref> The term was coined by [[big–game hunting|big-game hunters]] to refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot,<ref name="About" /><ref name="capstick-dark">{{cite book|last=Capstick|first=Peter H.|title=Death in the Dark Continent|year=1983|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-18615-9|page=13|quote=No human being could begin to outrun any of the big five, nor would he last more than a few seconds in any contest of strength.}}<!--|access-date=1 October 2010--></ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Du Toit|first=Richard|title=Africa's Big Five|year=2001|publisher=[[Penguin Random House|Struik Publishers]]|isbn=978-1-86872-582-3}}</ref> but is now more widely used by game viewing tourists and [[safari]] tour operators.<ref>{{cite web |title=Understanding and Protecting the Big Five in South Africa |url=https://www.goeco.org/article/understand-the-big-five-in-south-africa |website=goeco.org |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="About">{{cite web | last = Zijlma | first = Anouk | title= The Big Five: Index | work = Africa for Visitors | publisher = [[About.com]] | url = http://goafrica.about.com/library/bl.bigfive.index.htm | access-date = 2006-12-29  | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070209033821/http://goafrica.about.com/library/bl.bigfive.index.htm| archive-date= 9 February 2007| url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Marsea |title=Ten Wild Facts about the "Big Five" |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/good-nature-travel/posts/ten-wild-facts-about-the-big-five |website=www.worldwildlife.org |publisher=worldwildlife.org |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> They are examples of [[charismatic megafauna]], featuring prominently in popular culture, and are among the most famous of Africa's large animals.
+The 1990 and later releases of [[South African rand]] [[banknote]]s feature a different big-five animal on each denomination. Countries where all can be found include [[Angola]], [[Botswana]], the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], [[Eswatini]], [[Kenya]], [[Malawi]], [[Mozambique]], [[Namibia]], [[Rwanda]], [[South Africa]], [[Tanzania]], [[Uganda]], [[Zambia]] and [[Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-in-travel-2014-top-10-countries|title=Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 - top 10 countries|first=Lonely|last=Planet|date=28 October 2013|website=lonelyplanet.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ugandatravelblog.com/news/rhinos-return-rwanda-10-years/|title=Rhinos Return to Rwanda's Akagera National Park after 10 Years|date=2 May 2017|website=ugandatravelblog.com|access-date=2 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720140057/http://ugandatravelblog.com/news/rhinos-return-rwanda-10-years/|archive-date=20 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
-The 1990 and later releases of [[South African rand]] [[banknote]]s feature a different big-five animal on each denomination.
-Countries where all can be found include [[Angola]], [[Botswana]], [[Zambia]], [[Uganda]], [[Namibia]], [[Ethiopia]], [[South Africa]], [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], [[Zimbabwe]], the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], [[Rwanda]] and [[Malawi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-in-travel-2014-top-10-countries|title=Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 - top 10 countries|first=Lonely|last=Planet|date=28 October 2013|website=lonelyplanet.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ugandatravelblog.com/news/rhinos-return-rwanda-10-years/|title=Rhinos Return to Rwanda's Akagera National Park after 10 Years|author=|date=2 May 2017|website=ugandatravelblog.com|access-date=2 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720140057/http://ugandatravelblog.com/news/rhinos-return-rwanda-10-years/|archive-date=20 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 ==Species==
+===Elephant===
+[[File:Elephant Kruger 2003.jpg|right|thumb|[[African bush elephant]] (''Loxodonta africana'')]]
+The [[African bush elephant]] (''Loxodonta africana'') and the [[African forest elephant]] (''Loxodonta cyclotis'') are the largest extant land-based animals. Elephants are [[herbivore]]s with thick, almost hairless skin; a long, flexible, prehensile trunk; upper [[incisor]]s forming long, curved, [[ivory]] tusks; and large, fan-shaped ears. Elephants are difficult to hunt because, despite their large size, they are able to hide in thick bush and are more likely to charge than the other Big Five species. They become aggressive when their young are threatened.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fodor's African Safari, 1st Edition: From Budget to Big Spending Where and How to Find the Best Big Game Adventure in Southern and Eastern Africa|year=2004|publisher=Fodor's|isbn=978-1-4000-1234-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/fodorsafricansaf0000unse/page/142 142]|url=https://archive.org/details/fodorsafricansaf0000unse/page/142}}</ref>
-===African elephant===
+===Rhinoceros===
-[[File:Elephant Kruger 2003.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[African bush elephant]] (''Loxodonta africana'')]]
+[[File:Black rhinos in crater.jpg|right|thumb|[[Black rhinoceros]] (''Diceros bicornis'')]]
+The [[black rhinoceros]] (''Diceros bicornis'') and the [[white rhinoceros]] (''Ceratotherium simum'') are large herbivores with two upright horns on their nasal bridge. The black rhino is classified as [[critically endangered]] and the white rhino as [[near threatened]], and both are subject to extensive poaching. Among big-five game hunters, the black rhinoceros is more highly prized.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Current Zoology|url=http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/141/1412127994.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127143346/http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/141/1412127994.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2022 |access-date=|website=}}</ref> The current existing rhinos throughout the savanna are [[southern white rhinoceros]], [[eastern black rhinoceros]], [[south-western black rhinoceros]] and [[south-central black rhinoceros]].
