Fights – Nature Noon

Gorilla vs. Hippo: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a gorilla and a hippo: Even though gorillas have an impressively strong bite and can cause serious damage, still they are no match for a hippo’s bite force. Hippos can deliver a 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch) when biting and gorillas have a biting force of 1300 PSI. So if you want to learn all about who wins in a fight between a gorilla and a hippo, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Gorilla and a Hippo? In a hypothetical fight between a hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) and a gorilla, the hippo will come out victorious. The sheer size of the hippo is the animal’s biggest advantage. As big as gorillas are, hippos are still much bigger. Other factors that would affect the outcome are strength, skill, and intelligence. Although the gorilla is more skillful and more intelligent than the hippo, its massive size disadvantage is simply too much to overcome. Thus the undisputed winner is the hippopotamus. The chances of actually seeing a hippo fight a gorilla, however, are close to zero. Since both species cannot clash in natural real-life settings, determining a theoretical winner requires examining and comparing some key facts about hippos and gorillas. Only then can we make a fair prediction. What Is the Basic Information on Gorillas and Hippos? Gorillas are the largest living primates on Earth. They are mainly herbivores that consume stems, leaves, and fruits. Five percent of their diet consists of animal protein coming from ants, termites, and larvae. These are social animals that live in groups or families ranging from 2 to 30 individuals. At the top of the group, there is a dominant male leader called a “silverback.” Wild gorillas can only be found on the African continent in the tropical and subtropical forests south of the Sahara Desert. Wild gorillas are the most endangered of all ape species. Strict laws protect the 200,000 specimens left in the world. Gorillas are very intelligent and can produce more than 24 different vocalization sounds, each containing a different message. Captive gorillas are thought by some to have an IQ between 75 and 100 (the human average is around 100), though many skeptics doubt this claim. Hippopotamuses are half-terrestrial, half-aquatic animals that also inhabit sub-Saharan regions. They prefer areas with abundant water where they spend 16 hours a day cooling and keeping their skin moist. Gorillas, on the contrary, are afraid of water because they don’t know how to swim. Hippos are nocturnal animals and can be mostly seen foraging during the night. They are the third-largest terrestrial mammal, right behind elephants and rhinos. Even though they may appear as humongous pigs, biologically hippos are more similar to dolphins, whales, and porpoises. With only 150,000 wild hippopotamuses left in the wild, the species is considered vulnerable. Despite being related to whales, they are not as intelligent. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re stupid, though. What Is the Behavior of Gorillas and Hippos? Generally speaking, gorillas are very peaceful and quiet creatures. They keep their business to themselves and only engage in confrontation when it is of utmost necessity. Confronting with intruders, threats or other gorillas starts with screams, barks, and roars. They can be especially dangerous when provoked. You can’t qualify gorillas as territorial animals because they sometimes tolerate members of different groups coming to visit when mutual territories overlap. Hippos for the most part are also social animals. Their groups are called hippo schools and consist of 10 to 30 individuals. All hippos are highly territorial and don’t tolerate other beings invading their habitats. Interestingly, hippos are territorial only in the water. On land they tend to ignore other beings, so there is a situational change of character. They have such bad tempers and aggressiveness that sometimes adults kill younger hippos for no evident reason. Before they attack, they display their deadly teeth to scare off threats. Which Animal Is Bigger: The Gorilla or the Hippo? Weighing anywhere between 3,300 and 4,000 pounds (1,496–1,814 kilograms), the hippo is almost 10 times bigger than a gorilla. Male gorillas usually don’t weigh more than 450 pounds (204 kilograms), with their average weight being around 300 pounds (136 kilograms). Female hippos are lighter. They weight around 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms), while female gorillas can weigh between 150 and 200 pounds (68–91 kilograms). The length of hippos is from 11 to 17 feet (3.3–5.1 meters), and they are 5.2 feet (1.58 meters) tall at the shoulder line. Gorillas can reach heights between 4.1 and 6 feet (1.25–1.85 meters). Does a Gorilla Bite Stronger Than a Hippo? Even though gorillas have an impressively strong bite and can cause serious damage, still they are no match for a hippo’s bite force. Hippos can deliver a 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch) when biting and gorillas have a biting force of 1300 PSI. A hippo’s killing power is not just in the ferocious biting strength, but also in the possibility to open its mouth at a 180-degree angle. They don’t always use their mouths first in fights and more often rely on their enormous size to pursue and knock enemies on the ground. A gorilla’s bite force is a direct result of an herbivorous diet that made their jaw muscles and neck muscles pump up. What Are the Strength, Speed, and Endurance of Gorillas and Hippos? Scientists estimate that gorillas can lift a weight 27 times heavier than their own bodyweight. That would come to 4,000 pounds (1,810 kilograms) of deadweight. Needless to say, hippos aren’t able to use their legs for lifting, so no comparison there. What we can compare is the running speed. Although you might imagine hippos as clumsy and slow, they can run at 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour). Because of their bulky build, they can’t maintain the high speed for more than a couple of seconds, but that’s usually long enough for an attack. …

