In this article i’ll show Top 11 Tallest Terrestrial Animals In The World. Have you ever been on an African safari, visited a zoo, or explored nonfiction books about animals? If so, you’re probably aware that there are several creatures on Earth that surpass human height by a significant margin. So, which animals claim the title of tallest, and how towering are they? Join me as we discover some of the world’s tallest land animals that coexist with us humans.
Table of Contents
- 11. Hippopotamus
- 10. African buffalo
- 9. Rhinoceros
- 8. Bison
- 7. Camels
- 6. Horses
- 5. Moose
- 4. Brown bear
- 3. Ostriches
- 2. Elephant
- 1. Giraffe
- Conclusion
11. Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus, or “hippo” for short, is a large semi-aquatic mammal that is found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the largest land animals in the world, with males weighing up to 3,200 kilograms (7,000 pounds) and females weighing up to 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds).
Hippopotamuses have short legs and a large, bulky body that is mostly hairless. They have a wide, flat head and a mouth full of large teeth that are used for biting and grinding tough vegetation. Despite their size, hippos are surprisingly agile and can run up to 30 kilometers (19 miles) per hour on land.
In terms of height, hippos are quite short compared to their weight. An adult hippopotamus stands around 1.3 to 1.5 meters (4.3 to 4.9 feet) tall at the shoulder, which is roughly the height of an average adult human. However, when hippos open their jaws wide, their height can appear to be much taller, as their mouth can extend up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide.
Hippos are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants and grasses. They are known to be quite aggressive and territorial, especially when it comes to protecting their young. Despite their formidable size, hippos are also preyed upon by crocodiles and lions.
Overall, the hippopotamus is a fascinating and unique animal, known for its massive size, powerful jaws, and semi-aquatic lifestyle.
10. African buffalo
The African buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo, is a large bovine that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the “big five” game animals that are popular with hunters and safari-goers, along with the lion, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros.
African buffalo are massive animals, with males weighing up to 910 kilograms (2,000 pounds) and females weighing up to 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds). They have a large, muscular body and a broad head with curved horns that can reach up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length.
In terms of height, African buffalo stand around 1.1 to 1.5 meters (3.6 to 4.9 feet) tall at the shoulder. This makes them slightly shorter than a hippopotamus, but still quite imposing. They have a shaggy, black coat that helps to protect them from the sun and insects, and their large, sharp hooves are adapted for traversing rough terrain.
African buffalo are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other vegetation. They are known for their strong social bonds, and are often found in large herds of up to several hundred individuals. Despite their size and formidable horns, they are preyed upon by lions and hyenas, and can be quite aggressive when threatened.
Overall, the African buffalo is a fascinating and iconic animal that is a symbol of Africa’s wildlife heritage. Their massive size and impressive horns make them a sight to behold, and their social nature and resilience in the face of predators make them a true survivor in the African savannah.
9. Rhinoceros
The rhinoceros, or “rhino” for short, is a large, herbivorous mammal that is found in parts of Africa and Asia. There are five different species of rhino, each with its own unique characteristics and range.
Rhinos are massive animals, with males weighing up to 2,300 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and females weighing up to 1,700 kilograms (3,700 pounds). They have a short, stocky body and a large, horned head that is used for defense and digging.
In terms of height, rhinos stand around 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) tall at the shoulder, which is roughly the height of a tall human. However, their long, curved horns can add another 60 centimeters (2 feet) to their overall height. Rhinos have a thick, armored skin that helps protect them from predators, and their massive size and strength make them one of the most formidable animals in the wild.
Rhinos are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. They are known for their solitary nature, with adult males typically living alone and females only coming together in small groups to mate and care for their young. Despite their size and power, rhinos are also preyed upon by lions and other large predators, and are unfortunately under threat from habitat loss and poaching.
Overall, the rhinoceros is a magnificent and unique animal that is a symbol of the wildness and beauty of the natural world. Their impressive size and strength make them a sight to behold, and their role in the ecosystem as herbivores and seed dispersers is crucial to the health of their habitat.
8. Bison
The bison, also known as the American buffalo, is a large, herbivorous mammal that is native to North America. It is one of the most iconic and important animals in American history, and was once an essential part of the ecosystem and culture of the Great Plains.
Bison are massive animals, with males weighing up to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) and females weighing up to 450 kilograms (1,000 pounds). They have a large, stocky body and a broad head with curved horns that can reach up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) in length.
In terms of height, bison stand around 1.7 to 2 meters (5.5 to 6.5 feet) tall at the shoulder, making them one of the tallest land animals in North America. They have a shaggy, brown coat that helps protect them from the cold, and their large, cloven hooves are adapted for traversing rough terrain.
