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Fun Facts About the Big Five Animals In Africa

For travelers, there is nothing quite like seeing animals in their natural habits. Africa is a continent full of intriguing, majestic animals. That includes the “Big Five” animals: the African elephant, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and rhinoceros.  The Big Five African animals are often featured in nature documentaries, which observe their habits in the wild. However, travelers can also see these animals while on safari. Let’s explore some fun facts about the Big Five Animals in Africa.

Where Did the Name “Big Five” Animals Come From?

The name “Big Five” was first created in the 1800s during the colonial days in Africa. These animals are animal royalty to biologists, travelers, and others who respect wildlife. However, in the colonial days, hunters saw these animals as mere game to kill for money or collections. Hunters called these animals the “Big Five” because they were considered the most challenging and dangerous animals to hunt. 

Sadly, people still hunt these animals today, though organizations are working with the government to protect them . There are ways that you can help protect these species. You can donate to different organizations like Action Change to preserve the Big Five. You may even be able to volunteer at animal sanctuaries and conservation centers in Africa to help orphaned and injured animals.

Today, the Big Five are in several national parks and safaris. Some of those include South Africa’s Kruger National Park , the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. Let’s read some more interesting facts about each of these amazing animals.  

The African Elephant Is the World’s Largest Land Animal

The African elephant is the biggest animal in Africa. With the biggest individual elephant weighing over 10 tons, this specific elephant species is the world’s largest animal on land. In addition to the African elephant, there are also Asian elephants. You can tell the two species apart by the size of their ears . African elephants have much larger ears, which experts describe as being shaped like the continent of Africa. Their ears help to keep them cool in the blistering African heat. 

In general, elephants are very social. Groups of them stick together as a family led by a matriarch. They communicate in various ways, including trumpet calls and body language. African elephants can even communicate with other animals from miles away through seismic signals (vibrations felts from the ground). These animals can also eat large amounts of roots, grasses, fruit, and bark; an adult can eat up to 300 pounds of food per day! You will typically find the largest populations of African elephants in Eastern and Southern Africa. 

Buffaloes in Africa Are Incredibly Territorial

Though the African elephant is the biggest animal in Africa, the buffalo are considered the most dangerous in this group. That’s because they are highly protective and territorial. When they feel threatened , the African buffaloes charge at unbelievable speeds. These animals stick together in large herds, with heavy, pointy horns used as weapons against predators. 

Buffaloes weigh anywhere from 660 to 1,840 pounds. To keep up their body weight, they graze on the plains of Africa, yet only need grass and a nearby water source to survive. They thrive in different habitats on the continent, from savannas to rainforests. They can be found in southwest Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and other African coastal areas. 

Currently, the African Wildlife Foundation works with government officials and communities to help conserve buffalo. A part of this is minimizing land used for agriculture to save food resources for the buffalo and other African Wildlife. 

Leopards Survive Alone in the Wilds of Africa

People often confuse African leopards with cheetahs because of the markings on their fur. However, when you look closely, cheetahs have clear spots. Leopards have what are known as “ rosettes ,” which are markings that are similar to roses. 

While other African animals stick together as a group, leopards typically fly solo . They have their own territories and hunt alone, as well. These skilled hunters can run up to 58 kilometers (36 miles) per hour and can drag prey heavier than their own body weight! Leopards in Africa can be found all over Africa, in deserts, high mountains, and coasts. 

African Lions Are Only Active for a Few Hours Each Day

The African lion is the king of the jungle. Interestingly, African lions are the only cats that live in groups (known as prides). A pride can have up to 30 lions at a time, and these lions are mostly below the Sahara Desert in Africa. 

The lionesses (female lions) are the main hunters . They scour for food while male lions guard their territory and young (and sleep). Even though the lionesses are fierce hunters, lions typically don’t spend too much time moving around. They spend up to 20 hours of the day either sleeping or hanging out in the shade. However, that gives them the energy to do their hunting, most of which is done at night . That gives them a huge advantage over their unsuspecting prey. 

