dmAFRICA

People often initially come on safari for the Big Five, but as with all things Africa, there is far more to be discovered.

Enter, the Little Five.

Sometimes overlooked but no less fascinating than their somewhat larger counterparts, the Little Five are some of the continent’s smallest, most remarkable creatures. Each shares part of its name with one of the Big Five: the Ant Lion, Elephant Shrew, Buffalo Weaver, Leopard Tortoise and Rhinoceros Beetle.

They’re easily missed, but no less extraordinary. An Ant Lion larva engineers perfectly formed sand traps to capture its prey. The Elephant Shrew can sprint at surprising speeds through dense undergrowth. Rhinoceros Beetles are among the strongest animals on Earth relative to their size, while Buffalo Weavers construct some of the largest and most durable nests of any bird. Even the slow-moving Leopard Tortoise carries centuries of evolutionary success beneath its beautifully patterned shell.

For many guides and their guests, finding the Little Five is every bit as rewarding as ticking off the Big Five. It requires slowing down, paying attention and appreciating the intricate details that make African ecosystems so extraordinary.

So this Friday, here’s to the little guys.