A showcase of nature's greatest icons

Africa prides itself as the home of the big five. These animals are the icons and identity of Africa when it comes to showcasing wildlife. These are the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. 

The Lion

The African lion is a large carnivorous mammal that is native to Africa. This big cat species is the only one in Africa that features a mane.

The mane of an African Lion can vary in color from blond to black, it serves as a way of attracting females and intimidating rival males.

Lions live in large groups known as pride, which may consist of up to 40 members.

These majestic animals are apex predators in the savannah grasslands hence they take on large prey such as zebras, wildebeest, and buffaloes alongside antelopes. 

The Elephant

This herbivore boasts as the largest land animal, the elephant can reach heights of up to 4 meters and weigh about 5 to 6 tonnes. These animals are mostly found in savanna grasslands and forests.

They feature a long trunk that can be used to pick up food, communicate, and siphon water.

Moreover, these animals feature large ears that provide a large surface area for heat dissipation, hence optimizing temperature regulation.

The oldest, most dominant female is called the matriarch. She is the backbone and leader of the elephant family. 

 The Buffalo

African buffaloes are robust and heavily built, with a thickset body and broad chest.

Both males and females have large, curved horns that are used for defense against predators and for competing with other members of their own species.

They also feature a shaggy black coat, and very thick skin, which helps to protect them from attacks by predators like lions and hyenas. These herbivores live in herds ranging from a few several to hundreds and they are often led by a dominant bull. 

The Leopard

The African leopard is a large carnivorous mammal that is native to many countries in Africa. This big cat is known for its stunning spotted coat that provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.

Leopards are solitary animals and are known for their stealth and ability to climb trees, where they often stash their prey. These powerful predators feed on a variety of animals, including antelopes, gazelles, monkeys, and rodents.

They are also known to hunt domestic livestock, especially in areas where human communities border parks and game reserves, this has caused them to be in a never-ending war with humans. 

The Rhinoceros

There are two species of African rhinoceros, the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. Rhinos are known for their distinctive horns, which are made of keratin and are used for defense against predators and in intra-species fights.

These mammals can weigh in at about 14ookg to 2700kg. Kenya is home to the last two female northern white rhinos in the world named Najin and Fatu. 

One of the main challenges facing the big five is poaching, this activity has severely depleted the number of these animals. Rhinos and elephants have been poached for their horns whilst the big cats are poached for their skins.

The Government alongside Non-Governmental Organisations continues to deploy methods of combating this unethical practice, with hopes of eradicating it completely.