Mammals – 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

Human vs. Tiger: Can a Human Survive?

Here’s whether a human can survive a fight with a tiger: Despite the slim chances, a human can survive a fight with a tiger if their luck is in their favor. Therefore, it is safer to avoid getting into a fight with a tiger altogether. Once the animal starts engaging, you are pretty much toast. So if you want to learn all about whether and how a human can survive a fight with a tiger, then this article is for you. Let’s jump right in! Can a Human Survive a Fight With a Tiger? A human can survive a fight with a tiger if luck is in his/her favor, but the chances are very slim. The safer option is to avoid getting into a fight with a tiger altogether. Once the animal decides to engage, you are about as good as dead. Weapons and tools provide about the only real chance for a human to survive a tiger attack. Hand-to-hand combat is very unlikely to go well for a person. Firearms will scare off a tiger with the noise alone. Pepper spray can also do the trick if you start spraying while the tiger is at a good distance. Firecrackers might come in handy. Lighting a few of them makes tigers flee the spot because it sounds like a gun battle is on. Never think of a sick, injured, very old, or very young tiger as something less dangerous than an adult, healthy one. All tigers are fierce killers. Disabled tigers may have less ability to hunt big animals, but humans are still a little match for them in direct combat. How Many People Have Been Killed by Tigers? Around 373,000 people have been killed by tigers between the years 1800 and 2009. Most of the attacks happened in Southeast Asia, Nepal, and India. An average of 1,700 people are killed by tigers every year. How to Survive a Tiger Attack? Your best chance of surviving a tiger attack is spotting the predator before it spots you. In any case, you need to stay motionless and quiet. Any movement will alert the animal and turn its predatory attention to you. The worst thing you can do is panic. How can one avoid panicking when threatened by a tiger attack, you ask? Well, not easily, that’s for sure. However, staying calm will increase your odds of survival. Inhaling deeply and closing your eyes for a second might help you lower your anxiety, even for a little bit. Panic tends to make people engage in a fight or flight response. Either of those reactions will encourage the tiger to attack you. Once you’ve taken that moment to calm yourself, start backing away slowly without making eye contact. Don’t turn away or show your back to a tiger. You only make yourself a more appealing target that way. You can start running in the opposite direction as soon as the animal is out of your sight. Until then, keep facing it. Avoiding a Tiger Attack With Another Person If a parent were to see their child attacked by a tiger, their first instinct would be to step in front of their son or daughter and shield them with their own body. That instinct might not be the best solution, unfortunately. Experts think that putting your child on your shoulders might make you look more intimidating to the tiger by making you look bigger. The same rule applies if you are with another adult and if either can hold the other one on their shoulders. Any action that makes you look bigger is beneficial in this situation. Stand tall, puff yourself up, and hope the tiger perceives you as a large threat. Doing the opposite, such as crouching or sitting, will encourage the wild cat to come running in your direction. Keep Yourself Clean A natural (albeit embarrassing) response in a situation of extreme fear or happiness is for a person to pee his or her pants. When you are near a wild tiger, however, you must do everything in your power to hold your urine in your bladder. Tigers are very attracted to the smell of urine. They also might think you are trying to mark your territory and perceive the urinating as an act of aggression. In this case, a simple pee is a thing that can get you killed. Keep a Safe Distance From Captive Tigers Nowadays there are more tigers in captivity than there are tigers living in the wild. Despite what you might see on social media and TV, tigers can never become reliable pets. That’s why you should always keep your distance from tigers. Don’t try to pet them. Simply enjoy their beauty with your eyes only. Fight Back If there is no chance of remaining hidden, and the tiger looks ready to attack you, then you need to fight back. Lying on the ground and playing dead won’t work with this particular animal. It will only make you an easy meal. If the tiger caught you in its grips, try to stick your hand in its mouth to trigger a gagging reflex. This reflex stops the animal from biting. The good news is that tigers are more afraid of humans than they are of just about anything else, including lions. Chances are that you won’t need to use your hand in that manner. Can I Escape From a Tiger if I Jump in the Water? Even though it’s a popular belief that all cats fear water, tigers are excellent swimmers that willingly go into the water to cool themselves off. Jumping into the water to save yourself from a tiger won’t do you much good. What would happen if you did jump into water? Well, first of all, the tiger will jump towards you and practically crush you beneath its weight. They can jump at distances of over 33 feet (10 meters). Even if you went far, the tiger can cross as much as 18 miles …

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 …

Why Are Sharks and Whales Not in Rivers Anymore?