Animals

Gorilla vs. Lion: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a gorilla and a lion: Although the odds are in the gorilla’s favor due to its intelligence and strength, you can’t dismiss the king of the jungle just yet. In dense forests, gorillas have an obvious advantage, while lions have an advantage in open fields like savannahs. So if you want to learn all about who wins in a fight between a gorilla and a lion, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Gorilla and a Lion? Both gorillas and lions are very strong and very dangerous, yet only one can win. Who is the better fighter of these two African wild beasts? The odds are in the favor of the gorilla because of its intelligence and strength, but you can’t write the king of the jungle off just yet. The gorilla has an obvious advantage in a dense forest, while lions have an advantage in open fields such as the savannahs they call home. It’s impossible for a group of lions to strategically attack in a forest, and a lion is vulnerable when fighting alone. In this scenario, the gorilla is the obvious winner. On the other hand, large male gorillas are sometimes taken down by leopards. Leopards are more agile than lions, but probably not stronger. So, if a leopard can kill a gorilla, a lion can, too. How Can a Lion Kill a Gorilla? The lion just needs to use its stealth. If it comes close enough and scores an accurate bite, the fight will probably end before it even begins. However, if a gorilla notices the predator, it will start throwing objects and punches while making use of its enormous endurance to come out victorious. In this fight, the gorilla’s biggest disadvantage is that the whole thing goes completely against its nature. A silverback gorilla (the name for adult males) is not a predator. His strength is just for show. Another problem might be that, when he gets in trouble, he depends solely on himself. The other silverbacks likely won’t fight with him, as lions do in pride. The pairing of these two tough individuals doesn’t have an obvious outcome, unlike other animal rivalries. Both gorillas and lions have their fair share of strengths and advantages that are unique to their species. Power of the Limbs Lions have short legs and strong claws. They use them to inflict both blunt and cutting blows. Gorillas have very strong and long arms. Even though they don’t have claws, they use their hands to craft rocks and trees as weapons. Who Has a Greater Bite Force? The large canine teeth in gorillas are not designed to rip off flesh but instead to intimidate potential opponents. Their teeth can reach 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. Comparatively, a lion’s canine teeth are twice the length of the gorilla’s. They are also used for tearing flesh. Lions have a bite force of around 650 pounds per square inch. Surprisingly enough, gorillas can bite with an incredible 1300 pounds per square inch of force. Their strong jaw muscles and massive necks make the production of such a bite force possible. However, gorillas are more likely to use their limbs and body weight in fights, rather than their mouths. Do Gorillas and Lions Cross Paths in Nature? Lions and gorillas inhabit some of the same general areas of the world, but their habitats are much too different for them to cross paths. Gorillas live deep in the jungles and never leave them. Lions have never been seen entering jungles at all. They live in the wide-open savannahs, where gorillas have never been known to go. Geographical Distribution of African Lions All the subspecies of African lions are separated by large territorial expanses that don’t have any lions living in them. While in the past the vast majority of the African continent had lions roaming free, their current range is restricted to small, widely dispersed areas in southern and central Africa. There were times when lions could be found from India to Greece, but humans decimated these populations step by step over the centuries. Only the Gir Forest National Park in India still serves as a sanctuary for a small population of Asiatic lions. Lion prides live on savannahs and grasslands that are close to rivers and other freshwater sources. They fight and hunt in open areas, and it’s harder for them to get around in densely packed woods. That’s why they don’t reside in forest habitats within their range. Geographical Distribution of Gorillas Gorillas live in jungles spread around the mountain ranges in Africa. Lowland or western gorillas live in the forests of equatorial Africa. Populations can be found in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. Eastern gorillas have the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo as their natural habitat. There are lowland and mountain eastern gorillas. Mountain gorillas live at elevations between 8000 and 13000 feet (2.4 to 4 kilometers). Are Lions or Gorillas Bigger Threats to Humans? Approximately 200 people die each year as a result of lion attacks. Lions are a bigger threat to humans than gorillas are because they attack to kill, not merely to defend themselves. Gorillas can be dangerous to humans only when they feel threatened and need to protect their troops. They would like to avoid attacking you as much as possible and would make a lot of noises at first to scare you away. There are no known cases of humans being killed by captive or wild gorillas to date. Who Runs Faster? Lions can reach a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour). Due to lack of stamina, they can hold it only for a short time. Most species of gorillas can run with a speed of 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour) for long bursts. Some silverbacks …

Animals

Gorilla vs. Rhino: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s whether a gorilla or a rhino would win in a fight: The rhino is much heavier, faster, and happier to fight than the gorilla. With its horn or lower teeth, a rhino could impale and throw a gorilla, resulting in a win. Neither gorilla species would be able to defeat either rhino species. So if you want to learn all about whether a gorilla or a rhino wins in a fight, then this article is for you. Let’s get started! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Gorilla and Rhino? Rhinos are a lot heavier, faster, and happy to fight than gorillas are. If a rhino were to impale and throw a gorilla with its horn or slash with its lower teeth, it would most definitely win the fight. Gorillas and rhinos have no obvious reason for getting in a fight, which is good news for the gorilla. Both animals are on the more defensive side because neither of them is a predator. They carefully observe their surroundings for possible dangers to their groups. If they attack in an attempt to defend, once the danger passes, their aggression will quickly vanish. The difference in size and weight between different species of rhinos is significant. The two species of gorillas and their respective subspecies are pretty much equal in size. However, neither gorilla species would be able to defeat either of the rhino species in a fight. How Do Rhinos Defend Themselves? Rhinos defend themselves by charging whatever threat crosses their paths. Although peaceful, they are far from being true pacifists. Once in a fight, they become very aggressive. One of their best defensive attributes is the thickness of their skin. Just like elephants, rhinos have skin that’s 2 inches (5 centimeters) thick. That makes it hard to penetrate, but rhinos are still sensitive to sunburns. That’s why they spend a lot of their time in mud avoiding the sun’s rays. How Do Gorillas Defend Themselves? Gorillas don’t attack other gorillas and animals if there isn’t a reason for it. When a threat is lurking from the shadows, it’s time for the alpha male gorillas, called “silverbacks,” to step in and defend the group. The silverback is the leader of the group. The large silverbacks will try to avoid fighting as much as possible. A gorilla tries to scare off his opponent before engaging. To do this, he stands on his back legs in an upright stance and starts beating his chest, producing intimidating sounds. The large canine teeth serve as a warning to potential opponents. If that doesn’t solve the problem, the silverback will most likely charge at the threat. How Do Rhinos Attack? If a rhino charges at its opponent, two things can happen. If it’s an African rhino, it will use the horns for fighting in an attempt to either impale or throw its adversaries. Asian rhinos fight by using their bottom teeth in a slashing motion. When it’s other species, the rhino will likely end the attack once it sees the threat is walking away or is immobilized; when it’s one of their own kind getting on their nerves, it gets a little messy. Rhinos are known for fighting each other to death. Of all the rhino species, the black rhino is the most aggressive one. They have the highest rate of deadly combat of all mammals. Approximately 30 percent of black rhino females and 50 percent of males die as a result of injuries inflicted by mutual combat. How Do Gorillas Attack? Gorillas often attempt to harm their opponents by throwing rocks at them or using strong sticks for beating. These primates are intelligent and know that they can use weapons to inflict damage from a safe distance. However, when the fight gets really wild, they will use punches and bites to win. There’s no real strategy other than pushing and giving punches with every single muscle in their massive bodies. Bites are rare, but they can happen as well. Why Do Rhinos Need Their Horns? Rhinos have horns for multiple reasons. The horns are tools that make their way of life a lot easier in the harsh African environment. On the nutritional aspect, rhinos use their horns to dig for water and break branches for food. The horn is also a weapon that can be used both for attacking and defending. Primarily, rhinos charge other competitors with their horns pointed at them to defend territories and to defend their calves. Who Has Better Hearing and Eyesight? Rhinos have really bad eyesight. They are not able to spot a motionless person at a distance greater than 100 feet (30 meters). What gets them around is their strong sense of smell. Gorillas, on the contrary, have pretty good eyesight. Because their eyes are on the front of their heads, they have binocular vision that creates a three-dimensional image with the ability to correctly visualize objects at greater distances. Rhinos have excellent hearing, mostly because of cone-shaped ears that can pick up even the tiniest of sounds. Gorillas are vocal animals that communicate with a variety of noises to keep themselves safe. They can hear their family members and unusual noises quite well. Do Rhinos and Gorillas Meet in the Wild? Rhinos and gorillas don’t meet in nature. Gorillas live in dense forests, and their usual neighbors are forest buffalos, forest elephants, forest hogs, and leopards. Rhinos mainly roam the open savannahs and grasslands along with the other wild animals that prefer open fields. Running Speed Rhinos are very fast and can run at an amazing 25–34 miles per hour (40–55 kilometers per hour) for long periods. Gorillas can reach a maximum of 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour) and hold the speed for a short while because their habitats don’t support long runs. What Are the Natural Enemies of Gorillas and Rhinos? There are no real predators to pose a threat to adult rhinos. The rhinos sometimes fight elephants for territory. Even …

