Category: Mammals

The Ugly 5

Nature Travel Team

At a quiz night at the pub, most people will probably know the answer to “What are the Big 5 animals of Africa?” However, the question “What are the Ugly 5 animals of Africa?” might not be so easy to get right!

The Ugly 5 club contains the underdogs, the ones only a mother could love, the ones that stood last in the line when good looks were handed out. However, they all have very important roles to play in the greater ecosystems they find themselves in.

The Common Warthog even has a name that sounds ugly, and a predilection for mud baths certainly doesn’t help this coarse-haired African pig. A long visit to the local spa is certainly called for!

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The different species of vultures make the list under one ugly, squabbling umbrella. For their hairless faces and dirty, scavenging habits they easily get entrance to the Ugly 5 club. However, it is precisely their love for cleaning carcasses that play a vital role in the balance of the ecosystem.

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Next up, the Common Wildebeest looks as if it’s made from spare parts of other animals that don’t really fit proportionally, and furthermore, it also appears to be intellectually challenged… On top of that, almost every wildlife documentary portrays them as nothing more than lunch for predators!

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With an unfortunate reputation as a backstabbing opportunist, compounded by a body type that makes it look as if it’s permanently skulking, the Spotted Hyaena certainly deserves a spot on the list. To be fair, there are few cuter animals than a baby hyaena!

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Last, but certainly not least, is the Marabou Stork. Also known as the “undertaker” of the animal world, he should probably be mentioned first on this list! They too play a critical role in the wild, even if they just seem to be standing around waiting for something to die.

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Although the members of this club might be ugly, they all have a certain, um, charm… For a chance to see them and many other far more beautiful creatures, join us on a classic African safari in the Kruger National Park.

For more information, get in touch with us at info@naturetravelkruger.com.

Duke – A true legend of our time

Nature Travel Team
The story of Duke with Nature Travel Kruger
Duke was one of a kind. He had an incredible set of tusks that was as big as some of the biggest “tuskers” that roamed the African savannahs. And on top of that he was very relaxed and approachable which is not common as most of the Elephant Bulls with big tusks keeping a low profile and in areas away from tourists and people in general.

He roamed a very big area in the southern part of the massive Kruger National Park in eastern South Africa and was often seen in the area north of Lower Sabie. Most of the other big tuskers of Kruger Park were found in the more popular, in Elephant terms, northern part of the park with Mopane Woodland the dominant vegetation type.The story of Duke with Nature Travel Kruger

He died of natural causes a couple of years ago and it is great that an Elephant with such incredible tusks survived until old age in an area where Elephant poaching is constant threat. It was a true privilege to have seen him on two separate safaris to this great park. We can only hope that his genes were passed on that there will be many great tuskers to come.
The story of Duke with Nature Travel Kruger
These type of intimate connections we make with nature is part of the experience when you join Nature Travel Kruger on safari. For more info get in touch with us at info@naturetravelkruger.com