African Safari -- Animal Groups

Nineteenth century colonial Africa attracted big game hunters who were looking for trophy photos, stuffed heads to take home with them, and the exciting challenge of the hunt. They created what is known as "The Big Five", the most dangerous and most prized kills. Others have put together subsequent lists of the Small Five, the Ugly Five, and the Shy Five to describe the animals. 

For a more detailed discussion on the topic of trophy hunting, see my blog: "Trophy Hunting in Zambia" or the article in the Khaleej Times (January 29, 2024) titled "Hunt on for Big Game Hunters".

Big Five

Lions

photo by Olga

 

  

A group of lions is called a pride.

Rhinoceros

 

photo by Olga

 

 

 

A group of rhinos is called a crash.

 

Cape Buffalo

 

photo by Olga

A group of cape buffaloes is called a herd.

Elephant

 

 

photo by Olga

 

 

A group of elephants is called a parade.

Leopard

photo by Olga

A group of leopards is called a leap or a prowl.

 

 

Little Five

 Elephant Shrew

Leopard Tortoise

photo by Olga

Ant Lion

Rhino Beetle

Buffalo Weaver

Source and photos:  https://www.travel4wildlife.com/the-little-five-who-are-africa-small-five-animals/

 

 

Ugly Five

Hyena

 A group of hyenas is called a clan or a cackle.

 

Marabou Stork

photo by Olga

A group of marabou storks is called a flight, a muster, or a phalanx.

Vulture

A group of vultures is called a wake, a committee, or a kettle.

Warthog

photo by Olga

A group of warthogs is called a sounder.

Wildebeest

 

photos by Olga

 A group of wildebeest is called a confusion. It comes from the noise and confusion that occurs when they join together to migrate.

 

Source and photos:  https://safarisafricana.com/ugly-five-animals/

 

Shy Five

Meerkat

A group of meerkats is called a mob or a gang.

Cape Porcupine

 

Aardvark

A group of aardvarks is called an armory.

Aardwolf

An aardwolf generally lives alone or with a small family. Its name means Earth Wolf and comes from  the Afrikaans language of South Africa.

 

Bat-eared Fox

 

For more names of animal groups, see https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/animal-group-names

 

 

Sources and photos:  https://blog.rhinoafrica.com/2018/03/12/shy-five-african-safari/