Animals

Komodo Dragon vs. Crocodile: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a komodo dragon and a crocodile: A saltwater crocodile will always win in a battle with a Komodo dragon. The Komodo dragon is the biggest lizard on the planet, but the crocodile weighs six times more. Crocodiles are very fast and unpredictable. The Komodo dragon would be grabbed and drowned before it knew what hit it. If you want to learn all about why a crododile wins almost in every fight with a Komodo dragon, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Komodo Dragon and a Saltwater Crocodile? Crocodiles and Komodo dragons are two of the fiercest predators in the world. It’s fun to imagine them locked in battle. Unfortunately for the Komodo dragons and their fans, a saltwater crocodile will always win this battle. Although the Komodo dragon is the biggest lizard on the planet, the crocodile weighs six times more. If a Komodo dragon is foolish enough to enter crocodile territory, it will find itself in a death trap with no possible escape. The Komodo dragon is the same size as the prey that crocodiles are used to eating. Crocodiles are very fast and unpredictable. They would grab and drown the Komodo dragon before the dragon knew what hit it. “What about the venomous bite of the Komodo dragon,” you ask? Well, crocodilians, in general, are immune to snake venom, so a dragon bite probably wouldn’t do very much harm, either. The crocodile’s aggressive immune systems would react very quickly if a Komodo managed to puncture it with a bite, which is highly unlikely to happen, anyway. The crocodile’s immune cells will discover the harmful bacteria before it does any serious damage to the crocodile. Do Komodo Dragons and Crocodiles Meet in Nature? No. Komodo dragons and crocodiles occupy different habitats. They don’t meet in nature. Can an Animal Escape a Crocodile Attack? Yes, some animals can and do survive crocodile attacks. It’s been recorded on video multiple times, in fact. Animals such as buffalos are powerful enough to escape the crocodiles’ attacks. The big cats and constrictor snakes are fast enough to even get the jump on crocodiles and put them at a disadvantage. Elephants are too large for even the mighty crocodile to threaten. The Komodo dragon doesn’t fully fulfill any of the characteristics to survive the attack. They are neither powerful, fast, or large enough. Which Is More Dangerous to Humans: Komodo Dragons or Crocodiles? Every year, about 1000 people are killed and eaten by crocodiles. Komodo dragons rarely attack humans, though the statistics are surely influenced by the fact that very few people live in their extremely limited habitats. Between 1974 and 2021, there have been only 24 Komodo dragon attacks on people, five of which were fatal. Crocodiles are a significantly more dangerous to humans. What Is the Komodo Dragons Hunting Strategy? The hunting strategy of Komodo Dragons is based on stealth. They will wait for hours until prey crosses their path. Using a unique way of fighting, the dragons are ferociously efficient killers. They spring up and knock their victims over with their massive claws. Once the prey is down, the Komodo starts shredding the animal with its serrated teeth, which are similar to shark teeth. There’s no point in trying to escape. Those victims that manage to flee after getting bitten will die of blood poisoning within 24 hours because the saliva of Komodo dragons has more than 50 strains of bacteria. Animals that were bitten and died of poisoning will eventually get eaten by a Komodo. The lizards have a strong sense of smell and will track down the dead animal. What Does a Komodo Dragon Feed On? Komodo dragons are carnivores, which means they eat meat. A Komodo can eat animals much larger than themselves, such as deer, water buffalo, carrion, and pigs. They can attack humans, too, and they eat other smaller animals of their own species. A Komodo dragon can fill its stomach with 80% of its bodyweight in just one feeding. What Does a Crocodile Feed On? The saltwater crocodile is a typical opportunistic predator, which means it ambushes its prey. It lurks near the water’s edge, just below the surface, patiently waiting for an opportunity to strike. In most cases, the victim is an animal that just stops by to have a sip of water. Crocodiles will eat anything that moves, including monkeys, water buffalos, wild boars, even smaller sharks. Thrashing their enormous tails, crocodiles explode from the water and bite their victims without a warning. They drag the victims back inside the water and hold them under until they drown. What Are the Crocodile Physical Attributes? The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile on planet Earth. They are massive, and their primordial appearance reminds us of far older times in the world. Names like Indo-Pacific crocodile, estuarine crocodile, marine crocodile, and sea crocodile are all monikers for the same animal. Saltwater crocodiles are distributed from India and Asia to Australia and Oceania. The head of a saltwater crocodile is very large and triangularly shaped. Their teeth can be 3.5 inches (8.8 centimeters) long, and they number a total of 66: 36 on the upper jaw and 30 on the lower. Their jaws produce a bite force of 3700 pounds per square inch (1.65 tons per square inch). Adult saltwater crocodiles can measure up to 23 feet (7 meters) long. Most of them, however, are within the average length interval of 11–19 feet (3.3–5.8 meters). Adult male crocodiles are larger than females and can have a bodyweight of more than 2000 pounds (900 kilograms). Human hunting of crocodiles contributed to reduced species size, so it’s hard to find a specimen longer than 19 feet (5.8 meters) nowadays. The physical traits of saltwater crocodiles allow them to be very successful predators. They can swim fast because of their streamlined bodies and because of the possibility to decrease water …

