The popular Big Five animals worldwide for decades have been known to be; Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Lion and Leopard. Much as these big five might have no any scientific relation but rather just a list of five animals that trophy hunters back in the day categorized them as most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt, hence most prized. At the moment, safari adventurers and explorers have had these massive animals on top of their lists of must see animals on any adventure to Africa.
Wildlife Conservationists, charities and photographers have come up with a better idea to create big five list of wildlife photography rather than hunting but shooting with a camera not a gun.
The New Big Five also highlights what they find as some of the most sensational, spectacular and critical species of the animal kingdom, yet their existence is threatened thus the need to draw attention to them. The conservation of these new list of big five animals is key to the survival of many other species in the ecosystem. The new list of big five animals include; Polar Bear, Gorillas, Tigers, Elephants and Lion
The international initiative was supported by over 250 photographers, charities and wildlife conservationist headed by Graeme Green a British photographer. The initiative aimed at raising awareness about the crisis facing the world’s wildlife from threats such as Poaching, Human-wildlife conflict, Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and global climate change
About one million wildlife species currently face the threat of extinction. The animals in the new big five list can serve as global ambassadors for all the world’s wildlife and the crisis they face. Each of these five species are threatened in their existence and are listed by the IUCN either as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.
The gorilla species is the biggest of the great apes though its population has been tremendously declining to near extinction. Many guests visit Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi National park respectively for what is termed as Africa’s highlight, the gorilla tours for the chance to see these massive yet gentle primates. Gorilla trekking can also be done in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National park.
Coming across gorillas in their natural settings is one of the most epic wildlife experiences and considered the highlight of any trip to Africa. The photo of these gentle giants brings out their amiable character that attracts more tourists thus driving the need to conserve. The gorillas share their habitat with an enormous biodiversity whose survival so much relies on the conservation efforts directed toward the gorillas.
Not like the old big five that you originally could find all on your African adventure safari, the new big five is spread across the world. Three of the new big five can be faced on an adventure safari in Africa. That is Gorillas, Elephants and Lions. However, Tigers can be met in museums for example Two tigers are found in Uganda wildlife education Center formally Uganda Zoo at Entebbe.