-The [[African elephant]] (''Loxodonta africana'') is a very large [[herbivore]] having thick, almost hairless skin, a long, flexible, prehensile trunk, upper [[incisor]]s forming long curved tusks of [[ivory]], and large, fan-shaped ears. The two distinct species of African elephant are: [[African forest elephant]] (''Loxodonta cyclotis'') and the [[African bush elephant]] (''Loxodonta africana''). Elephants are difficult to hunt because, despite their large size, they are able to hide in tall grass and are more likely to charge than the other species.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fodor's African Safari, 1st Edition: From Budget to Big Spending Where and How to Find the Best Big Game Adventure In Southern and Eastern Africa|year=2004|publisher=Fodor's|isbn=978-1-4000-1234-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/fodorsafricansaf0000unse/page/142 142]|url=https://archive.org/details/fodorsafricansaf0000unse/page/142}}</ref>
-===Black rhinoceros===
+===African buffalo===
-[[File:Black rhinos in crater.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Black rhinoceros]] (''Diceros bicornis'')]]
+[[File:African Buffalo.JPG|right|thumb|[[African buffalo]] (''Syncerus caffer'')]]
+The [[African buffalo]] (''Syncerus caffer'') is a large [[Horn (anatomy)|horned]] [[bovid]]. It is the only animal among the Big Five that is not on the "endangered" or "threatened" list.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.on-the-matrix.com/africa/buffalo.asp|first = Bruce G.|last = Stumpf|title = Africa on the Matrix: The Cape Buffalo|access-date = 2010-10-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20021220101633/http://on-the-matrix.com/africa/buffalo.asp|archive-date = 20 December 2002|url-status = dead}}</ref> The Cape buffalo (''Syncerus caffer caffer'') is considered by many to be the most dangerous of any of the Big Five:<ref>{{cite book|last=Wieland|first=Terry|title=Dangerous-Game Rifles|year=2006|publisher=Countrysport Press|isbn=978-0-89272-691-2|page=286}}</ref> buffalos have reportedly been known to ambush and attack humans.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.safaribwana.com/ANIMALS/animpages/buffalo.htm|title = African Animals Hunting facts and tips - Buffalo Hunting|publisher = safariBwana newsletter|access-date = 2010-10-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130708213845/http://www.safaribwana.com/ANIMALS/animpages/buffalo.htm|archive-date = 8 July 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref>
-The [[black rhinoceros]] (''Diceros bicornis'') is a large herbivore having two upright horns on the nasal bridge. Its thick (1.5–5&nbsp;cm) protective skin, formed from layers of [[collagen]] positioned in a [[crystal structure|lattice]] structure, is very hard to puncture. It is now [[critically endangered]], and hunting is extremely limited due to this. In the context of big-game hunting in Africa, the term "rhinoceros" may also refer to the [[white rhinoceros]], but among big five game hunters, the black rhinoceros is preferred.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}
-===Cape buffalo===
+===Lion===
-[[File:African Buffalo.JPG|right|thumb|200px|[[African buffalo|African Cape buffalo]] (''Syncerus caffer'')]]
+[[File:Lion waiting in Namibia crop.jpg|right|thumb|[[Lion]] (''Panthera leo'')]]
-The [[African buffalo]] or Cape buffalo (''Syncerus caffer'') is a large [[Horn (anatomy)|horned]] [[bovid]]. They are the only animals within the Big Five that are not endangered or threatened.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.on-the-matrix.com/africa/buffalo.asp|first = Bruce G.|last = Stumpf|title = Africa on the Matrix: The Cape Buffalo|accessdate = 2010-10-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20021220101633/http://on-the-matrix.com/africa/buffalo.asp|archive-date = 20 December 2002|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The Cape buffalo is considered by many to be the most dangerous of the big five to hunters,<ref>{{cite book|last=Wieland|first=Terry|title=Dangerous-Game Rifles|year=2006|publisher=Countrysport Press|isbn=978-0-89272-691-2|page=286}}</ref> with wounded animals reported to ambush and attack pursuers.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.safaribwana.com/ANIMALS/animpages/buffalo.htm|title = African Animals Hunting facts and tips - Buffalo Hunting|publisher = safariBwana newsletter|accessdate = 2010-10-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130708213845/http://www.safaribwana.com/ANIMALS/animpages/buffalo.htm|archive-date = 8 July 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref>