Animals

Gorilla vs. Elephant: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s whether a gorilla or an elephant wins in a fight: A silverback gorilla can do absolutely nothing to an adult elephant. A gorilla can throw rocks, wield a stick, slap, punch, and bite, but it will only scratch the elephant. Elephants are the largest land mammals in the world. Even a handful of gorillas in an organized attack would be unable to defeat an adult one. If you want to learn all about why an elephant has the upper hand against a gorilla, then this article is for you. Let’s get started! How Can a Gorilla Kill an Adult Elephant? An adult male gorilla (silverback) can’t defeat a healthy, adult elephant. It may be able to win if the elephant is terminally ill or very young. A gorilla’s only advantage is its ability to use objects as weapons, but that’s too elementary to threaten elephants. If gorillas don’t find a way to produce mechanized weapons or firearms, there’s no real chance to defeat a healthy adult elephant. The Skin vs. The Teeth An elephant’s skin is 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick in most places. The gorilla’s upper and lower canines are 2 inches (5 cm) long. So, a silverback would be able to penetrate the elephant’s skin if he got close enough to bite. How and When Do Elephants Fight? Male elephants mostly fight other males to claim dominance. The testosterone that rises during monsoon season drives the Asian species of elephants to a state known as “musth.” When in musth, male elephants become aggressive, restless, and eager to fight. Why these elephants become aggressive during monsoon season remains a mystery. Females go into heat throughout the whole year, so that’s probably not reason. Elephants are more likely to attack humans during monsoon season, as well. Studies show a higher incidence of elephant-related deaths in humans during this period. While there’s a periodic pattern for the musth phenomenon in Asian elephants, their African counterparts are different. They can go into musth that lasts 1-3 months once, twice, or three times per year, regardless of environmental factors. The tusks and trunks reach their full potential during musth. Only the African elephants have tusks, and they use them for fighting. They fight with their tusks locked and with the trunks draped over them. Asian elephants lacking tusks fight by pushing their heads against their opponents. At the same time, they hold their trunks in their mouths to avoid accidentally stepping on them. An Elephant’s Tusks and Trunk The tusk of a male adult elephant weighs between 110 and 175 lbs (50-79 kg). A female’s tusk is quite lighter at 40-44 lbs (18-20 kg). There are cases of extraordinarily large tusks. The heaviest one ever weighed was 220 lbs (100 kg). Anatomically, the trunk is an unusual combination of a nose and upper lip with nostrils at the tip. This large and powerful weapon weighs around 290 lbs (130 kg) and is capable of lifting a 550 lbs (250 kg) load. Can Elephants Become Aggressive? Yes, elephants can be aggressive towards other species. It usually happens when they are sick, injured, or harassed. Mother elephants get defensive of their calves. When an elephant feels threatened, it mainly wants to show its superior strength and social position to its opponent. The angry males stare into the eyes of the threat, spread their ears out, and raise their heads and tusks high. In severe cases, elephants attack by charging the opponent. Using its tusks, the animal will gore, throw, and crush the victims along with continuous stomping. Elephants can tear down trees and flip cars. They can run at a 25 mph (40 km/h), so there’s minimal chance of getting away alive. Gorilla runs at approximately the same speed. It’s also got good endurance. Gorillas are one of the rare animal species that might get past a charging elephant. What Can Kill an Elephant? Few animals in the world can kill or seriously harm an elephant. Some of them fight with elephants for food and others for territory. In any case, if the elephant loses, it’s probably because it was too young, too old, or too sick. The elephant’s natural enemies are: African lion Saltwater crocodile Rhino King cobra Hyena Human Inter-species clashes occur most frequently between elephants and rhinos battling for territory, followed by African lions and saltwater crocodiles hunting elephants for food. A saltwater crocodile can kill and eat a baby elephant on its own. As for the older elephants, it bites their trunks off and waits for them to die of malnutrition. Humans are the elephant’s worst enemies. Using various weapons, poachers still kill elephants today. Are Gorillas or Elephants More Dangerous to Humans? Every year, elephants kill 100 to 500 people. Sometimes they accidentally gore or step on a human, but sometimes they deliberately raid villages. Their sheer size and weight are enough to give a lethal blow with only one strike. Do Gorillas and Elephants Meet in Nature? Even though gorillas and elephants don’t meet face-to-face in nature, they do share some mutual habitats and play huge roles in their ecosystems. Dzanga-Sangha: Mutual Habitat of Gorillas and Elephants The Dzanga-Sangha is a protected landscape situated in the Congo Basin in Central Africa. The area is home to western lowland gorillas and forest elephants. The diversity of tropical rainforest ecosystems makes it possible for both species to coexist among other animals. Albertine Rift Valley—A Sanctuary for Gorillas and Elephants The Albertine Rift Valley covers parts of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is an important ecoregion that transitions from lowland to mountainous forests. Across this 750-mile (1207 km) valley roam African forest elephants and eastern lowland gorillas. Both subspecies are critically endangered, and this is one of the rare places in the world where they can meet. How Many Elephant Species Are There? There are three species of elephants: Savannah elephant (African forests) Forest elephant (African savannahs) Asian elephant Forest elephants weigh between …

