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The Independent
9 hours ago
- Science
- The Independent
Tuesday is World Elephant Day. 5 things to know about the world's largest land mammals
Tuesday is World Elephant Day. Here are five things to know about the largest land animals on our planet. Tell them apart by their ears There are three species of elephants: the African savanna or bush elephant, the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant. The African savanna elephant and the Asian elephant are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The forest elephant is critically endangered. The easiest way to tell the difference among the species is the ears. African elephants have larger ears that are shaped, conveniently, like the African continent. African elephants also have two finger-like prehensile extensions at the tips of their trunks to grip things with, while Asian elephants have one. Biggest of the big The African savanna elephant is the biggest of the three species and the largest land animal on Earth. Adult males weigh around 5,000 to 6,000 kilograms, which is 11,000 to 13,000 pounds — or about six tons. Savanna elephants already weigh about 120 kilograms — 265 pounds — when they're born, heavier than your average NFL player. Trunks with thousands of muscles There are around 150,000 muscles in an elephant's trunk, making it an 'incredible piece of equipment,' according to Sean Hensman, an elephant specialist at the Adventures with Elephants sanctuary in South Africa. Because their trunks have no bones, elephants can curl or twist them in all sorts of directions, and even make them shorter or longer. They use them to suck up water to blow into their mouths and to pick up food, or just about anything else they need to do. Too heavy to jump Elephants can't jump. That's because of the enormous weight they are carrying. Elephants need at least three feet on the ground at any one time in order to move. They can, however, stand on their back legs if they need to reach food like fruits or leaves high on a tree. An elephant never forgets? One of the most popular presumptions is that elephants have an incredible memory. That is true, Hensman said. They have a huge temporal lobe — the part of the brain that controls memory. Elephants need a good memory of the locations of numerous food and water sources to survive in some of the harshest climates. ___
Associated Press
9 hours ago
- Science
- Associated Press
Tuesday is World Elephant Day. 5 things to know about the world's largest land mammals
BELA-BELA, South Africa (AP) — Tuesday is World Elephant Day. Here are five things to know about the largest land animals on our planet. Tell them apart by their ears There are three species of elephants: the African savanna or bush elephant, the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant. The African savanna elephant and the Asian elephant are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The forest elephant is critically endangered. The easiest way to tell the difference among the species is the ears. African elephants have larger ears that are shaped, conveniently, like the African continent. African elephants also have two finger-like prehensile extensions at the tips of their trunks to grip things with, while Asian elephants have one. Biggest of the big The African savanna elephant is the biggest of the three species and the largest land animal on Earth. Adult males weigh around 5,000 to 6,000 kilograms, which is 11,000 to 13,000 pounds — or about six tons. Savanna elephants already weigh about 120 kilograms — 265 pounds — when they're born, heavier than your average NFL player. Trunks with thousands of muscles There are around 150,000 muscles in an elephant's trunk, making it an 'incredible piece of equipment,' according to Sean Hensman, an elephant specialist at the Adventures with Elephants sanctuary in South Africa. Because their trunks have no bones, elephants can curl or twist them in all sorts of directions, and even make them shorter or longer. They use them to suck up water to blow into their mouths and to pick up food, or just about anything else they need to do. Too heavy to jump Elephants can't jump. That's because of the enormous weight they are carrying. Elephants need at least three feet on the ground at any one time in order to move. They can, however, stand on their back legs if they need to reach food like fruits or leaves high on a tree. An elephant never forgets? One of the most popular presumptions is that elephants have an incredible memory. That is true, Hensman said. They have a huge temporal lobe — the part of the brain that controls memory. Elephants need a good memory of the locations of numerous food and water sources to survive in some of the harshest climates. ___ AP Africa news:
News18
6 days ago
- Science
- News18
Top 10 Heaviest Animals In The World
Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 19:16 IST Blue Whale: The largest and heaviest animal to have ever lived, reaching up to 150 tons and over 100 feet long. These marine giants feed primarily on tiny krill, consuming up to 4 tons of it daily. (Image: Canva) African Elephant: The heaviest land animal, weighing up to 14,000 pounds. It is known for its intelligence, complex social behaviour, and massive ears that help regulate body temperature. (Image: Canva) Fin Whale: Second only to the blue whale in size, the fin whale can weigh up to 80 tons. It is incredibly fast for its size, earning the nickname "the greyhound of the sea." (Image: Canva) Sperm Whale: The largest toothed predator on Earth, with males weighing up to 125,000 pounds. It is famous for deep diving and its use of echolocation to hunt giant squid. (Image: Canva) Right Whale: They can weigh up to 70 tons and are known for their enormous heads, which make up about a third of their body length. They are slow swimmers and were historically easy targets for whalers. (Image: Canva) Bowhead Whale: They weigh nearly 100 tons and is adapted to life in Arctic waters. It holds the record for the longest-lived mammal, with some individuals estimated to be over 200 years old. (Image: Canva) Asian Elephant: It is slightly smaller than its African cousin, weighing up to 12,000 pounds. It is revered in many cultures and is distinguished by its smaller ears and more domed head. (Image: Canva) White Rhinoceros: Weighing up to 5,000 pounds, the white rhino is the largest of all rhino species. Despite their bulk, they can run up to 30 mph and are crucial for maintaining grassland ecosystems. (Image: Canva) Hippopotamus: Hippos weigh up to 4,000 pounds and spend most of their time in water to keep cool. Although they appear docile, they are highly territorial and considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. (Image: Canva) Indian Bison: The largest wild cattle species, weighing up to 3,300 pounds. Native to South and Southeast Asia, these massive bovines are muscular, shy, and usually found in forested habitats. (Image: Canva)
