7 Heaviest Animals in The World

The animal kingdom is teeming with diverse creatures of all shapes and sizes, but some stand out for their sheer mass and grandeur. From the mysterious depths of the ocean to the expansive plains of the savanna, these titans of the natural world capture our imagination and awe. 

Do you know which animal holds the title of the heaviest on the planet? Join us as we explore the seven heaviest animals in the world and prepare to be amazed by the colossal wonders of nature!

7 Heaviest Animals in The World

1: Blue Whale

The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)—the giant of our oceans—holds the title of the heaviest animal on Earth. An adult blue whale can weigh between 2 lakh pounds and 3 lakh pounds (100 and 150 tons). According to BBC Earth, the weight of one adult whale is equal to 40 elephants. 

This weight is due to several factors, including their massive size, blubber, and high bone density. Some individuals have been recorded to weigh 185-190 tons (3,70,000 pounds). The heaviest blue whale on record was a female weighing 4,18,878 pounds (190 tonnes), equivalent to 30 elephants or 2,500 people. Furthermore, a baby whale can weigh 3 tons at birth, gaining 200 pounds every day during the first year of its life.

Not only this, but their anatomy also dramatically affects their weight. The heart of a blue whale alone can weigh as much as a small car, around 400 pounds. They have large lungs capable of holding approximately 5,000 liters of air. Their tongue can weigh as much as an elephant, about 5,952 pounds. They also have dense bones, contributing significantly to their weight.

2: Elephants

The largest species, African elephants, typically weigh around 12,000 pounds, Asian elephants weigh about 8818 pounds, and African forest elephants weigh about 8800-15000 pounds.

Elephants are among the heaviest land animals, with their massive weight due to several factors, including their large size, muscular build, and dense bone structure. The heaviest elephant recorded till now was an adult male African savannah elephant, weighing nearly 24,000 pounds. 

3: Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros are one of the heaviest animals on earth, it has five species — White Rhinoceros, Black Rhinoceros, Indian Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros, and Sumatran rhinoceros. 

• White Rhinoceros(Ceratotherium simum): Average weight is around 7700 pounds. The largest white rhino recorded was about 10,100 pounds.
• Indian Rhinoceros(Rhinoceros unicornis): The average weight is between 4000 and 6000 pounds.
• Black Rhinoceros(Diceros bicornis): The average weight varies from 1760 to 3080 pounds.
• Javan Rhinoceros(Rhinoceros sondaicus): The average weight is about 5000 pounds.
• Sumatran Rhinoceros(Dicerorhinus sumatrensis): The smallest rhinos weigh between 1,320 and 2,090 pounds.

4: Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus is a member of the family Hippopotamidae and the genus Hippopotamus. Male hippos typically weigh between 3,500 and 9,920 pounds, while females average around 3,000 pounds.

They possess a large body mass, thick skin of about 2 inches, and dense bones. The heaviest hippo to date was Mubarak, a male from Aswan Botanical Garden, who weighed 9,920 pounds.

5: Elephant Seal

The elephant seal, one of the heaviest animals on Earth, belongs to the genus Mirounga and the family Phocidae. There are two species: the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) and the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). 

• The northern elephant seal weighs about 3360 pounds to 5070 pounds
• The southern elephant seal weighs around 770 pounds to 1900 pounds.

6: Giraffe

Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) hold the title of the tallest animal and cement their position in the top 7 heaviest animals. 

Male giraffes can weigh around 2600 pounds, while females typically weigh about 1800 pounds. Sivatherium is the heaviest giraffe to date, weighing around 3000 pounds. Its long legs, long necks, and dense bones are the reason for its heavyweight.

7: Saltwater crocodile

The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest and one of the heaviest living reptiles. Adult male saltwater crocodiles typically weigh between 900 and 1,7000 pounds. Females are significantly smaller, usually weighing around 240 pounds to 440 pounds. The heaviest saltwater crocodile, which held the Guinness world record for the world’s largest crocodile in captivity, was approximately 2370 pounds.

Conclusion

Embarking on a journey to discover the heaviest animals on Earth listed above is a gateway to understanding their diversity and body anatomy, both of which are intricately tied to their body weight. These colossal creatures, ranging from the awe-inspiring blue whale to the majestic giraffe, are living proof of nature’s infinite variety. 

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