The sheer size of some land animals sparks widespread curiosity, leading many to wonder which one truly holds the title of the largest. This article identifies the undisputed champion and explains how “largeness” is determined.
The Reigning Giant
The largest land animal on Earth is the African elephant, specifically the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana). This species is recognized as the heaviest and largest living terrestrial animal. (Loxodonta africana – Wikipedia,)
Measuring Immensity
When defining the “largest” land animal, overall mass or weight is the primary metric, rather than just height or length. Male African bush elephants average around 3.04 to 3.36 meters (10.0 to 11.0 feet) tall at the shoulder. (Loxodonta africana – Wikipedia,) Their average weight ranges from 5,200 to 6,900 kilograms (11,500 to 15,200 pounds). (African elephant – Wikipedia,) The largest recorded African bush elephant bull stood 3.96 meters (13.0 feet) at the shoulder and had an estimated body mass of 10,400 kilograms (22,900 pounds). (African elephant – Wikipedia,)
Life of a Colossus
African bush elephants inhabit diverse environments across sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and even some desert regions. (African bush elephant – Wikipedia,) They are herbivores, consuming a wide variety of vegetation such as grasses, leaves, bark, and fruit. (African bush elephant – Wikipedia,) An adult elephant can consume up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of vegetation daily. (African bush elephant – Wikipedia,)
These animals live in complex matriarchal societies, with herds typically led by the oldest and most experienced female. (African bush elephant – Wikipedia,) Family units consist of several adult cows, their daughters, and their pre-pubescent sons, forming cohesive and supportive groups. (African bush elephant – Wikipedia,) Adult male elephants often live alone or in small bachelor groups, only joining herds for mating. (African bush elephant – Wikipedia,) African bush elephants can live for an average of 60 to 70 years in the wild, often reaching up to 75 years. (African bush elephant – Wikipedia,,)
Distinguishing from Other Large Mammals
While other land animals are notably large, none rival the African bush elephant in overall mass. The giraffe, for example, is the tallest land animal, with males reaching 4.7 meters (15.4 feet) or more in height. (Largest Animals in the World: Giants of the Wild,) However, giraffes are significantly lighter, typically weighing between 1,135 to 2,500 kilograms (2,500 to 5,500 pounds). (Giraffe Vs Elephant: A Detailed Comparison,,) The hippopotamus is another massive land mammal, ranking third largest, but its average adult weight is around 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds), considerably less than an elephant. (Hippopotamus – Wikipedia,) Rhinoceros species are also heavy, with white rhinoceroses averaging around 2,400 kilograms (5,300 pounds), but they too are outmatched by the elephant’s immense size. (Largest Land Animals In The World,)