The “Ugly Five” are often overshadowed by the imposing Big Five, but they are every bit as fascinating and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the savannah. And remember – ugly is only in the eye of the beholder!
Warthog
Seriously, how can you call this ugly? Those “warts” are actually thick pads of skin that protect them in fights. Warthogs are one of the few omnivores in Africa. While they eat mostly grasses, roots, bark and berries, they have been known to prey on small mammals and reptiles and even venomous puff adders!
Hyena
Maybe the most misunderstood animal in the bush, the hyena, thought to be solely a scavenger, actually hunts for 75% of its food! But it is not above stealing kills from lions, leopards and wild dogs, and keeps the environment healthy by cleaning up (eating whatever is left over, including bones!) after the other animals. Fun fact – their poop is white!
Wildebeest
With their shaggy manes and unique black beards, Cookson’s wildebeest are found exclusively in the Luangwa valley. Zambia is also home to the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa, with approximately 45,000 animals moving through the Liuwa Plains from late November to mid-December.
Vulture
Of the seven species of vultures in Zambia, six are critically endangered or endangered. Scavenging vultures are crucial to the ecosystem as they clean up animal carcasses which prevents the spread of disease. Conservation efforts, such as creating Vulture Safe Zones are underway to protect the remaining population.
Marabou Stork
With a face only a mother could love, the Marabou stork truly deserves to be in the Ugly Five. It will eat anything, catching fish, reptiles, insects, and even small birds and mammals, but is not above scavenging. The Marabou has an ugly habit of defecating on its own legs as a way to cool down.