White and Black Rhinoceros Species in Africa

There are five species of rhinoceros in the world. Two—the black rhino and the white rhino—are found in Africa. The largest is the white rhino which can weigh up to 2,500 kilograms (a little over 5,500 pounds). At this weight, this species is the second-largest land mammal in the world behind its neighbor, the African elephant. 

The names of these African rhinos are a little confusing because both the black and white rhinos are grey . The white rhino reportedly received its name from the Afrikaans word for wide (“wyd”), for its wide, square lip. However, early English explorers thought they were saying white. The black rhino has a pointy upper lip. Unfortunately, rhinos are still hunted today. If you want to learn more about protecting rhinos from poaching, there are programs available that teach you about their behavior and anti-poaching techniques. 

Which facts about the “Big Five” surprised you?

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10 Best Lawn Care Companies in Buffalo, NY

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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros

Last Updated November 2023

Having a healthy and green lawn adds a lot to the value and appearance of your property, but you might feel overwhelmed by all the work needed. Maybe you're tired of doing all of the work on the lawn at your Buffalo home yourself, or you may not be getting the desired results.

To assist, we've created a list of the best lawn care companies in and around Buffalo to help you choose the right one for you.

Top 10 Best Lawn Care Companies in Buffalo

Trugreen lawn care.

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LawnStarter Lawn Care Service

Red rose landscaping llc, willow ridge landscaping, inc., ️ plowz & mowz - snow removal and lawn care service, ground control.

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Reinhart Enterprises Landscaping and Lawn Care, LLC

Meta snow plowing & landscaping, fiorellas landscaping | garden center | snowplowing, complete lawn & yard care, inc..

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Calculate how long it takes to mow your lawn, and estimate how much it will cost hire mowers in Buffalo, NY.

Estimates will vary greatly based on size, shape, terrain, and other factors of your lawn. Most lawn care companies give discounts for more frequent mowing, and may offer bigger discounts if you commit to an annual contract.

How To Choose a Lawn Care Provider

Professional lawn care companies can help you build a thriving lawn through treatments like fertilization, weed control, and insect prevention. This guide will outline the main criteria to consider when hiring a residential lawn care provider.

Assess Years of Experience

Look for a lawn care provider that's been servicing lawns in Buffalo for at least five years. An established company will have good insight into the specific climate, common pests, lawn care challenges, and soil properties. They'll also understand the optimal scheduling key treatments throughout the seasons .

Evaluate Offered Services

Most lawn care providers offer essential services such as fertilization, weed control, and aeration, and many provide additional services such as seeding, tree trimming, and lime treatment. Your provider should be able to adapt your plan to your lawn and your goals.

Examine Product Offerings

Professional lawn care companies use high-quality herbicides, fertilizers, and other residential lawn care products. You can also ask your provider about natural treatment options if you’d prefer to have fewer harsh chemicals on your lawn.

Look For Customized Lawn Care Plans

Beware of companies that take a one-size-fits-all approach. The best lawn professionals tailor treatments for your unique needs. After discussing a lawn care plan, you should understand exactly what treatments and schedule the company plans to use.

Evaluate Responsiveness and Communication

From the initial quote to ongoing service, you want a company that's responsive, personable, and proactive with communication. A representative should address inquiries, send visit notifications, notify you of problems, and be attentive to your lawn goals.

Check Reviews and Ask Neighbors for Referrals

Online reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews are helpful for learning about a company’s service record. You can also ask for referrals from people you know in who have previously hired lawn care providers in Buffalo.

Lawn Care Services in Buffalo

Lawn care providers in Buffalo may offer a number of services. Popular services offered by lawn care professionals include the following:

• Seeding/Overseeding: You can use seeding or overseeding to add grass seed to your lawn and fill in thin or bare spots. Seeding requires the soil and is typically done once. Overseeding involves scattering grass seed over your current lawn as needed.
• Weed Control: Lawn care companies can eliminate weeds using both manual and chemical techniques. This makes more room for your grass and plants to grow.
• Fertilization: Fertilizing your lawn helps improve its health, promote faster growth, and boost resistance to diseases. Ask your lawn service provider about options for natural fertilizers.
• Aeration: Lawn aerating involves making small perforations in the soil. This promotes increased growth by allowing nutrients, water, and air to move more freely.
• Soil Care: Lawn care companies can analyze your soil's pH and calibrate the levels by adding lime. This helps ensure your lawn gets essential nutrients.

