We always talk about Africa’s Big five. Now its time to meet Africa’s “Little Five”
Africa’s small five – The Elephant Shrew, Buffalo Weaver, Rhino Beetle, Antlion, and Leopard Tortoise are not as well known or often spoken of, yet equally fascinating animals that hold a special place in the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. By virtue of their titles and physical attributes, the Little 5 are a collection of tiny mammals and insects that are connected to the Big five.
ELEPHANT SHREW:
The Elephant Shrew is among the cutest of Africa’s little five species. These tiny, insect-eating mammals get their name from their long, flexible nostrils, which resemble the trunk of an elephant. Elephant Shrews can be found in many different types of environments, including forests and savannas, all over sub-Saharan Africa. These creatures, despite their adorable look, are vicious predators who hunt prey by using their excellent sense of smell and agility. Shrew females give birth four or five times a year. The female will spend three to four weeks hiding her young, and then the young will stay in her area for an additional six weeks before they go.
BUFFALO WEAVER:
The sociable Buffalo Weaver is frequently observed in big flocks, constructing elaborate nests in prickly trees. Due to their remarkable degree of adaptability, these birds can be found in a variety of environments, including cities and grasslands. They are often seen riding on the backs of buffalo and eating the insects on their coats and around their hooves. In the wild, they are easily recognized by their broad bills and red eyes. They are very messy birds. This is obvious when you look at the untidy structure of their nests.
RHINO BEETLE
The Rhino Beetle is a large, armoured insect that is named for its resemblance to a rhinoceros. These beetles are well-known for their remarkable strength, which enables them to easily burrow into the earth and uproot plants. In several African nations, Rhino Beetles are regarded as a delicacy and consumed as a protein source. These beetles may seem scary, yet they play a crucial role in the environment by recycling nutrients and breaking down organic materials. Rhino Beetles are able to lift 850 times their own weight.
ANTLION:
The intriguing insect known as the Antlion is distinguished by its distinct way of hunting. In the sand, these insects build cone-shaped traps where they wait for gullible prey to fall into their mouths. Antlions are expert predators that seize and devour their prey with the help of their strong jaws. There are more than 2000 species of Antlion that belong to the Myrmeleontidae. Their exact population is still unknown as they are quite understudied in terms of population.
LEOPARD TORTOISE:
Large and slow-moving, the leopard tortoise gets its name from its unusually patterned shell which resembles a leopard’s coat. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to these tortoises, which live in a range of environments from grasslands to deserts. The main food sources for Leopard Tortoises are grasses, leaves, and fruits. The huge anal sacs of Leopard Tortoises are used to store water. These take up most of the space in their abdominal chambers.
How can you most likely encounter the small five?
A bush walk is the best time to try to check these interesting creatures off your safari list. We offer bush walks in the Pilanesberg and Family bush walks in Letsatsing Game Park.