Explore the list we have compiled that describes the top 10 strongest animals in the world. For starters, these animals’ strengths are not limited to their body sizes or even shape. This is because of a number of approaches that exist to measure their strength. For example, we considered lifting capacity in relation to body size, bite force and level of grip etc. Not in order of strength, these animal species are,
African Elephants
Considered the strongest animal in the world, these elephants can use their trunk to lift a 141-kilogram object. These trunks contain around 40,000 muscles and tendons. Elephants have been witnessed uprooting big trees in forests, for example in Kibale National Park in Uganda. Over the years, elephants have been seen in the savannah national parks topple trucks full of tourists. African elephants are distinguishable from Asian elephants, as the latter are larger, weighing up to 6,300 kilograms.
Dung Beetle
Dung beetles are considered as the strongest insects on earth. It is incredible how they can move objects that can reach 1,100 times their body weight. Dung beetles have achieved such remarkable strength through competition for mates. Females choose a male based on how strong they are. They love gathering animal wastes and can roll them over long distances.
Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest primate species in the world. Whether an eastern or western gorilla, a matured one can lift an object 10 times its body weight. Such strength is essential when it comes to a silverback defending their families from hostile intruders. Their strength is equivalent to that of 4 fully grown men. A gorilla bite force is recorded at 1,300 psi, which might not be used on flesh, but on emergencies. Mountain gorillas live in national parks, Volcanoes, Virunga, Bwindi and Mgahinga.
White Rhino
What makes a white rhino to be included in the top 10 strongest animals in the world is its incredible power. These have the capability to lift something that is a half of their body weight. Rhinos can weigh up to 3 tons and run up to a speed of 34 miles per hour. With a bite force of 1000 psi, rhinos are among the top 10 strongest animals in the world. In East Africa rhinos can be seen in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and others. Watch them in Ajai National Reserve, Kidepo Valley National Park, Akagera National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park etc.
Musk Oxen
These animals live in the arctic region and are identified by their heads covered in shaggy hair. They are a breed of cattle that have been used in farms, especially for ploughing fields and pulling carts. Musk oxens can lift 900 kilograms of an object at once. This is 1.5 times their body weight.
Tiger
These are very agile cats that are known for their extremely high muscular power. Among all the cat species, tigers are the biggest, and of course strongest. The Siberian tiger weighs 306 kilograms when matured. Their strong jaws have 30 long teeth to bite and impale prey in one bite. Their bite force is so strong it can kill prey in seconds. They can also swim in water.
Grizzly Bear
These are animals that inspire fear in almost all animal species that encounter them in the wild. This is thanks to their strength, which is equivalent to 5 humans. Grizzlies combine a 1,160 psi bite force and body weight of 272 kilograms to display their strength. They have strong fore limbs, powerful shoulder muscles and claws up to 6 inches long. These can decapitate a head of a mature moose. In short busts, a grizzly bear can run for at least 35 miles per hour.
Saltwater Crocodile
Among the extant crocodile species in the world, the saltwater crocodile is both the most powerful and largest. The saltwater crocodile’s bite force is considered the strongest, recorded at 3,700-7,800 psi. With immense power, saltwater crocodiles can capture and subdue several prey species, including birds, fish, water buffaloes and wild boars. They thrive in the fresh water rivers, mangrove swamps and river deltas of northern Australia, South east Asia and eastern India.
Hippo
Hippopotamuses are huge yet agile mammals that spend most of their day in water. On land they can run at speeds that approach 30 kilometers per hour, though over short distances. Plus, hippos have thick skin, around 2 inches to act as an armor and protect them from damage when confronted by other deadly animals. The jaw of a hippo is powerful, having large teeth that inflict a bite force of 1,800 psi. Hippos can open their mouth to 150 degrees, which makes them appear intimidating while confronting enemies.
Leopard
A leopard’s inclusion in the list of the top 10 strongest animals in the world is quite obvious. Leopards possess beyond ordinary levels of strength, stealth and remarkable agility. Their jaw muscles are so powerful, while their feet have strong sharp claws, capable of strong firm grip. They combine all these abilities to carry a prey much heavier than them up a tree. This is a survival mechanism to avoid competition with predators like lions and hyenas etc. Serengeti National Park is the best place to see leopards in large numbers.
