The big four refers to the four most sought-after animals in Africa by big-game hunters: the African elephant, the rhinoceros, the lion, and the leopard. In addition to being some of the most impressive and iconic animals in the world, they are also challenging and dangerous to hunt, making them even more attractive to big-game hunters.
African Elephant
The African elephant is the largest land animal on earth, with males weighing up to 15,000 pounds. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are known for their intelligence, strength, and social structure.
Rhinoceros
There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa: the white rhinoceros and the black rhinoceros. The white rhinoceros is the second-largest land animal on earth, after the African elephant. Both rhinoceros species are critically endangered due to poaching.
Lion
The lion is often referred to as the "king of the jungle," although they typically live in grasslands and savannas. Lions are social animals that live in prides and are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain.
Leopard
The leopard is a solitary, nocturnal predator that is found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their stealth and agility, and they are able to climb trees to escape danger or to ambush their prey.