Top 10 Biggest Animals in the World [Updated List 2024]

The biggest Animal in the world is The Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus ssp. Intermedia) which weighs 400,000 pounds (approximately. 33 elephants) and its length is 98 feet.

The topic of the top biggest animals in the world captivates both experts and laypeople alike. These massive creatures are a testament to the diversity and adaptability of life on Earth, and they have played important roles in both natural systems and human cultures throughout history.

Many of the biggest animals in the world are also some of the most endangered. So in this article, we are going to discuss the top 10 biggest animals.

Here is a list of the top 10 biggest (largest) animals in the world, based on various aspects of size:

1. Blue Whale (Up to 100 feet long)
2. African Elephant (Up to 13 feet tall)
3. Giraffe (Up to 19 feet tall)
4. Hippopotamus (Up to 16 feet long)
5. Polar Bear (Up to 10 feet long)
6. Saltwater Crocodile (Up to 23 feet long)
7. Ostrich (Up to 9 feet tall)
8. Grizzly Bear (Up to 8 feet tall)
9. Giant Squid (Up to 40 feet long)
10. Whale Shark (Up to 40 feet long)

1. World’s Biggest Animal: Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

Blue Whale

• Common Name: Blue Whale
• Scientific Name: Balaenoptera musculus
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Cetacea
• Family: Balaenopteridae
• Habitat: Oceans Worldwide, often preferring deep waters.
• Size: Upto 100 feet long (30 meters) on average and weighing as much as 200 tons.
• Diet: Their primary diet consists mainly of krill, small shrimp-like creatures, which they filter through baleen plates in their mouths.
• Distinctive Features: Enormous size, Heart, Tongue and Baleen plates.
• Conservation Status: Blue Whales are classified as an endangered species.

The Blue Whale is the largest mammal or animal on Earth. They can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) in length and weigh as much as 200 tons (180 metric tonnes). Blue Whales are found in all of the world’s oceans, but they are most commonly found in the colder waters of the Arctic and Antarctic. Despite their enormous size, Blue Whales primarily feed on tiny shrimp-like animals called krill, which they filter out of the seawater using their baleen plates. They are also capable of diving to great depths, up to 2,000 feet (600 meters) or more, in search of food. Blue Whales are classified as an endangered species, with their populations having been severely depleted by hunting in the past.

2. Second Biggest Animal in the World: Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)

Whale Shark

• Common Name: Whale Shark
• Scientific Name: Rhincodon typus
• Class: Chondrichthyes
• Order: Orectolobiformes
• Family: Rhincodontidae
• Habitat: Whale Sharks are primarily found in warm, tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.
• Size: They can grow up to lengths exceeding 40 feet (12 meters) on average.
• Diet: Despite their massive size, Whale Sharks are filter feeders and primarily consume plankton, including small fish, copepods, krill, and other small organisms.
• Distinctive Features: Enormous size, Unique pattern, Filter feeding mechanism and Gentle nature.
• Conservation Status: Whale Sharks are classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.

In tropical and warm oceans throughout the world, there is a species of shark called the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). They can reach a length of 40 feet (12 meters), weigh up to 20,000 pounds (9000 kg), and are the largest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks are characterized by their large size, broad flat head, and wide mouth. They have a pattern of white spots and vertical stripes on their grey or brown skin. They have a broad, flat head, with two small eyes and a wide mouth that can be up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide. They are filter feeders and mainly feed on plankton, small fish and macro-algae.

3. World’s Third Biggest Animal: African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana)

African Elephant

• Common Name: African Elephant
• Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Proboscidea
• Family: Elephantidae
• Habitat: Found in various habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, forests, marshes, and deserts.
• Size: Upto 10-13 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh between 10,000 to 14,000 pounds.
• Diet: African Elephants are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation including grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark.
• Distinctive Features: Large tusks, Trunk, Ears and Social behavior.
• Conservation Status: African Elephants are listed as vulnerable.

The African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) is the largest land animal in Africa and one of the largest in the world. They are known for their large size, long trunks, and large ears. African elephants are native to sub-Saharan Africa and are found in 37 countries, primarily in savannas, grasslands, and forests. Adult males can weigh up to 6,000 kg (13,227 lbs) and stand up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall at the shoulder. Adult females are slightly smaller and can weigh up to 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) and stand up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) tall. They have thick grey skin and long tusks that grow throughout their lives. African elephants are herbivores and eat a variety of plants, including grasses, fruit, and leaves. They need to eat a large amount of food, up to 300 pounds a day, to sustain their large body size.

4. Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Giraffe

• Common Name: Giraffe
• Scientific Name: Giraffa camelopardalis
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Giraffidae
• Habitat: Native to various savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Size: Typically reaching heights ranging from 14 to 18 feet (4.3 to 5.5 meters) tall.
• Diet: Their diet primarily consists of leaves, shoots, and twigs from acacia trees and other vegetation.
• Distinctive Features: Long neck, Unique pattern, Long legs, and Prehensile tongue.
• Conservation Status: Giraffes are currently listed as vulnerable to extinction.

The giraffe is another large mammal that is native to Africa. It is the tallest land animal in the world, with males standing up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) tall, and females reaching up to 4.5 meters (about 15 feet) in height. Giraffes have very long neck which is made up of only seven vertebrae, which are elongated to allow them to reach leaves and branches that other animals can’t. This long neck also makes giraffes easily recognizable animals. They use their necks for fighting during mating season as well as a tool to reach food and leaves, they can eat leaves even from trees at a height of 18 feet.

5. Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

Hippopotamus

• Common Name: Hippopotamus
• Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Hippopotamidae
• Habitat: Hippos are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and swamps.
• Size: Weigh between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds (1,360 to 1,814 kilograms) and stand about 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) tall at the shoulder.
• Diet: Hippos are herbivores, feeding mainly on grass and aquatic plants.
• Distinctive Features: Massive size, Unique skin, Large tusks and canines and Semi-aquatic lifestyle.
• Conservation Status: Hippopotamuses are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss.

One of the biggest animals on land is the hippopotamus, or “hippo,” as it is commonly referred to. Hippos can grow to a length of 4 meters (13 feet) and a weight of 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds). They are herbivorous aquatic animals that spend most of their time in swamps, lakes, and rivers. Hippos have recognizable barrel-shaped bodies and enormous heads with pointed teeth. They are among the most dangerous animals in Africa because they have a reputation for being extremely territorial and violent. They are widespread across several African nations, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.

6. Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

Saltwater Crocodile

• Common Name: Saltwater Crocodile
• Scientific Name: Crocodylus porosus
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodylia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Habitat: Saltwater Crocodiles inhabit brackish and freshwater regions in Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, and parts of the eastern coast of India.
• Size: Adult males reaching lengths of 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) on average.
• Diet: Saltwater Crocodiles are apex predators and opportunistic feeders, preying on various animals including fish, birds, mammals (such as monkeys or deer), and even other reptiles.
• Distinctive Features: Powerful jaws, Salt glands, Armored scales and Webbed feet.
• Conservation Status: Saltwater Crocodiles are listed as a species of least concern in terms of conservation status.

The Indo-Pacific region’s coastlines are home to the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus), a type of crocodile that lives in saltwater environments like estuaries, mangroves, and lagoons. They are sometimes referred to as salties, sea crocodiles, or estuarine crocodiles. Adult saltwater crocodiles can grow to a maximum length of 6 meters (20 feet) and a maximum weight of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lbs). They have the largest head with the strongest jaws of any reptile in the world, a long, thick tail, and a body that is strongly armored. They have a rough, scaled hide that is either dark grey or brown in hue.

7. Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)

Polar Bear

• Common Name: Polar Bear
• Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Ursidae
• Habitat: Polar Bears primarily inhabit the Arctic region, ranging across the Arctic Ocean, sea ice, islands, and coastlines of the northern polar region.
• Size: Weigh between 900 to 1,600 pounds (410 to 730 kilograms) and measure around 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) in length.
• Diet: Polar Bears are carnivorous apex predators, with their diet primarily consisting of seals, particularly ringed and bearded seals.
• Distinctive Features: White fur, Large body size, Excellent swimmers and Strong sense of smell.
• Conservation Status: Polar Bears are classified as vulnerable due to the ongoing loss of sea ice, which affects their ability to hunt and find food.

Adult polar bears can weigh up to 600 kg (1,323 lbs) and measure up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) long. They are found primarily in the Arctic region, in areas such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. Polar bears have thick, white fur and a layer of blubber that helps them stay warm in the harsh Arctic climate. They are excellent swimmers and are known to swim long distances in the Arctic Ocean. They are carnivorous and their diet primarily consists of seals, which they hunt by waiting for them to come up through the holes in the ice.

8. Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Ostrich

• Common Name: Ostrich
• Scientific Name: Struthio camelus
• Class: Aves
• Order: Struthioniformes
• Family: Struthionidae
• Habitat: Ostriches are native to the savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid regions of Africa.
• Size: Adult males standing around 7 to 9 feet (2.1 to 2.7 meters) tall and weighing between 220 to 350 pounds (100 to 160 kilograms).
• Diet: Ostriches are omnivores, primarily feeding on plants like roots, seeds, leaves, and flowers.
• Distinctive Features: Long legs and neck, Flightless, Strong, sturdy feet and Feather patterns.
• Conservation Status: The common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is not considered globally threatened.

