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The ‘Ugly Five’ Animals of Southern Africa

Introducing the Ugly Five Animals of Southern Africa

You’ve probably heard of the famous Big Five: rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and lion. And if you’ve been on safari, your guide may have introduced you to their quirky counterparts, the ‘Little Five’: the rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, and ant lion.

But the ‘Fives’ don’t stop there…

They might not win any beauty contests, but these often-overlooked animals are vital to the health of the African bush. Behind the scruffy feathers and wrinkled skin lies important ecological stories. These are the Ugly Five animals of Southern Africa.

1. The Hyena

The hyena family consists of four distinct species: the striped hyena, brown hyena, spotted hyena, and the aardwolf. While they differ in size, behavior, and social structure, each plays a vital role in the African ecosystem. Known for their scavenging habits, hyenas are often seen feeding on the remains left by other predators… but they’re also skilled hunters in their own right. Their complex relationship with other carnivores, especially African wild dogs, is fascinating and sometimes tense. Learn more about their interactions in hyena vs. wild dog.

A hyena cooling off in a deep puddle.

Spotted hyenas are commonly seen across Southern Africa and are among the region’s most powerful predators. These animals are large and muscular, measuring between 120 to 180 cm (47 to 71 inches) in length and weighing anywhere from 60 to 80 kilograms (132 to 176 lbs). Their coats vary in color from off-white to fawn yellow or dirty grey, covered in dark brown spots that gradually fade as they age. A short, stiff mane runs along their back, adding to their distinctive profile.

Unlike brown hyenas, spotted hyenas have rounded ears and longer hind legs, which give them a sloped back with their shoulders higher than their rumps. They’re famously known as “laughing hyenas” because of the high-pitched giggles and cackles they make, especially when excited, agitated, or during an attack.

Spotted hyenas are highly social and live in large clans that typically range from 12 to 24 members, although some clans can be even larger. The success of their hunts or scavenging efforts often depends on the size and cooperation of the group. Hyenas are incredibly efficient feeders and they waste nothing. Even hooves and bones are consumed, and any excess food is cleverly hidden in watering holes for later use.

Did You Know?

  1. Not Just Scavengers
    Spotted hyenas have long been misunderstood as mere scavengers, but research shows they actually hunt and consume 66% to 90% of their own food. They’re among the most skilled and efficient predators in Africa.
  2. Incredible Mothers
    While they may not seem like the nurturing type, female spotted hyenas are outstanding mothers. They invest more energy per cub than any other land-based carnivore, giving their young a strong start in life.
  3. Smarter Than You Think
    Despite their cackling calls and negative portrayals in media, hyenas are incredibly intelligent. Their problem-solving abilities and social complexity rival those of many other highly regarded African predators.

2. The Vulture

Vultures are nature’s original cleanup crew. Wherever there is a carcass on the African plains, you can bet vultures won’t be far behind. They are expert scavengers, helping to keep ecosystems healthy by getting rid of decaying remains, which also helps stop the spread of disease. It’s no wonder many safari guides refer to them as the unsung heroes of the bush.

Once they have eaten their fill, vultures tend to settle into a half-sleep state to digest their heavy meal. Their strong, hooked beaks are built for the job and are perfect for tearing through tough skin, muscle, and even bone.

And then there is the bald head, one of their most recognizable traits. It is not just for looks. Scientists believe it helps keep things clean – no feathers to get messy while feeding on bloody carcasses – and it also plays a role in keeping cool by letting heat escape more easily.

Two vultures sitting in a tree.

Vultures have long, wide wings that let them glide effortlessly at great heights for hours on end. Their sharp eyesight allows them to spot other vultures descending on prey miles away, and to scan vast areas for carrion.

They build large nests made of sticks, often on trees or cliffs, and may use the same nest for many years. During nesting, males and females take turns incubating the egg and searching for food while the other rests or feeds. Most vultures lay just one egg at a time. Because their legs and feet aren’t strong enough to carry food back to their chicks, vultures eat their fill and then regurgitate food to feed their young.

Did You Know?