Below, see the average cost of these and other lawn care services in Buffalo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care in Buffalo, NY

Which kind of lawn care is the best fit for me: diy, a subscription package, or a full-service company.

The best plan for you will be based on your views on the trade-off between the expense of hiring a pro and DIY work you'll have to do. If you decide to do everything yourself, you don't have to pay for labor, but this option requires the most effort on your part. If you choose a full-service lawn care company, they'll handle the labor and logistics, but you will need to invest more money up front. Subscription lawn care companies fall somewhere in between. They provide the materials, and you do the application.

What type of lawn care do I need for different seasons in Buffalo?

When the weather is warmer, make sure you do seeding, overseeding, and soil care. As it starts to get cooler, you might want to think about winterization, as well as leaf and snow removal as needed. Throughout the year, you should consider weed and pest control, aeration and fertilization, and tree and shrub care as needed. One of the benefits of hiring a lawn care company is that they can help you find the optimal schedule for your lawn.

What are some risk to my lawn in Buffalo?

• Dry weather: If the weather has been dry, you may need to water your lawn more frequently.
• Wet weather: On the flip side, periods of heavy rainfall could also damage your lawn. Overall, it's important to keep an eye on the weather forecast.
• Pests: Pests may eat your plants or dig holes in your lawn. Common pests in Buffalo include PestRats, PestFlies, and PestSnakes.

Why would I pay a lawn care services company instead of simply paying a neighbor to take care of it?

When you use a professional lawn care services company (either full-service or subscription) you get the help of professionals. Your local experts can help decide what care your lawn needs, how often, and at what time of year. They will also provide all the products you need. In addition, their products and services often come with guarantees. Overall, these companies can guarantee that the job is done well and possibly save you money in the future.

How long will it take before I notice a change in my lawn?

Some services – like mowing and edging – allow you to notice the results immediately. With services such as weed control and seeding, it could take a few weeks to see results. The amount of time it takes to see results will also be based on the weather in your part of New York and the time of year.

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Welcome to Erie County, NY

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz » ERIE COUNTY, CITY OF BUFFALO UPDATE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

ERIE COUNTY, CITY OF BUFFALO UPDATE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Modified: November 19, 2022 9:50am

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Nationwide issue reaches into Erie County; ECDSS working with over 700 affected card holders  

Membership of the Teamsters Local Union No. 264 Sworn Unit, Teamsters Local Union No. 264 Captain and Lieutenant Units, CSEA Local 1000 Correctional Unit enters into agreement

Erie County to work with the NYS and Local Retirement System (“NYSLRS”) to execute the agreement; affected units agree to implement a swipe system for employees, eliminate double pay for overtime, decrease allocation of sick days

Proposal Heads to Erie County Legislature for Approval

 First Day for Applications is November 1; Residents Encouraged to Apply Online

• ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR SERVICES SCHEDULES ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS Department will host sessions to gather input from older adults, program managers and caregivers on programs and services offered and to field suggestions on how to better serve the community in the future Updated: October 27, 2023 11:40am

For press releases from other years, please click on one of the following links:

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ERIE COUNTY, NY—Effective immediately (Saturday, November 19 at 6:30 a.m.), the city of Buffalo and Erie County are implementing a Travel Ban for the entire city of Buffalo based on current and expected weather and road conditions.

This updated map shows the current travel restrictions for Erie County, with red-shaded areas having a Travel Ban and yellow-shaded areas having a Travel Advisory.

