The Hidden Heroes of the Savanna: Meet Africa’s Ugly Five

Ghana is renowned for its rich heritage and culture, but when it comes to wildlife tourism, the country is not at the forefront.  While there are animals in Ghana, their populations are not significant enough to make the country a wildlife destination for international tourists.

A lack of strong conservation culture, the unchecked threat of game hunting and weak legal enforcement to protect wildlife and punish violators contribute to this. 

In contrast, other African nations, including Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, to name a few, have made tremendous strides in wildlife conservation, creating flourishing ecosystems that attract millions of tourists annually. These countries serve as examples of how preserving wildlife can bring about powerful results.

For many tourists travelling to Africa, the allure of wildlife is irresistible. Most embark on safaris to witness the famed Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – in their natural habitats. 

Our recent trip to Kenya, ahead of the 2024 Magical Kenya Travel Expo, was no different. We eagerly anticipated the thrill of spotting these iconic animals, especially the elusive and solitary leopard.

But as every seasoned traveller knows, safaris hold surprises. What I thought would be another awe-inspiring experience took a profound turn – one that would forever change how I view the wild. 

As our six-member group cruised across the sunlit plains of Amboseli, Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the distance, we settled into the familiar rhythm of scanning the horizon for the Big Five. Then, our guide asked a question that snapped us out of our expectations: "Does anyone know about the Ugly Five?"

We exchanged confused glances. The ugly five? I’ve ventured across some of Africa’s greatest wildlife spots – South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe – yet I had never paid attention to such a group. With a knowing smile, the guide introduced us to a lesser-known but equally essential cast of characters in Africa’s ecosystems: the Ugly Five. 

Overlooked and underestimated, these creatures are the unsung heroes of the wild. They may not have the majestic aura of lions or the grace of elephants, but their role in maintaining the delicate balance of the savanna is irreplaceable.

Allow me to introduce them...

Wildebeest

The wildebeest, often seen as awkward and ungainly, with its scruffy mane, long face and spindly legs, is far from an attractive animal. Yet it is the driving force behind one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife phenomena – the Great Migration. 

Every year, millions of wildebeest cross the plains of East Africa in search of fresh pastures, providing a feast for predators like lions, cheetahs and crocodiles. As they graze and move in massive herds, they help to fertilise the soil and trample vegetation, allowing new plant life to grow. Despite its humble appearance, the wildebeest is a key player in Africa’s ecological cycles.

Warthog

Remember Pumbaa from The Lion King? Warthogs, with their large tusks, rugged skin and signature facial "warts", may not look endearing, but they are resourceful survivors. Their tusks are perfect tools for digging up roots and tubers while their burrows serve as shelters for them and sometimes other animals. 

As herbivores, warthogs play a vital role in controlling vegetation and ensuring that plant growth remains balanced. With their characteristic stiff-tailed run and comical appearance, warthogs bring a touch of charm to the wild.

Hyena

No creature is more misunderstood than the hyena, often unfairly portrayed as cowardly scavengers. In truth, hyenas are intelligent, highly social animals and efficient hunters in their own right. When hunting in packs, they can take down prey as large as wildebeests and zebras. 

Their strong jaws can crush bones, allowing them to devour every part of a carcass, preventing disease from spreading. As scavengers, hyenas clean up the savanna, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Their eerie, unsettling "laugh" is a complex form of communication, maintaining order within their clans.

Vulture

Vultures, with their bald heads and hunched postures, are often seen as grim symbols of death. Yet, these birds are among the most important wildlife species, acting as nature’s sanitation crew. Their highly acidic stomachs allow them to safely digest decaying carcasses, preventing harmful bacteria from spreading. 

By consuming the remains of dead animals, vultures stop diseases like anthrax and rabies from taking hold. Sadly, vultures face threats from poisoning and habitat loss, making their critical role in the ecosystem even more important to protect.

Marabou Stork

Towering over four feet tall with a massive wingspan, the Marabou Stork is perhaps the most imposing member of the Ugly Five. Its oversized bill, bare neck and scruffy feathers make it far from a graceful bird. Yet its role as a scavenger is indispensable. 

Like vultures, Marabou Storks feed on carrion, helping to clean the environment. They are also opportunistic feeders, consuming small animals and even waste from human settlements. Their adaptability in finding food ensures their survival, even in harsh conditions.

Look beyond the big five

The next time you embark on a safari, remember that Africa’s wildlife is not just about the famous Big Five. The Ugly Five, though often overlooked, are critical to the health of the ecosystem. These animals may not be as glamorous, but they serve a vital purpose, from recycling nutrients to controlling disease.

So, while you marvel at the lions and elephants, take a moment to appreciate the wildebeest, warthog, hyena, vulture and Marabou stork. Without them, the wild would not be the same, and the safari experience would be incomplete without seeing these unsung heroes in their natural habitat.

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