Animals

Sharks and Whales Not in Rivers: Why?

Here’s why sharks and whales are not in rivers anymore: Some sharks and smaller whale species can be found in rivers, but the majority avoid them. Due to pollution, aquatic constructions, boats, and fishing nets, whales and sharks try to stay away from coastal waters. Rivers can only be accessed from coastal waters. So if you want to learn all about sharks and whales and their connection to rivers, then this article is for you. Let’s jump right in! Why Are Sharks and Whales Not in Rivers Anymore? The natural flow of rivers has been compromised by humans in many ways, often making them uninhabitable for animals that need clear water and lots of food. Although some sharks and smaller whale species can be found in rivers, the majority avoid them. Large quantities of food are only available in oceans and seas, and sharks and whales need them to survive. Since they had no reason to go into freshwater over the centuries, their bodies adapted to the natural properties of saltwater only. Not only do the seas contain enough food for these predators, but the water also has properties that help them with infected wounds after fights with other predators. Whales and sharks try to stay away from the coastal sea and ocean waters due to pollution, aquatic constructions, boats, and fishing nets. Coastal waters are also the only places where they can get access to rivers. Why Are the Coastal Waters a Bad Environment for Sharks and Whales? A lot of physical pollution (garbage) and chemical pollution can be found in coastal freshwater and saltwater environments. The population of marine birds and fish are affected by this. They either swallow the contaminants or get caught in them. Animals are more likely to come across private and commercial boats in coastal waters. Animals are naturally frightened of human activities and tend to remain at safe distance. Different types of structures around coastal environments can disrupt the normal functioning of sharks and whale pods. Dams and bridges cut off essential food supplies, so marine animals tend to stay in open waters where there is more food. Many times, sharks and dolphins get caught up in fishing nets by accident. The animals are unaware of them and, once trapped, send signals to others of their kind to stay away. What Whales Can Live in Freshwater? The first type of whale that pops up in our minds when we mention these animals is probably the enormous blue whale. Along with 13 other large whale species, they form a group known as “Baleen whales.” Baleen whales swim slowly and open their mouths to randomly get food and water inside. Afterward, they push the water out through baleen plates where the food gets trapped (filtered) and swallowed. All Baleen species are unable to live in freshwater due to their size and the type of nutrition they need. A group of whales smaller in size are the toothed whales, which count almost 70 different species. Few of them can be found in freshwater. The biggest representative is the sperm whale, which is almost the size of the baleen species. While the feeding method of baleen whales is limited, the possibilities for toothed whales are vast. These possibilities mean that they can find food in many different habitats, including freshwater. Some toothed whale species can be found in lakes and rivers. At some point, though these environments are inadequate for them, they developed a few adaptations that made river trips possible. Few toothed whales have whiskers used to detect prey in muddy and murky rivers and lakes; also, they produce low-concentrated urine to keep the internal salinity stable. Toothed whales with the ability to inhabit freshwater can only be found in Asia and South America. These species include: South Asian river dolphin Indus river dolphin Irrawaddy dolphin Chinese river dolphin Amazon river dolphin Bolivian river dolphin Araguaian river dolphin Asian Freshwater Whales The one freshwater whale species no one is sure still exists is the Chinese river dolphin. In 1997, the species had 13 individuals, and the last sighting of such an animal was back in 2018. The endemic dolphin of the Yangtze River could be extinct as a result of electrofishing, habitat degradation, dam construction, and other human activity. On the south of the Asian continent, the Indus and south Asian river dolphins all have one thing in common – eyes the size of a pinhead, which make it possible for them to see in their muddy environment. South American Freshwater Whales All three species of South American freshwater whales (Amazon, Bolivian, and Araguaian) have long-toothed rostrums and are nearly blind. They inhabit several rivers in South America and get around using echolocation only. The Amazon River dolphin is the most abundant of the dolphins and shares its habitat (Amazon and Orinoco Rivers) with the tucuxi. The tucuxi are classified as oceanic dolphins that occasionally go into freshwater. Why Can’t Large Whales Live in Freshwater? First of all, the freshwater environment is too shallow for whales to live in. There is very little they can eat in that environment. Freshwater can also be easily polluted and become hazardous for whales. Whales share the ocean with marine animals that can live in freshwater, but they need different circumstances to survive. Over the years, whales and their prey biologically adapted to the properties of saltwater only. If a whale travels into a freshwater environment that’s naturally shallow, it risks getting stuck. Similar to when a whale gets trapped on a beach after the tide goes out, this is called “beaching.” Has Anyone Seen a Baleen Whale in a River? In 2020, three humpback whales, which belong to the group of baleen whales, have been spotted in the East Alligator River. The river belongs to the Kakadu National Park (Australia), and contrary to its name, it’s inhabited by crocodiles and not alligators. This was the first time a humpback whale was seen in a river. Before that, they …