Animals

Orca Killer Whale vs. Great White Shark: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s whether an orca killer whale or a great white shark wins in a fight: The great white shark is no match for an orca, also known as the killer whale. Orcas are bigger, braver, and more strategic. A healthy orca always wins against a great white. Mutilated great white shark carcasses that wash up on beaches testify to the fact that orcas often prey upon them. If you want to learn all about whether an orca killer whale or a great white shark wins in a fight, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Orca Killer Whale and a Great White Shark? This is a battle of apex predators, but the outcome is actually rather lopsided. Most people think of the great white shark as the ocean’s top predator. We tend to think of the great white as the most voracious hunter in temperate-ocean ecosystems, with a key role in controlling environmental dynamics. In truth, the great white shark is no match for an orca, more commonly called the “killer whale.” Orcas are bigger, braver, and more strategic. In a fight, a healthy orca always wins against the great white. Mutilated great white shark carcasses that wash up on beaches testify to the fact that orcas often prey upon them. The great white is not top of the food chain. What Happens When Orcas and Great Whites Meet in Nature? To keep track of shark movements, a team of marine ecologists and scientists tagged 17 of the animals in California in 2009. They recorded months of great whites hunting elephant seals. The sharks’ predatory habits stopped when orcas arrived. The sharks fled the scene just a few hours later. The sharks didn’t return to the hunting area until months later. They continued to flee any time that orcas appeared. An advantage for great whites is that they can swim at speeds of 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour) for longer periods than the orcas can maintain their speed. Orcas can reach up to 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour), but only for short bursts. Their usual cruising speed is eight miles per hour (13 kilometers per hour). The sharks use this advantage to get as far from the orcas as possible. Have There Been Fights Between Orca Killer Whales and Great White Sharks? There have been reports of mutilated great whites washing up on shore with their livers missing as a result of orca killer whale attacks. The case that triggered the most curiosity was a 2017 incident when the bodies of five sharks were discovered on the beaches of Western Cape Province in South Africa. The size of the sharks varied from 9 to 16 feet (2.7 to 4.9 meters) long. There were large puncture marks on each shark, near their pectoral fins (the fins located next to the gills on each side). They were all missing their livers, so the killers must have known exactly what they were going for. The scientists working on the case determined that only one predator is capable of mutilating great white sharks in such a manner. It would seem orca killer whales have developed a method for killing great whites without getting harmed. The San Francisco Incident In 1997, an orca was seen attacking a great white just off the San Francisco coast. The attack started with a fast and forceful blow that stunned the shark. The whale used the opportunity to flip the shark over and hold it in such a position. The great white wasn’t able to move because it suffered from a condition called “tonic immobility.” If they’re held upside-down in water, they become paralyzed and can’t move or breathe. What the orca did was essentially suffocating the shark before consuming it. That was one, prominent case of a killer whale attacking a great white, but such hunts occur regularly in the oceanic depths. Orca hunting tactics and intelligence empower them to launch coordinated attacks in groups, like a pack of wolves. Why Do Killer Whales Attack Sharks? Orcas attack great white sharks for the same reason they usually attack any prey—for food. Orcas are a scale higher on the food chain. Any sea animal that has a body rich with fat is potential prey for killer whales. Most of a great white shark’s body is made of stuff that is unappealing to the orca as a meal, but certain parts are a delight. When the whales hunt great hunts, they make surgical bites on their bodies. Their favorite parts are the livers, stomachs, and testes. Considering that the liver of sharks contains high quantities of oils and fats, it’s little surprise that the orcas seek it out hungrily. White sharks have a very large liver compared to other species, and the whale sees it as a good source of a quick caloric snack. How fascinating is it that orcas have learned all of this and attack sharks specifically and solely for their livers? Orca Whales and Sharks in the Past and Now There have been many encounters between the two species. It’s even possible that the great white used to be an integral part of orca’s diet in the ancient past. In recent years, the attacks have become more and more frequent. The increasing frequency of orcas preying on great whites probably results from newly implemented fishing restrictions positively affecting the shark population. Also, the earth’s changing climate has expanded the possible living areas of sharks, so the animals are moving to new environments. Orcas and great whites are simply in each other’s faces more often than they were before. At the same time, killer whales are losing some of their common food sources and are looking for new alternative sources, including the great white shark. What’s the Great White Shark Known For? The great white shark, though seeming like the scariest and most aggressive predator in the sea, is actually most often a …