+The [[lion]] (''Panthera leo'') is a large, carnivorous [[Felidae|feline]] found in both Africa and northwestern [[India]]. It has a short, tawny coat; a tufted tail; and, in the male, a heavy [[mane (lion)|mane]] around the neck and shoulders. As a large and charismatic [[apex predator]] with cultural significance, lions are among the most popular species to view on safari tours.<ref>{{cite book|last=Capstick|first=Peter H.|title=Safari, the last adventure|year=1984|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-69657-3|page=165}}<!--|access-date=1 October 2010--></ref><ref name="safaribwana.lion">{{Cite web |url=http://www.safaribwana.com/ANIMALS/animpages/lion.htm |title=African Lion |work=safaribwana.com |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416070239/http://www.safaribwana.com/ANIMALS/animpages/lion.htm |archive-date=16 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.shakariconnection.com/unpleasant-truth-about-canned-shooting.html |title=Unpleasant Truth About Canned Shooting |last1=Robinson |first1=Steve  |year=2008 |work=shakariconnection.com |publisher=Shakari Connection |access-date=2 October 2010}}</ref>
-===African lion===
+===Leopard===
-[[File:Lion waiting in Namibia crop.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Lion]] (''Panthera leo'')]]
+[[File:Leopard (Panthera pardus) male ... (51890626416).jpg|right|thumb|[[African leopard]] (''Panthera pardus'')]]
+The [[leopard]] (''Panthera pardus'') is a large, carnivorous feline. Its fur is generally tawny with dark rosette-shaped markings. The leopard is the most seldom seen of the Big Five because of its nocturnal habits (it is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas), and because it is wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger. Leopards can be located in the grasslands, dense brushes, deserts, and forested areas of African savannas.
-The [[lion]]  (''Panthera leo'') is a large [[Felidae|feline]] of Africa and northwest [[India]], having a short, tawny coat, a tufted tail, and in the male, a heavy [[mane (lion)|mane]] around the neck and shoulders. Lions are desirable to hunters because of the very real danger involved in hunting them.<ref>{{cite book|last=Capstick|first=Peter H.|title=Safari, the last adventure|year=1984|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-69657-3|page=165}}<!--|accessdate=1 October 2010--></ref>
-<ref name="safaribwana.lion">{{Cite web |url=http://www.safaribwana.com/ANIMALS/animpages/lion.htm |title=African Lion |work=safaribwana.com |accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.shakariconnection.com/unpleasant-truth-about-canned-shooting.html |title=Unpleasant Truth About Canned Shooting |last1=Robinson |first1=Steve  |year=2008 |work=shakariconnection.com |publisher=Shakari Connection |accessdate=2 October 2010}}</ref>
-===African leopard===
-[[File:Leopard africa.jpg|right|thumb|180px|[[African leopard]] (''Panthera pardus pardus'')]]
-The [[African leopard]] (''Panthera pardus pardus'') is a large, carnivorous feline having either tawny fur with dark rosette-like markings or black fur. The leopard is considered the most difficult of the big five to hunt because of their nocturnal and secretive nature. They are wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger. The leopard is solitary by nature, and is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas. Leopards can be found in the savanna grasslands, brush land and forested areas in Africa. Of the big five, it is most difficult to acquire hunting licenses for.{{cn|date=December 2018}}
 ==Conservation status==
-Africa's Big Five have become major concerns for wildlife conservationists in recent years. The African lion, African leopard and African bush elephant are all classified as [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]]. The [[southern white rhinoceros]] is classified as [[near threatened]] while the [[black rhinoceros]] is classified as [[Critically endangered species|critically endangered]], so hunting them is greatly restricted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6557/0|title=Diceros bicornis}}</ref>  The African buffalo is the most popular big five game animal to hunt, as its conservation status is [[least concern]], but it is experiencing a population decline in uncontrolled areas due to poaching and urbanization.
