Did you know that the so-called “The Big Five” feature on South African banknotes? The white rhino is printed on the 10 Rand, the elephant on the 20 Rand, the lion on the 50 Rand, the Cape Buffalo on the 100 Rand and the leopard appears on the 200 Rand note. On the back of every note the major South African industries are portrayed. The 100 Rand note features Table Mountain and a group of zebras to symbolize tourism.
The phrase “Big Five” was coined by European hunters in the 19th century and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. The term is still used in most tourist and wildlife guides that discuss African wildlife safaris. The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the danger involved.