Most people travel to the Kruger National Park for an unforgettable safari adventure and to see the iconic Big 5, which are generally at the top of their wishlist. But most visitors to the Kruger aren’t aware of five very unique creatures that share a name with the Big 5 and are more challenging to find. We take a look at these fascinating creatures in more detail so that you can keep a lookout for them on your next trip to the Kruger National Park.
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
The red-billed weaver is only found in the Lowveld and eastern bushveld regions of South Africa. These birds are likely the easiest to find of the Little 5 and are mostly seen in pairs around waterholes or feeding off buffaloes. The typical nest of a red-billed buffalo weaver comprises of a messy pile of twigs that sit on dead trees. The males are shiny black in colour and the females are brown with red beaks.
Leopard Tortoise
This tortoise gets its name from the yellow and black spots on its shell that eventually fade after a few decades. Commonly found throughout the country, these tortoises are the largest of the species, with adults weighing as much as 40 kilograms. Their uniquely shaped shells and no nuchal makes it possible for them to raise their heads out of the water to breathe. Leopard tortoises can live upto 100 years.
Elephant Shrew
These cute little creatures are the least likely to see of the Little 5 and get their name from their long impressive noses that resemble that of an elephant’s trunk. They can’t use them as elephants do but it does help them have a great sense of smell. They also have large ears which improves their sense of hearing, allowing them to catch their prey (worms and grasshoppers mainly) and make a quick getaway when faced with a predator.
Rhinoceros Beetle
Rhinoceros beetles have a signature horn on the top of their head, much like rhino, and use them to dig or fight other male beetles. It is hard to imagine that a creature that grows as big as 15 centimeters, is regarded as one of the strongest animals in the world – lifting 850 times its own body weight. These beetles can walk and fly and are generally seen at night around the UV lights.
Ant Lion
Most South Africans have played with an ant lion at some stage of their life – attempting to lure them out with sticks. Ant lion larvae create inverted cone-shaped holes in the sand to capture insects such as ants and termites. Once the insects fall in the hole, the larvae strike quickly and drag them under the sand. Once the larvae transform into adults, they have wings and are much like dragonflies – most active at night and looking to reproduce. Ant lions are generally found in the soft sand areas of the Kruger.