Animals

Animals With the Best Eyesight: Which?

Here are the animals with the best eyesight: Each animal has a type of vision that satisfies its natural requirements to survive. Eagles have the best eyesight among birds. The cheetah has the most evolved eyes of any mammal. Octopuses have the best vision of all marine life. So if you want to learn all about the animals with the best eyesight, then this article is for you. Keep reading! What Does Best Eyesight Mean? Each animal has a type of vision that fulfills its natural requirements to survive; no more, no less. Among birds, the eagles have the best eyesight. Cheetahs are the mammals with the most evolved eyes in the animal kingdom. In the seas, the octopus has the best vision of all marine life. Naturally, human beings have eyesight. Our binocular vision makes it possible for us to concentrate both eyes on one object and create a three-dimensional image. So, not only do our eyes see the shapes of things, but they also perceive their depth. Binocular vision is only possible if the eyes are on the front of the face and have a forward-facing orientation. Cows, for example, have monocular vision because their eyes are on the sides of the faces. Thus, they are not able to see the depth in things and are blind in the area in front of their noses. Although people can see clearly up to 3 miles (5 kilometers) away and distinguish colors from a distance, some animals have significantly better vision. Many animals can see many more colors than humans can. The human eye doesn’t have night vision or underwater vision properties because our evolution didn’t require them. Groups of animals use a different adaptation of the eyes to have excellent visuals at night and in the water according to their needs. All changes in one’s body come at a price so that balance is maintained. If an animal doesn’t have very good eyesight, it probably has excellent hearing or scent that makes living in its environment possible. Which Mammals Have the Best Eyesight? The development of excellent vision in mammals is according to the animal’s lifestyle. Mammals with the best eyesight according to different advantages include: Cheetah: best running vision Arctic reindeer: best vision for polar regions Asian short-clawed otter: amphibious vision Bornean tarsier: most prominent eyes Domestic goat: best panoramic vision Cheetah Being the fastest mammals on Earth, cheetahs need to have a vision that can spot prey precisely during their rapid movement. Their vision is binocular, and additional structures in the vestibular regions of their skulls help them hold a stiff head while running. The tear lines on their faces absorb sunrays and keep them away from blinding the eyes. Of all their feline relatives, cheetahs have the most photoreceptors in the retina of the eye. During the daytime they can spot a victim from 3 miles (5 km) away. On the other hand, their night vision is quite bad. Arctic Reindeer Snow is highly reflective, and, on the North Pole, nights can last for several months. That’s why the arctic reindeer has two visual adaptations. First, their tapetum lucidum changes its color to blue in winter and to gold in summer. The function of the tapetum lucidum is to increase visual sensitivity at low light, but the change of color decreases that sensitivity. So, the eye of the reindeer is more sensitive to light during winter and less sensitive during summer. Second, they have protective mechanisms that prevent direct reflection of ultraviolet lights from damaging the eyes. Asian Short-Clawed Otter Good amphibious vision means that these animals have high-quality vision both on land and underwater. That’s possible because the otters have special mechanisms for focusing. Some of the muscles in the structure of their eyes can change the shapes of their corneas (the most outer layer of the eye). They adjust their cornea shapes for different behavior in air and water. Although otters can perceive color, it’s only a limited number of variations. Bornean Tarsier Tarsiers are recognizable by their unconventionally large, round eyes. The shape and size aren’t just for cuteness. It’s a way for them to function well at night. Bornean Tarsiers don’t have the tapetum lucidum layer that other nocturnal animals use to see in the dark. Instead, they simply have large eyes with a very high density of photoreceptors. The density is approximately 2–3 times bigger than humans. If people had the same eyes-to-head size ratio as tarsiers, our eyes would be the size of very large grapefruits. Domestic Goat Many people find the eyes of goats intimidating. Indeed, their visual system is unique. Unlike other mammals, the shape of a goat’s pupils is rectangular and horizontal. Their retinas are triangular-shaped, as well. The unusual shape gives goats a field of vision that can be between 320 and 340 degrees. While grazing, their eyes can rotate to make sure there is no danger lurking in their surroundings. An enhanced panoramic view comes at a price, however. Goats completely lack depth of vision. Also, because of the limited number and types of cones in their eyes, they can only see a few colors like green, yellow, orange, blue, and violet. Which Birds Have the Best Eyesight? Most birds can see quite well, but raptors (birds of prey) have the most enhanced vision. Birds with the best eyesight are: Bald eagles: the best distance vision Harris hawks: the best color vision Tawny owls: the strongest night vision American woodcock: the best panoramic vision European robin: ability to visually detect magnetic fields Broad-tailed hummingbird: best tetra chromatic sight Bald Eagles The phrase “eagle eye” didn’t come from nowhere. According to scientists, the acuity (sharpness) of eagle vision is eight times higher than humans. Bald eagles can track fish movements from incredible heights, despite the fish being concealed by water. Eyes take most of the space inside the eagle’s skull. They can switch from a monocular to binocular vision and vise versa. Eagles can …