County and city officials are urging residents to follow these travel restrictions to prevent additional blocked roads from vehicle accidents or stranded vehicles, and to allow snow removal crews, tow trucks and first responders to do their work.

Link to updated map .

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Erie County Executive's Office 95 Franklin Street, 16th Floor Buffalo, New York 14202

Travel ban lifted in Erie County as road conditions improve, warmer weather settles in

A travel ban has been lifted in New York’s Erie County, days after it was put into place as a deadly blizzard swept across the region, at times reducing visibility to zero.

The ban, which was implemented Friday, expired at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, officials said.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown told reporters Wednesday night that the roads were in good enough condition to lift the ban.

“It has been 6 days,” Brown said. “Some people have not been able to restock groceries, to restock medications, to get to medical appointments, and being able to lift the travel ban safely now will allow people to do those important things.”

Most streets in the city are passable, Brown said, and he expected crews to have made a pass down the center of every residential street by the end of the night.

Though the ban has been lifted, a travel advisory was in place for Erie County as cleanup continues and a county-wide state of emergency remained. Brown asked people to be cautious and avoid driving unless necessary.

More than 450 pieces of equipment were on Buffalo streets plowing and hauling snow, and many traffic signals were still not working, he said.

The storm dumped upwards of 20 inches of snow in parts of New York — including nearly 52 inches at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, according to the National Weather Service.

The powerful storm plunged much of the United States into a deep freeze, creating life-threatening conditions as more than 1 million homes and businesses were left in the dark, and wreaking havoc on flight schedules during the busy holiday travel week.

At least 76 people died in the storm, according to an NBC News tally. Erie County accounted for 37 of the deaths, 29 of which were in Buffalo.

Weather-related deaths were also reported in Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois and Vermont.

In Buffalo, officials said it was possible the number could rise.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said Wednesday night that police have cleared the backlog of calls relating to welfare checks, stranded motorists and reports of bodies.

Search and rescue teams were returning Thursday to check locations where bodies had been reported but could not be confirmed — either because of the amount of snow or the vagueness of location, Gramaglia said.

"We believe there were some credible 911 calls that contained more information ... low single digit numbers, that's again why we're going to concentrate our efforts on hitting those areas," he told reporters.

In Erie County, 17 of the people who died in the blizzard were found outside and four were in a vehicle , according to County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

Several people died because of a delay receiving emergency services or from cardiac events related to shoveling or blowing snow. Of the deaths, nine were people who died because they had no heat in their homes, he said.

Poloncarz said in a tweet Wednesday night that 500 National Guard members have conducted nearly 850 welfare checks on residents who had longterm power outages.

Power was being restored to New York, and by early Thursday, about 400 customers in the state were without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us .

In Buffalo, where more than 20,000 customers were without power at one point during the storm, only three had no electricity Wednesday night, according to Brown, the mayor.

On Wednesday, city offices, facilities and roadways opened, as temperatures rose into the 40s across parts of New York.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which has been closed since Friday , reopened Wednesday.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday night that all major state highways in western New York, including the Erie County portion of Interstate 190 and several state routes, would reopen at midnight.

“I am extremely grateful to all the highway maintenance workers, first responders and emergency service staff who continue to work tirelessly to help their fellow New Yorkers," Hochul said in a statement .   

The temperature is expected to continue climbing to the low-50s in the Buffalo region by Friday, and will help melt the accumulated snow, according to the National Weather Service .

Claire Cardona is a breaking news editor for NBC News Digital.

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Driving ban lifted for majority of Erie County, remains in place for Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Erie County has begun lifting a countywide travel ban and as of noon on Tuesday, the only location where a driving ban remains in place is in the City of Buffalo.

Where the ban has been lifted, a travel advisory remains in place and officials ask there be no unnecessary travel.

Several major highways in Western New York have also reopened, you can find the latest information here .

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Travel ban continues in Buffalo

5th UPDATE: Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted :

“The driving ban in the City of Buffalo is expected to remain through today and will be reevaluated in the overnight/early morning based on street clearing progress.”

