The Little Five Animals Of Africa

who & what are the ‘little five’?

The little five animals of Africa are Ant Lion, Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, and Rhinoceros Beetle.

Most people who’ve been on safari will have heard of – or even better seen – Africa’s big five animals of Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino. However, did you know Africa also has a group of little five animals? The little five are much harder to see than the big five, making them more of a challenge when wildlife spotting on safari (though they’re still a way off the smallest animals in the world!).

Here are pictures and short overview of each of the little five animals:

1. Antlion

The Antlion is the smallest member of the little 5 club – known as a doodlebug in America because of the patterns it makes in sand – and found predominantly in sandy, arid areas throughout Africa. The Antlion has a wide body and large jaws and is the larvae stage of a flying insect known as the Antlion Lacewing that looks similar to a dragonfly. Antlions dig small funnel-shaped sand traps about two inches deep in dry, sunny spots – particularly on south-facing slopes – and wait at the bottom of it covered in sand so that only the head is protruding. Ants are their primary prey, hence the name.

2. Bufflo Weaver

There are two species of Buffalo Weavers, the Common Black Buffalo Weaver, or White-headed Buffalo Weaver. Both species are large for weavers, and grow up to nine inches long. Buffalo Weavers are found in dry areas and are very common in East Africa where their diet is made up of small grass seeds, insects, and fruits. Buffalo Weavers make the poorest nests of all weavers – building large, communal nests of sticks and thorns with several side entrances. They’re a social bird with a wide range of easily identifiable calls.

3. Elephant Shrew

Elephants Shrews are named after their long trunk-like snouts which are flexible and used to sniff out insects to eat. They grow up to 30cm long and have relatively long legs which give them the ability to hop around – reportedly up to 3 feet in a single bound. Elephant Shrews are common across arid and wooded parts of Southern Africa and mark their territory with a scent produced by a gland under their tail, though they are shy animals and not frequently seen.

4. Leopard Tortoise

Leopard Tortoises are named after the striking leopard-like pattern on their shell. Young Leopard Tortoises have a dark brown or black pattern, and as they mature the spots get smaller on the hard, bumpy shell. As with most tortoise species the Leopard Tortoise are able to draw their head, tail, and legs into their shell for protection. Leopard Tortoises live across East and Southern Africa in savannah habitats and are herbivorous, eating grass and succulents – a well-deserving member of the little five.

5. Rhinoceros Beetle

Found across Southern Africa the Rhino Beetle is a large insect that’s part of the scarab beetle family – with extraordinary body armor. The Rhino Beetle larvae can take up to five years to mature into an adult. Growing up to 2.5 inches long the male Rhino Beetle has a large horn it uses to fight other makes – hence the name. Rhino Beetles also use their horns to dig for food in the undergrowth or rotting wood and have a diverse diet including rotting fruit, bark, sap and vegetable matter. Proportionally to their size, Rhino Beetles are among the strongest animals in the world.

Other wildlife ‘fives’

Have you seen the little five animals and are are looking for a new wildlife challenge? For safari aficionados up for ticking all the ‘I’ve seen’ boxes, have you heard about the other groups of 5 animals?

What Are ‘The Ugly Five’ Animals?

3 meerkats standing and looking - part of the shy five group of animals

What Are ‘The Shy Five’ Animals?

What Are ‘The Little Five’ Animals?

close up of cape buffalo head and horns, one of the big five

What Are ‘The Big Five’ Animals?

Discover more of our wildlife posts…

ROBERTB NTEGEKA says:

I did not know about the little five not until I was guiding clients in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. We saw a buffalo swallow and I was inspired as a ranger guide! I did not know about it at all but my client made me understand what it was.

Ed says:

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Hey Robert – the little five are definitely for the safari connoisseurs. A great buzz to see them all though!

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zacchaus kaaya says:

For sure now am understand well the little five animal in africa

MUAAZA says:

amazing

robby says:

So educative

Ed says:

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Thanks Robby, glad you found it useful.

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The Little Five Animals Of Africa

who & what are the ‘little five’?