Animals

Tiger vs. Panther: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a tiger and a panther: The tiger will win almost any fight with a panther. The panther is much smaller than a tiger, and the tiger is more massive. Usually, however, greater size comes at the cost of less maneuverability. Tigers, however, are unique in the sense that their size does not hamper their agility. If you want to learn all about who wins in a fight between a tiger and a panther and why so, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! What Happens When a Tiger and a Panther Fight? The seven big cats form the ruling elite of the wild: African lion Bengal tiger Jaguar Leopard Mountain lion Ocelot Siberian tiger They mostly coexist in the wild without any serious collisions. They are powerful and extremely agile creatures. The innocent grass eaters are their usual victims. So does being a big cat mean immunity from any sort of danger? Who can threaten these savages of the wild? An old saying goes, “only iron can cut iron.” The giants of the world, such as elephants, giraffes, and rhinoceros, can beat big cats in a fight, but they usually don’t attack them first. Only a big cat can fight the other on totally equal footing. So, what would happen when the largest of the big cats (the tiger) decides to assert its dominance and subdue one of its deadly colleagues (the panther)? The tiger is well-known for subduing silverback gorillas and grizzly bears, but can it crush a fellow feline? To answer this, an introduction of both these predators is necessary. Who Is the Tiger (Panthera Tigris)? These beautiful, muscular, and impressive animals are the most savage hunters of the wild. Do you remember school day visits to wildlife zoos? These majestic and beautiful wild cats usually attract more people than the other animals. Truly speaking, tigers are at the apex of strength, beauty, courage, and ferocity. They possess enormous strengths, which make them supreme hunters. Subspecies of Tigers Tigers inhabit various regions of the globe. The tigers living in each region develop different features according to the requirements of their geographical area. Consequently, at least 9 regional subspecies of the tigers are described in the literature. Furthermore, they have marked variations in size, with the Sumatran tigers being the smallest and the Siberian tigers being the largest ones. In literature, the Bengal tigers and the Siberian tigers are the most commonly mentioned subspecies. For the sake of avoiding confusion, we will discuss the medium-sized Bengal tigers. Size of Tigers These tigers have a shoulder height of 34-45 in (86-114 cm) and a body length of 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m) to 6 ft 3 in (1.9 m). The average weight of the adult male is 441-557 lbs (200-261 kg), while the adult females average at 256-362 lbs (116-164 kg). The captives in zoos can go even higher. Habitat and Diet of Tigers Tigers have a wide range of geographical distribution but are normally found in rain forests, savannah, grasslands, and even the swamps of Bengal. They prefer a habitat that has an abundant supply of fresh water and dense green vegetation. The dense vegetation means prey is abundant for them, like large ungulates and hoofed animals in particular. They are courageous creatures and can attack and kill much larger animals, like rhinoceros, elephant calves, and crocodiles. Razor-Sharp Claws of Tigers Have you ever seen a tiger fighting? Recall their fighting style. They attack their victims with front claws and grasp their necks with sharp canine teeth, suffocating them to death. Their paws are blessed with four massive and sharp claws (the frontal paws have an additional dewclaw). These claws are razor sharp and are 4 in (10 cm) long. The prey is doomed if it comes into contact with these claws. Social and Hunting Behavior of Tigers Unlike the extremely social lions, which attack and prey in their pride, tigers are solitary hunters. Obviously, they don’t like to share their spoils with anyone. This is a disadvantage when the tiger is facing large animals like elephants. However, there is something unique in the fighting style of the tiger. It likes to stand on its hind legs and uses its deadly frontal claws to attack the victims. Their bite force of 1050 PSI is also devastating and can dismantle prey easily. The average strength of a human bite is 162 PSI. Night Vision of Tigers Tigers are better hunters at night. Their night vision is almost 6 times higher than humans. A structure called tapetum lucidum is responsible for their night vision. The excellent night vision enables them to hunt down the isolated elephant calves, easy victims in the darkness. The sneak attack enables them to ambush the almost unaware victim. Amphibious Assault Capability of Tigers Tigers are good swimmers, and unlike the Asiatic lions, they don’t hate the water and can chase their prey in the water. Due to this ability, even fearsome hunters of the shores like crocodiles are themselves under threat. A hungry tiger can go in the water and dine on a crocodile without any hesitation. Jumping Ability and Speed of Tigers The long and powerful hind legs and a flexible spine allow them to jump up to 33 ft (10 m) forward in a single leap. In addition, they can jump up to 16 ft (5 m) up. Being the largest doesn’t mean being the fastest, though. They are way faster than a lion but considerably slower than a cheetah, with an average speed of 35-40 mph (56-64 kph). Who Is the Panther (Panthera Pardus)? The panther is a lightweight version of the tiger. A panther is not a separate animal species from a tiger. Instead, it is a black-coated version of leopard (Panthera pardus) or jaguar (Panthera onca). Why are they black? The darkness of color is related to the production of a colored compound called melanin in the body. More melanin …

Animals

Siberian Tiger vs. Polar Bear: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a Siberian tiger and a polar bear: The bear is at an advantage in terms of power, jaw strength, and skin thickness. The tiger, however, is the best of all in terms of speed, maneuverability, hunting experience, and behavior. In a fight between a polar bear and a Siberian tiger, the tiger may have an edge. If you want to learn all about who wins in a fight between a Siberian tiger and a polar bear, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right! Fight Between a Siberian Tiger and a Polar Bear? Ever heard the name “Amur tiger,” “Manchurian tiger” (not chicken-Manchurian), “Korean tiger,” or Ussurian tiger? These are synonyms for the Siberian tiger, Panthera tigris, the largest of all tigers and the largest of all cats. Named after the 10th longest river in the world (Amur River), Siberian tigers are the remnants of their closest genetic cousins, the Caspian tigers, which have gone extinct. Now imagine that the largest of the cats has to fight with the largest of the bears, the mighty polar bear, obviously not in the boxing ring, but till death as both the combatants are the apex predators and lie at the top of their respective food chains. Who will win this deadly fight is an obvious question that needs a logical answer. Before getting into the details of the fight between the Siberian tiger and polar bear, let us know both animals. What Are the Habitats of Siberian Tigers and Polar Bears? Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) are an endangered subspecies of tigers with less than a thousand Siberian tigers left in Southern Russia, Northern parts of China, and some parts of North Korea. Their habitat is a beautiful merger of two forest types; temperate broadleaf and mixed forest and Taiga, characterized by a variety of trees, small and large peaks, and many different types of prey animals along with a minimum influence by humans. Polar bears are found on and around the Arctic ring of life in the US, Canada, Russia, and some islands of Norway. Polar bears are actually sea mammals as they spend most of their lives on the sea ice and depend primarily on the frozen layers of the ice for their favorite food; seals. Although they travel on land, they spend most of their lives dwelling on the frozen sea ice, looking for their prey. It is also noteworthy that polar bears have diverged from populations of brown bears separated from the rest of the brown bears in eastern Siberia. What Are the Physical Features of Siberian Tigers and Polar Bears? There is no easy comparison between Siberian tigers and polar bears concerning physical features except that both are exclusively carnivores. Their bodies are adapted to digest only meat. Size of a Siberian Tiger and Polar Bear Siberian tigers are the heaviest of all big cats, and their weights range between 397-674 lbs (180-306 kg) for males and 220-368 lbs (100-167 kg) for females. The body length of the Siberian tiger is 77 inches (195 cm), and 69 inches (175 cm) for males and females, respectively, excluding the tail of 99 cm and shoulder height is 30-42 inches (76-106 cm). Polar bears are bulky and have twice the size of Siberian tigers. Adult male polar bear weighs 772-1543 lbs (350-700 kg), and total body length is about 94-118 inches (239-300 cm). Even the adult female polar bears weighing 331-551 lbs (150-250 kg) and longing 71-94 inches (180-239 cm), almost half of their male counterparts, are heavier and larger than adult Siberian tigers. Shape of a Siberian Tiger and Polar Bear Siberian tigers have beautiful, lean, and stout builds. They have broad skulls of 13-15 inches (33- 38 cm) and wide jaws. The whiskers and long fur around the face and neck make it even wider and broader. Moreover, the other prominences of the face and skull appear greater than all other big cats. The female is smaller and shorter than the male. Tigers have fewer (only 30) but stronger teeth, and their canines are 2.5-3 inches (6.35-7.6 cm) in length. Polar bears have bulky builds, long narrow skulls to help catch seals, stocky legs, small ears, and a very short tail. Their feet are adapted to swimming and walking on slippery ice. They can use their front paws as paddles and back legs as a rudder, and their feet are slightly webbed to help them propel the water. Their claws are stocky, thick, non-retractile, and curved to dig in the ice and hold their bulky prey. Also, their feet have papillae (projections) that create friction on the ice. Polar bears have 42 teeth, and their canines are larger than Siberian tigers. They have a thick layer (up to 4 inches or 10 cm) of fatty deposits in their hides to provide insulation. Colors and Pattern of a Siberian Tiger and Polar Bear The fur color of the Siberian tiger is a pale yellow to rusty color and varies according to the seasonal temperature. They have a moderately thick double layer of fur, coarse during summer and soft and long during winter. Siberian tigers have dark brown to black vertical stripes, which are specific to each tiger. The polar bear also has a double layer of fur, a thick undercoat, and long guard hair above that are transparent and appear white that turns yellow with age. They have dark skin that can be seen only at the nose and absorbs light to keep them warm in a freezing icy environment. The hairs on the forelegs are exceptionally long and give a bulky appearance. Diet of a Siberian Tiger and Polar Bear Both Siberian tigers and Polar bears are exclusive carnivores and are apex predators of their respective food chains, but their chains are different. Siberian tigers prey upon various animals in their niche, from large animals such as wapiti, musk deer, and wild boar to smaller ones like hares, …