Bison are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other vegetation. They are known for their strong social bonds, and are often found in large herds of up to several hundred individuals. Bison were once a key component of the Great Plains ecosystem, helping to shape the landscape through their grazing and trampling. However, they were nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and are now considered a conservation success story after being brought back from the brink of extinction.
Overall, the bison is a magnificent and symbolic animal that represents the natural heritage of North America. Their massive size and impressive horns make them a sight to behold, and their role in shaping the Great Plains ecosystem cannot be overstated. Today, bison are protected and revered, and are an important part of American culture and history.
7. Camels
Camels are large, herbivorous mammals that are found in desert and semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. There are two species of camel: the dromedary, which has a single hump, and the Bactrian camel, which has two humps.
Camels are well adapted to their harsh, arid environments, and are known for their ability to store water and withstand long periods of drought. They are also known for their distinctive appearance, with a long, curved neck, a hump or humps on their back, and large, padded feet that help them traverse the soft sand.
In terms of height, camels stand around 1.8 to 2 meters (6 to 6.5 feet) tall at the shoulder. They have a long, slender body and a relatively small head, with large, expressive eyes and long eyelashes that help protect them from the sun and sand.
Camels are primarily herbivores, feeding on tough desert vegetation such as thorny shrubs and dried grasses. They are also able to go for long periods without food or water, thanks to their ability to store fat in their humps and conserve water through their urine and feces.
Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years, and are used for transportation, milk, meat, and wool in many parts of the world. They are also an important cultural and religious symbol in many societies, and have played a key role in the history and economy of the Middle East and North Africa.
Overall, camels are fascinating and unique animals that are well adapted to their harsh desert environments. Their distinctive appearance and resilience have made them an important part of many cultures and economies, and they continue to be revered and appreciated today.
6. Horses
Horses are large, hoofed mammals that are known for their grace, strength, and speed. They are domesticated animals that have been bred and trained for various purposes, including transportation, agriculture, sport, and entertainment.
In terms of height, horses can vary greatly depending on their breed, but on average they stand around 1.4 to 1.8 meters (4.5 to 6 feet) tall at the shoulder. However, some breeds, such as the Clydesdale and Shire horses, can reach heights of over 2 meters (6.5 feet) at the shoulder.
Horses have a long, slender body and a distinctive, elongated head with large, expressive eyes and a flowing mane and tail. They have strong, powerful legs and hooves that are adapted for running and jumping, and are known for their agility and speed.
Horses are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other vegetation. They are social animals that often live in herds, and are known for their strong bonds with their herd mates and their human handlers. Horses have been domesticated for thousands of years, and are used for a wide range of purposes, including transportation, agriculture, sport, and therapy.
Overall, horses are magnificent animals that have played a significant role in human history and culture. Their strength, speed, and beauty have made them popular as working animals, sports competitors, and companions. Whether galloping through a field or trotting down a city street, horses are a symbol of freedom, power, and grace.
5. Moose
The moose, also known as the elk in Europe, is a large, herbivorous mammal that is native to the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is the largest member of the deer family and is known for its impressive size and unique appearance.
In terms of height, moose stand around 1.8 to 2.1 meters (6 to 7 feet) tall at the shoulder, making them one of the tallest land animals in North America. They have a long, slender body and a broad, flat head with a large, bulbous nose and wide, flat antlers that can span up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) across.
Moose are herbivores, feeding primarily on woody plants, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. They are excellent swimmers and can dive up to 5 meters (16 feet) underwater to feed on aquatic plants. Moose are also known for their impressive speed and agility, and can run up to 56 kilometers per hour (35 miles per hour).
Moose are solitary animals, except during the mating season when males will compete for the attention of females. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and tundra, and are well adapted to living in cold, snowy environments.
Moose have played an important role in human culture and mythology, and are revered for their strength and beauty. They are also important game animals and are hunted for their meat, antlers, and hides. However, their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, and they are now protected in many regions.
Overall, the moose is a fascinating and impressive animal that represents the natural heritage of the northern regions of the world. Their towering size and unique antlers make them a sight to behold, and their role in shaping the ecosystems in which they live cannot be overstated.
4. Brown bear
The brown bear, also known as the grizzly bear in North America, is a large carnivorous mammal that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. They are one of the most iconic animals in the world and are known for their impressive size, strength, and distinctive appearance.
In terms of height, adult male brown bears can stand up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller at around 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall. However, their size and weight can vary greatly depending on their age, diet, and habitat.
Brown bears have a distinctive hump of muscle on their shoulders and a broad, flat head with a large, powerful jaw and sharp teeth. They have thick fur that can range in color from light brown to dark brown, and are known for their keen sense of smell and excellent hearing.
Brown bears are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including fish, berries, nuts, and small mammals. They are also known to scavenge for food and will sometimes attack larger prey, such as elk or bison.