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
6 animals that are known for their unbelievable weight
When we talk about the animal kingdom, it's usually about speed, hunting skills, or sharp instincts. But there's another side to wildlife that's just as fascinating– size. While some animals grab attention with their looks or behaviour, others stand out simply because of how massive they are. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From deep oceans to forests, some animals stand out simply because of how heavy they are. They may not be the quickest or the most dangerous, but their size plays an important role in nature. Here's a look at six of the heaviest animals in the world– creatures you won't forget once you know their weight! Blue Whale The blue whale isn't just the heaviest animal alive– it's the heaviest animal in Earth's history. Found in oceans across the globe, a fully grown blue whale can weigh between 130 to 150 tonnes. Surprisingly, they survive by eating tiny krill and often travel long distances while migrating. Whale Shark The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and can weigh around 18 to 20 tonnes. These giants are slow-moving and usually found in warm, tropical waters. Even with their massive size, they're completely harmless to humans and are often seen swimming near the surface, feeding on plankton and small fish. African Elephant The African elephant is the heaviest land animal, with adult males often weighing over 10 tonnes. Found in different parts of Africa, they're known for their intelligence, close family groups, and long lives. They also help shape their environment by knocking down trees and digging water holes that benefit other animals too. White Rhinoceros The white rhino can weigh up to 4.5 tonnes, making it one of the bulkiest land animals after elephants. Known for their wide mouths and grazing habits, white rhinos are mostly found in parts of southern Africa. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While their numbers are more stable than other rhino species, they still face threats from poaching. Hippopotamus The hippopotamus usually weighs between 3 to 4.5 tonnes and is mostly found in rivers and lakes across Africa. Though herbivores by diet, hippos are known for being highly territorial and are considered one of the most dangerous animals on the continent. Southern Elephant Seal Among seals, the male southern elephant seal stands out for its massive size, weighing close to 4 tonnes. Found in colder parts of the Southern Hemisphere, especially near Antarctica, these seals are known for their deep-sea diving abilities and loud roars during mating season.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
This animal's heart is the size of a small car
Let's be honest — there's something incredibly fascinating about huge animals. Whether it's the sheer length of a blue whale slicing through the ocean or the towering presence of a giraffe strolling across the savanna, these oversized beings capture our imagination like no other. So, let's dive into the world of giants — from the deep sea to dry land — and get to know the planet's most colossal creatures. 1. The Blue Whale If size alone could win awards, the blue whale would be an undisputed champion. These magnificent marine mammals are the largest animals not just alive today but in all of Earth's history — yes, even bigger than the dinosaurs. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO Can grow up to: 100 feet long Weighs up to: 200 tons Found in: Almost all oceans except the Arctic Fun fact: A blue whale's heart is literally the size of a small car. It beats slowly and powerfully, just like the whale gliding through the deep blue. And yet, it survives on krill — those tiny, shrimp-like creatures. 2. African Elephant When it comes to the land, nothing beats the African bush elephant in size and presence. These majestic beings roam across Africa, commanding both respect and curiosity. Stands as tall as: 13 feet at the shoulder Weighs about: 12 tons Lives in: African savannas, forests, and deserts Their giant ears, tusks, and strong social bonds make them unforgettable. Plus, they play a crucial role in maintaining their ecosystem — like knocking down trees to make paths for other animals or digging for water that others can use. 3. Saltwater Crocodile If you're into ancient, armored predators, the saltwater crocodile is the real deal. These reptiles haven't changed much since the time of dinosaurs — and they're still absolutely massive. Can grow up to: 23 feet long Weighs about: 2,200 pounds Found in: Southeast Asia and Northern Australia With one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, these creatures are both feared and revered. But unless you're venturing into their waters, you're probably safe! No animal sees the world from a higher vantage point than this spotted stunner. (Source: Freepik) 4. Giraffe Graceful, tall, and unmistakable — the giraffe is nature's high-rise. No animal sees the world from a higher vantage point than this spotted stunner. Can reach up to: 19 feet in height Weighs around: 2,800 pounds Roams across: African grasslands and woodlands Their long necks help them nibble leaves way up in trees, and their height also gives them an edge in spotting predators. Their calm eyes and gentle steps make them one of the most beloved animals out there. 5. Whale Shark Don't be fooled by the name — while the whale shark is enormous, it's also completely harmless. It's actually the largest fish in the world, and one of the ocean's friendliest giants. Grows up to: 40 feet long Can weigh: 20 tons Prefers: Warm tropical oceans With their dotted skin and wide mouths, they glide through the ocean filtering plankton, not hunting prey. If you're lucky, you might even get to snorkel beside one — an experience that stays with you forever. 6. Ostrich Flight? Not really. Speed? Absolutely. The ostrich may be grounded, but it's the largest bird on the planet — and the fastest one on two legs. Stands up to: 9 feet tall Weighs up to: 320 pounds Lives in: Africa's dry regions Their eggs are the largest of any living animal, and when they run — they run. Think 60 km/h (about 37 mph)! They're living proof that you don't need to fly to be impressive. 7. Colossal Squid Last but certainly not least, we head into the chilly depths of the Southern Ocean to find a creature shrouded in mystery — the colossal squid. Estimated to be up to: 46 feet long Weighs around: 1,500 pounds Lurks in: Deep Antarctic waters Rarely seen by humans, this squid has hooks on its tentacles and eyes as large as soccer balls. It's as much a legend as it is a living creature, and we still don't know everything about it. Why These Giants Matter These animals are more than just big — they're vital to the planet. Whether they're fertilizing the soil, balancing food chains, or drawing attention to conservation, they play irreplaceable roles in nature. And let's be real — they also remind us just how amazing life on Earth can be.