+Africa's Big Five have become major concerns for wildlife conservationists in recent years. The African lion and African leopard are both classified as [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]]. The African savanna elephant is listed as [[endangered]] by the IUCN as of 2021. The [[southern white rhinoceros]] and [[African buffalo]] are classified as [[near threatened]] while the [[black rhinoceros]] is classified as [[Critically endangered species|critically endangered]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6557/0|title=Diceros bicornis}}</ref>[[File:Big Five Game.jpg|thumb|The big five in art]]
 ==See also==
-* [[Big game hunting]]
+* [[Charismatic megafauna]]
 * [[Elephant gun]]
-* [[Game reserve]]
+* [[Hunting]]
-* [[Impossible five]]
+* [[Game (hunting)]]
+* [[Big–game hunting]]
 * [[Little five game]]
-* [[Trophy hunting]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
 ==External links==
 {{wiktionary|big game}}
+* [https://anywhereweroam.com/african-safari-animals/ 20 Incredible African Safari Animals & Where to See Them]
 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100508225941/http://namastesouthafrica.com/2010/05/03/do-you-know-the-big-five/ Weight, diet, life span and other lifestyle details of the Big Five]
-{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2011}}
+{{Hunting topics}}
-{{DEFAULTSORT:Big Five Game}}
-[[Category:Mammals of Africa]]
+[[Category:Mammals of Africa|.]]
 [[Category:Hunting]]
 [[Category:Tourism in Africa]]
+[[Category:5 (number)]]

v t e Hunting topics
History	Ancient Egypt Hunter-gatherer Medieval hunting Imperial hunt of the Qing dynasty North American hunting technologies
Forms	Bat-fowling Beagling Bowhunting Big–game hunting Coursing Game stalkering Gigging Green hunting Falconry Eagles Field sports Fowling Handgun hunting Internet hunting Layout hunting Montería Muttonbirding Persistence hunting Pest control Plume hunting Spotlighting Trophy hunting Trapping Trail hunting Treeing Upland hunting Varmint hunting Venatio Waterfowl hunting
Equipment	Camouflage Game call Duck call Ghillie suit Hunting bag Hunting weapon Air gun Assegai Bow and arrow Bear spear Boar spear Boomerang Blowgun Crossbow Pistol Punt gun Rifle Spear-thrower Shotgun Sword Throwing stick Silencer Shooting brake Shooting sticks
Game	Alligator Bear Big five Bison Boar Raccoon Deer Stalking Fox Hare Human Headhunting Jackal Mink Plains game Rabbit Rook Tiger Turkey Turtle Lion Quail Wolf With dogs Seal Squirrel Poaching Whale Aboriginal Dolphin drive hunting Subsistence hunting of the bowhead whale
Infrastructure	Buffalo jump Buffalo pound Chase (land) Deer park (England) Deer forest Desert kite Game larder Game reserve Game farm Guest ranch Hunting blind Bird hide Salter Sporting lodge Jagdschloss Wolf trap
By location	Australia Dugong Kangaroo Azerbaijan Tiger Cambodia Chad Elephant Greenland Reindeer India Tiger poaching Rhino poaching in Assam Kenya Elephant New Zealand Helicopter-based hunting in Fiordland Pakistan Trophy Hunting Russia Romania Spain Switzerland Federal hunting reserves Tonga Pigeon United States Alaska United Kingdom Driven grouse shooting
Regulation and conservation	Bag Bag limits Conservation officer Deer management Game Act 1831 Game law Game preservation Hunting license Hunting Act 2004 Hunting season Poaching Sustainable hunting
Culture	Bambi effect Blooding Canned hunt Car hawking Duck ague Falconry training and technique Fair chase Field dressing Gamekeepers in the United Kingdom Gillie Hunting dog Gun dog Hunting magic List of hunting deities List of big-game hunters Opposition to hunting Parahawking Professional hunter Killing of Cecil the lion Raptor persecution Safety orange Safari Take Tracking Wild Hunt White hunter
Organizations	Boone and Crockett Club Countryside Alliance Ducks Unlimited Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU Finnish Hunters' Association Hunt Saboteurs Association Humane Society of the United States League Against Cruel Sports North American Falconers Association People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Safari Club International
Other	Bowfishing Bounty hunter Blood sport Drag hunting Field trial Fur trade Ghost hunting Hunting hypothesis Hunting strategy Honey hunting Insect collecting Mushroom hunting Orchid hunting Overview of gun laws by nation Pearl hunting Spearfishing Wildlife farming