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
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
Marabou Stork
photo by OlgaA 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 OlgaA 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/