Tigers vs. Saber-Toothed Tigers: Who Wins in a Fight?

Animals

Saber-Toothed Tiger vs. Tiger: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a saber-toothed tiger and a tiger: Saber-toothed tigers are better at hunting in groups. Saber-toothed tigers easily beat tigers in a group fight. In a one-on-one fight, a saber-toothed tiger would be equal to a modern tiger, and the result would be unpredictable. If you want to learn all about the outcome of a fight between a saber-toothed tiger and a modern-day tiger, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! What Would Be the Outcome of a Fight Between a Saber-Toothed Tiger and a Modern-Day Tiger? The largest living big cat, the tiger, is nearly invincible in all one-on-one conflicts. It does have a worthy rival in another era in its own extinct counterpart, though, the saber-toothed tiger. While these beasts cannot face off in the modern-day and would likely not choose to fight each other on most occasions, it is interesting to wonder which would be stronger. There are reasons that the tigers with more compact teeth are still alive while their relatives faded out. We’ll get into that later. The majestic and intelligent tiger is capable of defeating animals such as: Leopards Jaguars Panthers Grizzly bears Gorillas Wolves Hyenas Lions Although extinct for thousands of years, if scientists develop the capability to regenerate one of their ancestors, the saber-toothed tiger, from its fossils to pit it against the biggest living cat, the competition would be worth seeing. Who Is the Saber-Toothed Tiger? Named after the blade-like sharp canine teeth in their upper jaws, these big cats were members of a cat subfamily, Machairodontinae, which has long since become extinct. By definition, any big cat can be called saber-toothed if it possesses knife-like curvy and sharp canine teeth. Saber means two-edged knife, which signifies the importance of their large canine teeth. What Are the Saber-Toothed Tiger’s Species? A number of genera in this family contained several saber-toothed cat species, but the most important genus was Smilodon. This genus contained three species (S. gracilis, S. fatalis, and S. Populator). All three species are collectively known as “saber-toothed tigers.” They roamed throughout America and Europe until about 10-12000 years ago. S. populator was the most powerful and largest species, weighing up to 882 lbs (400 kg.) The medium-sized S. fatalis had a weight of 353-617 lbs (160-280 kg) with a body length of 67 in (175 cm) with an additional tail of 14 in (35 cm). The fossil records have shown their shoulder height to be almost 39 in (100 cm). What Is the Saber-Toothed Tiger’s Anatomy? They had slightly longer forelimbs but with a slightly elevated shoulder bone. Although similar in size to modern big cats, they were more robust, with strong musculature, short tails, and relatively strong necks but shorter feet. Their chin was reduced, so their large canine teeth were always hanging outside the mouth. Of course, their most prominent feature was those extremely large canine teeth in the upper jaw, which could be as long as 7 in (18 cm) for S. populator. What Is the Saber-Toothed Tiger’s Diet? What would these tigers have liked to eat? Obviously, the diet of a predator can’t be grass. As apex predators, they were feeding on a range of large herbivores, like large bison and camels. They were known to hunt the extremely large but now extinct relatives of modern elephants, the woolly mammoths. In fact, they were able to feed on any creature that they were able to kill. What Is the Saber-Toothed Tiger’s Fighting Strategy? How were these cats able to take down such massive mammoths? The mammoths were extremely large creatures with a bodyweight of around 5-12 tons. The answer lies in their efficient attack and hunting strategies. They usually hunt their prey by ambush, but some (especially S. populator) would even simply overpower the prey with the sheer size and weight. Those large canines were used to slash the prey’s muscles and for the kill. What Is the Saber-Toothed Tiger’s Social Organization? Their social organization into groups was just like modern-day lions and was helpful to take down massive creatures. However, their group hierarchy was also not as strong as in the pride of lions. Saber-toothed size holes were found in their bones, proving that the group organization was somewhat violent. Clashes in a group were common, often resulting in the death of weak members. What About the Saber-Toothed Tiger’s Extinction? One may question, what caused the extinction of these cats? These cats went extinct around 10,000 years ago, along with many other carnivorous megafauna in what was termed a quaternary extinction event. Various causes noted by the researchers include human hunting, lack of food, and climate change. A climate change resulting in the reduction of the population of their prey proved to be fatal for them. Similarly, the arrival of humans further increased the competition for resources. The gradual absence of large herbivores due to human hunting was also detrimental to them because small animals were not suitable targets for their enormous canine teeth. Encounters with the bones of small animals can result in the loss of canine teeth. Saber-Toothed Tiger’s Long Canines: Weapon or Weakness? Although most of you may have assumed their powerful canine teeth to be their supreme weapons, they may not have always been so useful. The weaker muscles in the jaws reduced the effectiveness of their canines. Extremely large size means lack of strength, and consequently, the canines were prone to break if they faced strong bones in the prey. Hence, the canines were useful only on the soft parts of prey with a lower biting force of just a third of that of a modern lion. With such a weak bite force, the beast had to rely on its strong neck muscles for killing its prey. Their thick and strong limbs partially compensated for their weak teeth. Once their canine teeth were broken, the tiger, being unable to hunt, was eventually starved to death. Who Is the Tiger? The tiger (Panthera tigris) needs no introduction. Who is not …