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

Orcas Natural Predator of Moose: True?

Here’s whether the orca or so-called killer whale is a natural predator of the moose: Orcas occasionally eat moose. While both animals live in different habitats, there is a predator-prey relationship. There’s no evidence that killer whales eat moose regularly, but they do sometimes. So if you want to learn all about orcas preying on moose, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading! Is the Orca a Natural Predator of the Moose? Orcas occasionally feed on moose. Both animals occupy different habitats, but a predator-prey relationship does exist. There isn’t any documented evidence to suggest that killer whales eat moose regularly, but they do eat them occasionally. One theory suggests that Orcas feed only on the carcasses of dead moose that they find in the water, but there are other possibilities. Another theory suggests that orcas feed on moose opportunistically, which means that they grab them when random chance brings them within reach but don’t actively hunt them. Killer whales are widely distributed and live in most oceans and seas. They can adapt to all types of climates. Moose, on the other hand, can be found only in the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Where Do Orca Whales Attack Moose? Orca killer whales attack moose off the coast of Canada and Alaska. While the moose swims between many of the islands looking for food, they end up becoming the food of the orca. A few moose carcasses have been found off the coast of Vancouver, Canada with lacerations over their bodies consistent with orca bites. The obvious conclusion is that they were killed by orcas. Moose are agile swimmers, but the water isn’t their natural habitat. They cannot evade Orca attacks, especially not a whole group of them. The persistency of orca hunting strategy eventually proves fatal to nearly any animal they decide to kill. Are Orcas Fierce Killers? The name “killer whale” can be misleading. Orcas are a species of dolphin. The reason they are called “killer whales” is that ancient sailors observed how they would prey on large whales. Their first moniker of “whale killer” somehow changed to a “killer whale.” They are also called orcas. Let’s be honest, though, they do love to kill. In the ocean, orcas are among the few apex, or top, predators. Orcas hunt other animals, but no other animal hunts an Orca. That’s what being an apex predator means. Killer whales feed on more than 140 species of fish and other marine mammals. They can kill almost anything that crosses their path because they are quite large, agile, and intelligent. The intelligence of Orca whales is compared to that of chimpanzees. For example, chimpanzees can be taught to use sign language or other forms of communication using symbols or tokens. Do Moose Attack Other Beings in Nature? Moose mothers are very protective of their young ones. If they see other animals and humans approaching, they can charge full speed. During mating season, the male moose, called “bulls,” are especially aggressive and can attack people and cars. Moose run at a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour). With their massive body weight and giant antlers, they can cause severe damage to a target. The conventionally peaceful moose can become aggressive when feeling threatened. It’s never a good idea to approach a moose because they are territorial and protective of what they consider to be their property. Approximately 10 people are injured by moose in Alaska every year. Moose are considered to be more dangerous than bears. The danger isn’t in terms of behavior, though; it’s because of their vast population. Moose outnumber bears three to one, so it’s more likely to come across one of them than it is to come across a bear. Do Moose Swim? Moose are excellent swimmers. They can reach a swimming speed of 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour). Maybe that doesn’t seem that fast, but compared to the average human swimming pace of only 2 miles per hour (3.2 kilometers per hour), it’s still impressive. How can a terrestrial mammal of that size and species swim? The reason lies in the structure of moose hair. Their hair is hollow. That hollow hair gives great insulation against low temperatures. Each hair also serves as a tiny little life vest. Combined, they help hold the animal afloat. But what business does a moose have in the water? Food, of course. Moose can dive as deep as 20 feet (6 meters) in search and forage of aquatic vegetation. They go deep into the water, especially during late summer when there is a shortage of quality food on land. Coldwater also cools them off during hot weather. When there isn’t a natural water source near them, moose can even decide to go into people’s backyards and use their swimming pools for cooling. Even though they live in the northern parts of the United States and most of Canada, their bodies don’t tolerate rising temperatures well. So, even 60° Fahrenheit (16° Celsius) is more than they can take. In Europe, moose are called elk. Their Eurasian cousins inhabit the forests in the north of Europe and Asia. How Do Orcas Hunt? Orcas can come near the shore and grab unsuspecting prey from the beach. It’s mostly sea lions they are after. When they work in squads, one orca will charge the victim while the others flank it to prevent escape. No one has ever seen an Orca whale injure itself after beaching, despite the risks associated with the maneuver. Orcas cooperate inside the water when hunting flocks of fish. With mutual effort, the orca herds the fish into tight balls by slapping them with their large tails. They brandish their white bellies and blow bubbles to frighten the fish. When the fish is appropriately herded, the killer whales take turns killing them with their tails and eating them. This type of feeding when a few orca whales swim around a herded flock of …

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

Punch of a Gorilla: How Strong?