Large and unable to fly, the ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a native of Africa. Adult males can grow to 2.8 meters (9 feet) in height and weigh up to 150 kilograms (330 lbs), making it the tallest and heaviest bird in the world . Although significantly smaller, adult females can weigh up to 100 kg (220 lbs). Ostriches are characterized by their long necks and legs, short heads, and big, spherical bodies. Their legs and cheeks are bare, and pink and they have black feathers. Ostriches have a fast running speed—up to 45 miles per hour—and can cover a lot of ground quickly.

9. Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)

Grizzly Bear

• Common Name: Grizzly Bear
• Scientific Name: Ursus arctos horribilis
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Ursidae
• Habitat: Grizzly Bears are found in various habitats across North America, including forests, meadows, tundra, and mountains.
• Size: Weigh between 300 to 1,500 pounds (135 to 680 kilograms) and stand approximately 6.5 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) tall.
• Diet: Grizzly Bears are omnivorous, with a diet that includes berries, nuts, roots, insects, fish, small mammals, and occasionally larger prey like deer or elk.
• Distinctive Features: Shoulder hump, Long claws, Brown fur with grizzled appearance and Prominent facial profile.
• Conservation Status: Grizzly Bears are listed as a species of “Least Concern” globally.

A brown bear subspecies found in North America is the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis). They are also referred to as silvertip bears or North American brown bears. Primarily prevalent in Alaska and Canada, they can also be found in some areas of the continental United States, such as Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Grizzly bears are big animals that can grow to be 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) long and weigh up to 600 kg (1,320 lbs). They are distinguished by the hump on their shoulders, the length of their claws, and the form of their face. Although they can also be blonde or black, they are often dark brown.

10. Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux)

Giant Squid

• Common Name: Giant Squid
• Scientific Name: Architeuthis dux
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Teuthida
• Family: Architeuthidae
• Habitat: Giant Squids are deep-sea creatures, inhabiting the ocean’s depths worldwide, often found in the dark, deep waters of the open ocean.
• Size: They reach sizes of up to 43 feet (13 meters) or even larger.
• Diet: Their diet primarily consists of fish and other squid species.
• Distinctive Features: Enormous size, Tentacles and arms, Bioluminescence and Elusive nature.
• Conservation Status: Due to their elusive nature and habitat in the deep sea, the specific conservation status of the Giant Squid is not precisely defined.

Giant squid (Architeuthis dux). It is a species of deep-ocean-dwelling squid that can grow to be extremely large. They are considered one of the largest invertebrates in the world, with some specimens measuring up to 43 feet (13 meters) in length and weighing up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg). Giant squids have a characteristic long cylindrical body with a distinctive head, large eyes, eight arms and two longer tentacles that are lined with hundreds of suckers. These tentacles are used to catch prey and help the giant squid move through the water. They also have a pair of fins located at the back of the body that help them swim. They are known to be deep-sea creatures and found at depths ranging from 330 to 9,800 feet (100-3,000 meters).

Other Important Article:

• Top 15+ World’s Biggest Birds in World
• World’s Largest Sea Bird
• List of All Wild Animals
• Wildlife in India

Conclusion

So the top 10 largest animals in the world are discussed above. These animals are found in different parts of the world, with habitats ranging from the Arctic to the African savannah, and oceans.

All of them are unique in terms of their physical characteristics, diet, and behavior. However, many of them face threats such as hunting, habitat destruction, and human activities that put them at risk. Conservation efforts are being made to protect these animals and their habitats, with some species considered success stories while others are still critically endangered.

Biggest Animal in the World – FAQs

Q. How are the sizes of these animals measured?

The sizes of these animals are typically measured by their weight and length. For example, the blue whale can weigh as much as 200 tons (about 440,000 pounds) and grow up to 100 feet (about 30 meters) long.

Q. What is the largest animal to ever exist?

Blue whale is the the largest animal to ever exist.

Q. What is the largest land animal in the world?

The African elephant is considered to be the largest land animal in the world. Adult males can weigh up to 6,000 kg (13,227 lbs) and stand up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall at the shoulder.

Q. What is the largest aquatic animal in the world?

The Blue Whale is considered to be the largest aquatic animal in the world. It can weigh as much as 200 tons (about 440,000 pounds) and grow up to 100 feet (about 30 meters) long.

Q. What are some of the threats facing these animals?

Many of the animals on this list are facing threats such as hunting, habitat loss, and pollution. For example, the population of African elephants has been severely depleted by hunting for ivory tusks, and the polar bear’s habitat is shrinking due to global warming.

Q. Which is the smallest animal in the world?

The smallest animal in the world is considered to be the bumblebee bat (Craseonycteridae), also known as the bumblebee bat or Kitti’s hog-nosed bat.