Africa`s Big Five by Roger & Pat De La Harpe Photography

 Africa's Big Five by Roger & Pat De La Harpe Photography

Lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant have for centuries been heralded as the Big Five, not, as one would assume, in order to lure visitors to the continent's conservation areas, but because in the hunting era of days gone by, these animals were considered to be the most difficult and dangerous of Africa's 'trophy' species. Today, however, there is no denying that they are collectively the continent's most effective magnet for tourism. And with good reason. The majestic and sociable lion and the stealthy and solitary leopard are the most handsome of Africa's 10 cat species. Rhinos -- in particular the black rhino -- have been hunted almost to extinction for their impressive horns, but through careful conservation efforts, they have staged a remarkable recovery. The hefty buffalo, alone an irascible beast, yet docile and calm in a herd, has a presence all its own. And the elephant, the epitome of Africa, is well known not only for its size, but for its fiercely protective matriarchs, which put the human animal to shame.These then are Africa's Big Five, and here they are portrayed in their natural surroundings in various locations across the continent -- at leisure and on the hunt, in family groups and alone -- in a series of magnificent photographs, complemented by colourful and informative text.

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