••••••••

4th UPDATE: On Wednesday morning, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown tweeted :

“PLEASE SHARE! The @NFTAMetro is restoring service to the following bus routes: 4 Broadway 8 Main 24 Genesee 25 Delaware 34 NF Blvd 35 Sheridan 40 Buffalo-NF 50 Buffalo Ave 52 N. End Circulator 55 Pine Ave 59 NCCC Rail service will resume at 11am. Paratransit is still suspended.”

The Buffalo Police Department tweeted:

“BREAKING: Driving Ban remains in effect in Buffalo. There are over 450 pieces of snow fighting equipment on City streets. Please stay off the roads to allow crews to remove & haul snow.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted :

•“Crews are out clearing snow and towing vehicles on Rt. 198 and Rt. 33. The 33 is particularly difficult with the below-grade section having 30ft drifts. @NYSDOTBuffalo is responsible for this route. Even if roads are cleared, a driving ban remains in the City of Buffalo.”

•“The goal is for every road in the City of Buffalo to have one lane open within 24 hrs. The @ErieCountyDPW area of responsibility is on track to have all roads open by 7pm tonight.”

•“There are Military Police out with @ErieCountyDPW crews assisting in traffic control because there are far too many cars out on the road in the City of Buffalo. The driving ban remains in effect for Buffalo”

•"Everyone who called 858-SNOW will be receiving a follow up to ensure safety and well-being."

3rd UPDATE: On Tuesday night, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown tweeted:

“As we continue to clear roads and restore power to residents, Buffalo City Hall will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday). A Driving Ban remains in effect for the City of Buffalo.”

2nd UPDATE: Later on Tuesday morning, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted :

•“UPDATE: The driving ban for the City of Lackawanna has been changed to an advisory. A driving ban REMAINS IN EFFECT for the City of Buffalo.”

Image courtesy of Erie County

Poloncarz added:

•“In regards to opening up Buffalo's streets, our @ErieCountyDPW , @NYSDOT and Bflo have major resources out but the snow is NOT plowable. It must be scooped up and put into dump trucks, then dumped elsewhere. It will take approximately 2 days to open up 1 lane on every city street.”

•“ Our @ErieCountyESU department is coordinating to ensure emergency crews have fuel and supplies have not become an issue. We are also making sure supplies are able to get to grocery stores and keep shelves stocked. Currently, are not hearing reports of any stock issues.”

•“We are in an ongoing State of Emergency and a driving ban remains for the City of Buffalo. You can absolutely go out and walk to check on neighbors, go to open stores, etc. But do not drive.”

•“The Skyway and other parts of Rt. 5, Rt. 33, and Rt. 198 will be closed for some time. The Thruway, 190 and 290 are in the process of being opened. When the 190 opens, DO NOT get off at Buffalo exits. @NYSThruway will be blocking these ramps.”

•“With 50 degree temperatures and rain later this week, we are working with our @NWSBUFFALO partners to monitor the forecast. This is one of the reasons certain streets are targeted for extra clearance to allow for proper drainage of melt water”

•“Vehicles that were towed by Erie County will be at ECC North. Visit http://erie.gov/towedvehicles If your vehicle is not on the list, it was NOT towed by Erie County. Other municipalities are working on their own websites.”

UPDATE: Shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted the following travel update:

“We can announce that the driving ban has been reduced to an advisory for Cheektowaga as of 7am. Bans are still in effect for the City of Buffalo and City of Lackawanna. All of Erie County remains under a State of Emergency.”

On Monday evening, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted the following travel updates:

•“The Driving Ban will be lifted in the Town of Amherst as of 7 pm. The Driving Ban will NOT be lifted for Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Cheektowaga during the overnight hours. Lackawanna and Cheektowaga will be revisited in the morning; Buffalo will continue through tomorrow.”

•“As of 5pm, we have lifted driving bans for the Town and Village of Hamburg, Village of Blasdell, and Town of Clarence; driving advisories remain for all municipalities not under a driving ban. All of Erie County remains under a State of Emergency.”

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