Brown bears are solitary animals, except during the mating season when males will compete for the attention of females. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and tundra, and are well adapted to living in cold, snowy environments.
Despite their size and strength, brown bears are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect brown bear populations and their habitats, and many national parks and wildlife reserves have been established to provide sanctuary for these magnificent animals.
Overall, the brown bear is a powerful and awe-inspiring animal that represents the natural heritage of the wild places where they live. Their size, strength, and beauty have captured the human imagination for centuries, and their role in shaping the ecosystems in which they live cannot be overstated.
3. Ostriches
The ostrich is a large flightless bird that is native to Africa. It is the largest bird in the world and is known for its impressive height and unique appearance.
In terms of height, adult ostriches can stand up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall and weigh up to 160 kilograms (350 pounds). They have long, powerful legs and a small head with a long neck. Their body is covered in soft, fluffy feathers, while their legs and neck are covered in bare skin.
Ostriches are herbivores, feeding primarily on plants, seeds, and insects. They are also known to swallow small stones and pebbles to aid in the digestion of their food.
Ostriches are social animals and live in groups called flocks. They are found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and desert regions. Ostriches are well adapted to living in hot, arid environments and can survive for long periods without water.
Ostriches are also known for their impressive speed and agility. They are capable of running up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour) and can cover great distances in a short period of time. Their long, powerful legs allow them to take long strides and maintain their speed over rough terrain.
Overall, the ostrich is a fascinating and impressive animal that represents the natural heritage of Africa. Their towering height and unique appearance make them a sight to behold, and their speed and agility are a testament to their survival in the harsh environments in which they live.
2. Elephant
The elephant is the largest land animal on earth and is known for its impressive size, strength, and intelligence. There are two species of elephant: the African elephant and the Asian elephant, with the African elephant being the largest of the two.
In terms of height, adult elephants can stand up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 6,000 kilograms (13,000 pounds). They have thick, gray skin that is covered in wrinkles, a long trunk that is used for breathing, smelling, and grasping objects, and long, curved tusks that are used for defense and foraging.
Elephants are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, bark, and fruits. They are also known to have a unique ability to detect and locate water sources over long distances.
Elephants are social animals and live in groups called herds, which are led by a dominant female known as the matriarch. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, and are well adapted to living in harsh environments.
In addition to their size and strength, elephants are known for their impressive intelligence and emotional capacity. They have a complex social structure, communicate with each other through vocalizations and body language, and have been observed showing empathy and mourning the loss of their herd members.
Unfortunately, elephants are also threatened by habitat loss, poaching for their ivory tusks, and other human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect elephant populations and their habitats, and many countries have established national parks and wildlife reserves to provide sanctuary for these magnificent animals.
Overall, the elephant is a symbol of strength, intelligence, and resilience, and represents the natural heritage of the wild places where they live. Their towering height and impressive presence make them a sight to behold, and their role in shaping the ecosystems in which they live cannot be overstated.
1. Giraffe
The giraffe is a unique and iconic animal known for its long neck and legs, which make it the tallest mammal in the world. Giraffes are native to Africa and are found in savannah and woodland habitats.
In terms of height, adult giraffes can stand up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) tall, with males being taller than females. Their necks alone can measure up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) long, and their legs can be up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) long. Despite their height, giraffes only have seven vertebrae in their necks, the same number as most other mammals.
Giraffes have a distinctive spotted pattern on their coats, which helps to camouflage them in their natural habitat. They have long, flexible tongues that they use to grasp and pull leaves from tall trees, their primary source of food. Giraffes are herbivores and can eat up to 75 pounds of vegetation a day.
Giraffes are social animals and live in groups called towers. These groups are typically made up of females and their young, while males tend to live alone or in small groups. Giraffes communicate with each other through a variety of sounds and postures, including grunts, snorts, and necking, which involves males swinging their necks and heads at each other in displays of dominance.
Despite their impressive size, giraffes are vulnerable to predators such as lions and hyenas. To defend themselves, giraffes can deliver powerful kicks with their long legs.
Giraffes are currently listed as a vulnerable species, with population numbers declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect giraffe populations and their habitats, including the establishment of protected areas and wildlife corridors.
Overall, the giraffe is a fascinating and unique animal that represents the diversity and wonder of the natural world. Their towering height and distinctive appearance make them a symbol of the wild places in which they live, and their role in shaping their ecosystems cannot be overstated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these animals – hippopotamuses, African buffaloes, rhinoceroses, bison, camels, horses, moose, brown bears, ostriches, elephants, and giraffes – are all magnificent creatures with unique features that make them fascinating and awe-inspiring. They represent the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and their importance in maintaining the balance of ecosystems cannot be overstated. However, many of these animals are also facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities. It is up to us to work towards their conservation and protection, so that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from these remarkable animals.