Here’s how strong the punch of a gorilla is: Typical gorilla punches deliver 1300–2700 pounds of force. Consider that the average, untrained human throws a punch with roughly 150 pounds of force. Boxers average 750 pounds of force, which is more than the average puncher but still far less than the gorilla. So if you want to learn all about the punch power of a gorilla, then this article is for you. Let’s jump right in! How Strong Is the Punch of a Gorilla? The average gorilla punch delivers 1300–2700 pounds of force. To put that into perspective, consider the fact that the average, untrained human throws a punch with around 150 pounds of force. Trained boxers average 750 pounds of force—better than the untrained puncher but still nowhere near as powerful as the gorilla. One significant contributor to the powerful gorilla punch is the length of the animals’ arms. Also, gorillas have dense muscle mass. The muscle density is four times higher than most professional human fighters. Their muscle mass and massive arms both contribute to their incredible power—it’s a little trick of nature known as “robustness.” You can find footage displaying the strength of gorillas. The animals often pull banana trees over and break them in half as if they’re tiny branches. Surprisingly enough, there’s no committed scientific research on the strength of gorillas. Most of the accumulated data comes from assumptions and comparisons. What Would Happen if You Got Punched by a Gorilla? Gorillas are peaceful animals. It’s almost impossible to get them to fight unless they feel threatened by your actions. However, if you push them too far, you can get yourself in serious trouble. A direct hit to the head will crush a human’s skull, which can take 550 pounds of force—a lot less than what a gorilla’s arm can produce. Punches in the torso can lead to broken ribs, organ rupture, severe bleeding, and eventually death. There’s no doubt that a single gorilla punch is enough to break a human being’s leg or arm. Large Gorilla Arms Did you know that the arms of the gorillas are much longer than their legs? Their stocky legs are approximately 20 percent shorter than their giant arms. The arm span in adult male gorillas stretches from 7-feet and 7-inches to 8-feet 6-inches (2.3–2.6 meters) and from 4-feet 1-inch to 4 feet 11 inches (1.25–1.5 meters) in females. Their arm span is approximately 1 foot (30 centimeters) longer than the arm span of the average male human. Can a Human Punch as Strong as a Gorilla? A human can train his whole life, build muscle, and dedicate himself to becoming the strongest person on the planet, but they still won’t be able to punch as powerfully as a gorilla. There’s a vast difference in certain biological and anatomical characteristics (such as the manner of walking) between humans and gorillas. One of those differences is the drastic difference in arm development. Humans simply are not anatomically capable of punching as powerfully as a gorilla. When Do