  1. More Than Just Scavengers
    Vultures often go after sick or dying animals, helping to clean up the environment by removing carcasses that could spread disease.
  2. Ancient Symbols
    In ancient Egypt, vultures were seen as symbols of death because they were commonly found feeding on dead animals. They even played a role in burial ceremonies.
  3. Super Strong Stomach Acid
    A vulture’s stomach acid is incredibly powerful—much stronger than that of most other birds or animals. This allows them to safely digest rotting meat filled with dangerous bacteria without getting sick.
  4. Nature’s Coolers
    On hot days, vultures cool off by urinating on their legs and feet, a behavior called urohydrosis. This not only helps them regulate their temperature but also kills parasites and bacteria picked up from their meals.

3. The Warthog

The common warthog belongs to the Suidae family, which includes pigs and boars. It was once considered a subspecies of Phacochoerus aethiopicus, but today we recognize four distinct warthog species: the Nolan, Eritrean, Central African, and Southern warthogs. The Southern warthog is native to southern Africa, especially Zimbabwe and Botswana.

If you’re heading on your first-time safari in Botswana, be sure to ask your guide where you might spot these iconic animals in the wild.

A lone warthog standing in the grass

Warthogs have big heads with a mane that runs along their back, giving them a unique, rugged look. Their coarse fur is usually black and brown, and they have just a few sparse hairs. Their long tails end in little tufts of fur that often stick straight up when they’re running. They look a lot like pigs: plump, with hooves and a broad snout tipped with large nostrils.

Warthogs usually hang out in family groups, searching for food or stopping by waterholes for a drink. At night, they curl up safely in burrows. You’ll find them all over sub-Saharan Africa, especially in open woodlands and savannahs where they feel most at home.

Did You Know?

  1. Busy Breeders
    Female warthogs give birth to 2–4 piglets a year, helping their population stay strong in the wild.
  2. Tusk-to-Tusk Battles
    Male warthogs fight fiercely with their tusks to compete for the attention of females.
  3. Burrow Births
    Expecting mothers give birth in underground dens, keeping their piglets safe from predators.
  4. Daytime Dashers
    Warthogs are active during the day and quickly retreat into burrows—often backwards—when danger strikes.

4. The Wildebeest

Wildebeest are primarily grazers but sometimes nibble on shrubs and herbs. They travel in herds that can range from just a handful to thousands. Their striking appearance features a long black mane, thick curled horns, and a distinctive beard that hangs from their neck and throat.

A wildebeest standing in the golden grass of the savanna

Wildebeest favor open grasslands and use seasonal migration to access fresh resources, reducing overgrazing in both dry and wet seasons.

The rut, or mating season, often begins with the full moon between October and December. Dominant males stay ready year-round. Breeding groups of about 150 form within larger herds, with five or six bulls establishing and defending territories. Bulls display by bucking and cantering, marking their land with urine, dung, and secretions from their interdigital and preorbital glands spread by pawing and rubbing their heads.

Did You Know?

  1. Rapid Reproducers
    Wildebeests give birth to around 150 calves every spring, helping keep their herds strong and growing.
  2. Mating Rituals
    To impress females, dominant males perform elaborate displays that show off their strength and stamina.
  3. Safe Births
    Pregnancies last about 8.5 months, and females give birth right in the middle of the herd for protection.
  4. Always on the Move
    Wildebeests are fearless travelers, moving day and night. While many take naps, some stay alert to watch for predators.

5. The Marabou Stork

Marabou storks are some of Africa’s most unique birds and among the largest in the world. You’ll find them in dry and wet places, often close to where people live.

A close up headshot of a Maribou stork with a long beak

These birds have a unique look, with bald heads and wispy feathers that earn them a spot on the “Ugly Five.” They stand about 1.5 meters tall and have an impressive wingspan of 2.6 meters. A fascinating fact: their hollow legs and feet help them stay light enough to fly.

Marabou storks aren’t picky eaters. They’ll feed on everything from termites and flamingos to small mammals, as well as human garbage and even dead elephants. They often share carcasses with other scavengers like vultures and hyenas.

Did You Know?

  1. Savvy Scavengers
    Marabou storks often scavenge for their meals, drawn to lion kills and even domestic stockyards.
  2. Fire Followers
    They’re known to move ahead of grass fires, catching animals fleeing the flames.
  3. Insect Helpers
    These storks sometimes hang around large herds of mammals, snapping up insects stirred up by their movement.
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