Animals

Tiger vs. Crocodile: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a tiger and a crocodile: In the water, if a crocodile surprise attack fails, the tiger has the edge. On the land, crocodile’s chances for survival are almost impossible, and a tiger’s strength, speed, and ferocity make it easy to kill a crocodile. Thus, the competition favors the great tiger, the strongest and largest big cat. If you want to learn all about who would win in a fight between a tiger and a crocodile, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Tiger and a Crocodile? In the animal kingdom, survival is the ultimate objective. An animal will eat whatever it can to survive, and tigers are no exception. Although they prefer to eat medium and large-sized herbivores, desperate situations and a cruel fire in their belly can force them to eat big lizards, hippos, and even the hard, tough, and extremely dangerous crocodiles. Crocodiles also have no mercy for big cats. They are among the animals which can eat almost any other, from frogs to large herbivores, bears, and even big cats. Almost all animals drinking from any water source in the wild have to be cautious. The sneaky nature of the crocodile, coupled with its extremely powerful jaws, is something even the strongest animals can’t handle. The crushing force of the jaw is enough to grind the neck of almost every animal. The grasp of their jaw is so devastating and crushing that once an animal is trapped in its jaws, death becomes inevitable. So, what would happen when the largest cat and the largest living reptile face each other? Obviously, the result will be a tough and cruel fight. But who is most likely to emerge victoriously? To answer this puzzle, let’s have a brief look into both of these sturdy and clever creatures. Who Is the Tiger? The wild is incomplete without the beautiful, stripy, strong, and clever tigers. They are stronger and more fearsome than the fabled kings, the lions, and have a number of remarkable features which make them almost invincible creatures on land. Subspecies of Tigers These big majestic cats (Panthra tigris) have a number of regional subspecies, including Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), Bengal (or Indian) tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), Indo-Chinese tigers (Panthera tigris corbetti), etc. Habitat of Tigers Traditionally tigers thrive in the forests, swamps, savannahs, and grasslands over a vast geographical area ranging from eastern Turkey to the Sea of Japan and the Indian subcontinent, where the favored prey species of tigers were abundant. A tiger’s favorite prey species are deer and wild boar. Unfortunately, 93% of historical tiger habitats are now squeezed due to increased human activities. Physical Features of Tigers Depending upon the subspecies, tigers have a huge range of size and weight, e.g., 100-261 kg (220-575 lbs) for males and 75-177 kg (165-390 lbs) for females. Similarly, the Bengal tigers of northern India are up to 11 ft (3.4 m) in length, while the Sumatran tigers, native to Sumatra (Indonesia), are only up to 8 ft (2.4 m) long. Tigers use their 3.3 ft (1 m) long tail to communicate signals. For example, a loose hanging tail signifies relaxation, while a swiftly swinging tail indicates alertness and anger. Stripes of Tigers The long, smooth, insulating double hair coat of tigers bears a pattern of stripes that is an identification mark of tigers and is different for every tiger. This striped hair coat not only helps them thermo-regulate but also works in camouflage. Stripes range in color from yellow to reddish, while some mutant white tigers may have brown ones. Social Behavior of Tigers Unlike the lions that make prides, tigers are solitary and prefer to roam and hunt alone. They are territorial and do need protection and nursing in childhood, which the females mostly carry out. The males are normally dominant and larger, but sometimes the females can be fiercer when protecting their cubs. However, the females are normally peaceful. A study highlighted that tigers can recognize each other and sometimes may be willing to share prey. Diet and Feeding Behaviors of Tigers Tigers are exclusively carnivores, meaning they can only eat meat. They can eat most animals in the wild ranging from small rabbits to crocodiles, grizzly bears, alligators, rhinoceros, and even elephants. However, they show food preferences and tend to prefer wild boars and several species of deer. They are nocturnal, meaning they hunt during the darkness and their excellent night vision is of great value. Tigers do lack stamina, though. Despite a maximum speed of 50 mph (80km/h), they struggle to chase down many of their prey animals. Claw Structure of Tigers One of the most fearsome features of these big cats is their claws. There are 4 claws on each paw which are 4 in (10 cm) long and are strong enough to tear the flesh and rip it apart. Each paw also has a specialized dewclaw in the forearms. Jaw Structure and Bite Force of Tigers The jaws of tigers are adorned with 30 strong teeth. They have the strongest canine teeth of all the cats, which are 2.5-3 in (6-8 cm) in length. The skull of a tiger is rounded and somewhat bulky. The strong muscles in the skull enable them to exert a crushing biting force of 1050 psi which is significantly greater than a lion. For comparison, a human punch generates around 120-150 psi. Amphibious Assault Capability of Tigers They are unexpectedly good swimmers, and unlike many other big cats, they don’t hate water. They can make an amphibious assault and prey on fishes and even sturdy and hard crocodiles. The tigers found in the Sundarbans are regularly observed swimming from one island to the other. Who Is the Crocodile? Animals in the wild are perhaps just as afraid of the powerful jaws of a crocodile as they are a pride of lions. Crocodiles are tough, strong, and at the same time, …