Gorillas Punch? There are a few situations in which the traditionally peaceful gorilla becomes an unstoppable beast. An adult male, called a “silverback,” starts throwing punches whenever his group is attacked or threatened. These males protect what they love, sometimes with their lives. Males can show aggression towards other males to establish dominance. This rarely leads to a fight. Weird noises and chest punches are generally enough. Females can be aggressive towards other females, as well. Sometimes, though, the silverbacks go off. They bite, bash, and throw punches. Everyone and everything has a limit—including gorillas. How Strong Is a Gorilla Compared to a Human? Only a relatively few humans have bodybuilder physiques, but all gorillas do. Gorillas are hulking, powerful creatures. Can a human bodybuilder’s strength compare with an average gorilla? As the largest primates walking on the planet, gorillas are the strongest ones, as well. They rank near the top of the strength hierarchy of all animals on Earth, in fact. Silverbacks can weigh between 287 and 507 pounds (130 and 230 kilograms). The average human weights approximately 177 pounds (80 kilograms). That means an average male human can be two to three times smaller than a silverback. How Much Weight Can a Gorilla Lift? Scientists believe that gorillas are four to eight times stronger than the average male human. Their exceptionally muscular build makes it possible for them to lift a load of 1800 lbs (815). A well-trained bodybuilder and a dead-lift professional can lift a maximum of 900 lbs (410 kg). That’s two times less than a gorilla that didn’t dedicate its life to lifting. Some claim that gorillas can lift a 4–27 times their body weight, but that cannot be easily confirmed. If, for example, a gorilla is 500 lbs (227 kg), 27 times its body weight is 13500 lbs (6130 kg). The African bush elephant is the largest living terrestrial animal and weighs around 13000 pounds. It’s highly unlikely that even the strongest silverback can lift an African elephant by himself. Can a Human Fight a Gorilla? A human can fight a gorilla, but the outcome wouldn’t be good. The gorilla is simply too powerful. If you had to go up against any animal in the world, a gorilla would be one of the worst draws you could get. You can only survive a gorilla fight if the gorilla chooses to let you, assuming you’re unarmed. When gorillas fight, they abide by the laws of nature. There are no legal setbacks or moral concerns to stop them from seriously hurting their enemy. The moral and legal rules of human society usually keep us from severely harming others. Such is not the case with gorillas. Their potential savagery can be observed from situations when one silverback male fights another one. A large limitation for the gorillas compared to humans is that they don’t participate in practicing martial arts. Such combat sports teach humans how to use what they …

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 …