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For many travelers to South Africa, ticking off
the ‘Big Five’ on their safari checklist is an exciting
challenge. However, very few people consider or look out for the
‘Little Five’…
The mere words ‘Big Five’ conjure mental images of the
wild African bush where lion, rhino, elephant, hippopotamus and
buffalo roam free and us little humans are just mere observers in
a world that is clearly not our own. Indeed being able to see all
of the Big Five on any one safari is a major privilege. However,
if you have a game ranger with serious savvy he may also point out
the ‘Small Five’ along the way…after all, didn’t
Einstein say that God is in the details?
The Leopard Tortoise – Geochelone pardalis
It may not be the fastest-moving reptile in Southern Africa, but
the leopard tortoise is certainly a fashionable character across
the bushveld landscape. The black and yellow spotted exterior shell
of the leopard tortoise is decidedly attractive, and this animal
is known as one of the largest breeds of tortoise in this part of
the world. Indeed, a mature leopard tortoise can weigh in at over
23kg (with a shell circumference of up to one metre). As with us
humans, the males are often stockier than the females. The teenage
tortoises have dark brown patterns while the adult shell tends to
take on shades of yellow and has somewhat smaller spots than its
young. These creatures hang out in savannah and grassland areas
and particularly like to be close to water.
Rhinoceros Beetle – Scarabaeinae dynastinae
A beetle-on-steroids, one might say! The rhinoceros Beetle is one
of the largest beetles to be found in Southern Africa. Like its
mammal counterpart, the rhinoceros beetle has formidable horns on
its ‘head’. Both male and female beetles have these horns,
however it is the male beetle that is known for its aggressive nature
(these little fella’s are not shy to use their jagged weapons
in combat). The horns are also used to dig, climb and yes, mate.
The Ant Lion – Myrmeleontidae
The Ant Lion is certainly a strange natural phenomenon. In advanced
stages this larvae-like creature actually boasts wings and indeed
sometimes resembles a dragonfly (although the Ant Lion is not exactly
skilled at taking flight). Ant lion larvae dig themselves into the
earth in dry, warm spots – where the set ‘traps’
for their prey. They dig a funnel-shaped crater into the earth where
they wait for ‘lunch’ (an unsuspecting ant or two) to
fall into their open jaws. Whilst this behaviour might seem rather
predatory, the ant lion is totally harmless….unless of course
you’re another ant!
The Buffalo Weaver – Bubarlornis niger
Whilst the African buffalo may be one of the most formidable animals
you will find in the wild – the buffalo weaver is not the aggressive
type. The Red-Billed Buffalo Weaver (Bubalornis niger) is found
in parks and reserves in South Africa. Their name says it all –
these birds are weavers by nature which means one can often recognize
their presence long before you get sight of these social birds.
They build their nests in the forked branches of tall trees, and
particularly like dry branches for the home-building requirements.
Buffalo Weavers nest in open colonies and are a rather noisy, busy
lot. These birds also have a reputation for making somewhat bedraggled
homesteads (coarse grasses and untidy twig structures) and clearly
home décor and design is not their thing.
The Elephant Shrew – Elephantulus myurus
These dainty creatures are found the arid lowlands, rocky outcrops
and savannah-type landscapes. In academic terms, Elephant Shrew
fall into the ground-dwelling mammal category under the exotic grouping
known as ‘insectivores’. These critters can be found all
across Southern Africa. Unlike its mammal equivalent that can weigh
a couple of tonnes, the elephant shrew grows to a length of 250mm
with an average weight of 60 grammes. Elephant shrews have a diet
of invertebrates but won’t turn down a snack of fruits, seeds
or nuts. Unfortunately, they are generally always on the menu for
snakes, raptors and other carnivores. These shrews are pretty shy
by nature, so chances of spotting one of these earthly creatures
on your safari are pretty scarce.
© Written for Tours
and Tales by Marcel and Victoria Koning (Marvic). We promote responsible
tourism and love nature and wildlife, discovering new places and different cultures.
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