THE 10 MAIN HERBIVOROUS ANIMALS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - BIOLOGY - 2025

Among the herbivores are the gorilla, kangaroo, bison, camel, elephant, hippo, panda bear and giraffe. Herbivorous animals are those that eat plants.

Their populations are generally concentrated in habitats where their food is produced more easily.

The 10 most outstanding herbivores

1- Kangaroo

Kangaroos feed on grass and shrubs. These species, belonging to the macropodinae subfamily, are the only ones among the animals that move by jumping.

They can jump between 20 and 72 kilometers per hour.

2- Bison

The bison belongs to the bovine family, is the national animal of the United States, and can be found in North America and Europe.

Despite being large and heavy, this animal can run at speeds of around 40 kilometers per hour.

3- Zebra

This animal can be found in Africa. It feeds on herbs, flowers, leaves, and tree bark.

It is recognized by its white color, with a pattern of vertical black stripes along its entire body. They inhabit the plains with abundant grass.

4- Chigüire

The chigüire, also known as capybara, capihuara and ronsoco, is a semi-aquatic mammal that can be found in almost the entire extension of South America.

They live near rivers and feed on grass, aquatic plants, fruits, and tree bark.

5- Camel

Camels are also herbivorous animals, since they feed on grass, grains, wheat, and oats.

The camel is a great ally for the man of North Africa and the Middle East, since it can withstand the warm temperatures of the day and the cold at night. It also lasts for a long time without hydrating.

6- Elephant

The elephant is the largest and most robust land animal in the world, and it also belongs to the group of herbivores.

Elephants eat leaves, fruits, and bushes, using their long trunks to suck their food.

Currently several species of elephants are in danger of extinction due to their hunting.

7- Hippo

The hippopotamus is a semi-aquatic mammal. It is the third largest land mammal in the world.

This animal feeds on grass and some types of aquatic plants. Hippos can be found in sub-Saharan Africa.

8- panda bear

Another herbivorous animal is the panda bear, or also called the giant panda. The panda bear feeds on bamboo.

This animal can be found in certain areas of the territory of China. Currently the panda bear is recovering after being in danger of extinction.

9- Giraffe

Giraffes have been animals that have evolved over time to feed on the fruits of the tallest trees thanks to their long necks; in those heights it does not have as much competition as in the low plants.

Currently the giraffe feeds on the baobab, bushes and grass.

10- Gorilla

Gorillas belong to the herbivorous primates and are the largest primates today.

They share 98% of their genetic code with the human genetic code. They have a height that varies around 1.7 meters.

They are currently in danger of extinction due to being hunted illegally by man.

References

1. "List of Herbivorous Animals" in: Animal Sake. Retrieved: November 25, 2017 from Animal Sake: animalsake.com
2. Bradford, A. "Herbivores: Facts About Plant Eaters" in: Live Science. Retrieved on: November 25, 2017 from Animal Sake: livescience.com
3. "Gorilla" in: World Wildlife. Retrieved on: November 25, 2017 from World Wildlife: worldwildlife.org
4. "Carpincho, Chigüire, Capihuara, Ronsoco" in: World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Retrieved on November 25, 2017 from WAZA: waza.org
5. "Where does the bison live?" in Where do you live ?. Retrieved on November 25, 2017 from Where do you live ?: Dondevive.org