The “big 9” is a term used to refer to the 9 largest animals in the world. These mega-fauna stand out not only for their immense size, but also for their iconic status and ecological importance. The big 9 species comprise the largest or most massive extant land mammals, as well as the largest living reptile and bird. But which animals make up this exclusive group?
The African Elephant
The African elephant is the largest existing land animal in the world today. There are two recognized subspecies of African elephants: the Savanna elephant and the smaller Forest elephant. On average, Savanna elephants stand over 11 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh over 6 tons. Their tusks can grow to be over 10 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds each. Due to poaching and habitat loss, African elephant populations have dropped significantly in the past century. But concerted conservation efforts have helped stabilize and grow some populations again in recent decades.
The African Bush Elephant
The African bush elephant is the larger of the two African elephant subspecies. They inhabit the savanna grasslands and forests of Sub-Saharan Africa. African bush elephants exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being larger than females. Bull elephants can reach 13 feet tall at the shoulder and 8 tons in weight. Their tusks grow long and curved, reaching 10 feet in length and 120 pounds in weight. African bush elephants live in family herds led by older matriarchs. They are generalist herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plant matter. Their sheer size and ecological role as a keystone species makes them a critical component of the African savanna habitat.
The African Forest Elephant
The African forest elephant is smaller and darker than the savanna elephant. As their name suggests, they are native to the dense rainforests of central and western Africa. Compared to the savanna elephant, the forest elephant has straighter, thinner tusks, a longer and narrower mandible, and rounded ears. Males reach about 8 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh around 5 tons. Their downward pointed tusks aid in foraging and moving through dense vegetation. African forest elephants play a vital role in seed dispersal across their jungle habitat. Unfortunately, forest elephants have experienced a steep decline due to the ivory trade. Their population is now just 10% of historical levels.
The Asian Elephant
Native to the tropical forests and grasslands of South and Southeast Asia, the Asian elephant is smaller than its African cousins but still one of the largest land animals alive. There are three recognized subspecies of Asian elephant: the Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan. On average, Asian elephants stand 8-9 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh between 4-5.5 tons. Males also grow long tusks but not as large as African elephants. Asian elephants exhibit complex cognitive abilities and extensive social structures. But habitat loss and conflict with humans have reduced their population to around 50,000. The Asian elephant is classified as Endangered.
The White Rhinoceros
Weighing over 3 tons, the white rhinoceros is the largest rhino species and the third largest land mammal. The name “white rhino” is a misnomer, as their coloration is grayish brown. It refers to the Afrikaans word “weit” meaning wide, noting the rhino’s broad muzzle adapted for grazing. The white rhino is divided into northern and southern subspecies. They inhabit the grasslands and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. White rhinos are grazers that feed primarily on grasses. They play an important role in shaping savanna habitats through grazing. All rhino species are under intense poaching pressure for their horns, and white rhino numbers have dropped from tens of thousands to around 20,000.
The Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus is a semi-aquatic mammal found in rivers, lakes, and swamps of sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their bulky appearance, hippos can run surprisingly fast, reaching speeds up to 30 mph over short distances. On land hippos are recognized as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature. Large male hippos can reach 5,000 pounds, making them the heaviest land mammal after the elephant. Highly territorial and belligerent, hippos actively defend their stretch of river or lake. Loss of wetland habitat and hunting have caused substantial declines in hippo numbers.
The Giraffe
Famous for their extremely long necks and legs, giraffes are the tallest living land animals. Male giraffes average 18 feet tall, with the tallest on record reaching 19.3 feet. Even newborn calves stand over 6 feet tall. This towering height allows giraffes to browse leaves and shoots at the tops of acacia trees that other herbivores cannot reach. Traditionally one giraffe species was recognized, but scientists now distinguish up to four species: the reticulated, Masai, southern, and northern giraffe. Giraffe populations have declined by 30% in just 15 years due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and civil unrest in their African range.
The African Cape Buffalo
The African cape buffalo is a massive bovine found across sub-Saharan Africa. Weighing up to 1,500 pounds, they are considered one of the “Big Five” most dangerous animals in Africa due to their aggression when confronted. Cape buffaloes live in large herds of hundreds to thousands of individuals. They graze on grasses and provide important ecosystem services through grazing, trampling, and manuring that shapes vegetation structure. Cape buffaloes have been eliminated from much of their historic range, but stable populations remain in national parks and reserves.
The Polar Bear
The largest extant bear species, polar bears average 900-1500 pounds for males. Some exceptionally large males can weigh over 2,200 pounds. Polar bears inhabit the sea ice and coastal regions of the Arctic Circle. Their white coats provide camouflage while hunting seals, their main prey. Under their fur, polar bear skin is actually black. They have adapted to live in frigid Arctic temperatures with excellent insulation from fat reserves. Unfortunately climate change is diminishing sea ice, forcing polar bears onto land more and reducing access to prey. As a result, many polar bear subpopulations are in decline.
The Saltwater Crocodile
Crocodilians are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs and birds. Growing up to 23 feet long and 2,200 pounds, the saltwater crocodile of northern Australia and Southeast Asia is the largest living reptile. These massive apex predators are excellent swimmers and hunt in water for fish, birds, and mammals. With armored skin and tremendous bite force, adult crocs have no natural predators. But they play a key role as top predators in wetland and estuary ecosystems. Saltwater crocodile numbers rebounded after hunting restrictions, but habitat loss remains a threat.
The Ostrich
Native to the savannas and deserts of Africa, the ostrich is the largest living bird species. They stand up to 9 feet tall and can weigh over 300 pounds. Ostriches are flightless, but they can sprint up to 43 mph. Their powerful, long legs can deliver dangerous kicks to potential predators. Ostriches mainly feed on plant matter but also eat insects. Their huge eyes have exceptional eyesight. Ostriches live in nomadic flocks of 5 to 50 birds. Though wild ostrich populations remain stable, they have disappeared from large parts of their former range.
Threats Facing the Big 9
While the big 9 represent some of the most iconic giant animals on the planet, many of them face serious threats to their long-term survival in the wild:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation as wilderness areas are converted to farmland
- Poaching for meat, horns, and ivory
- Human-wildlife conflict leading to retaliatory killings
- Climate change altering ecosystems and distributions
- Disease outbreaks
Targeted conservation efforts through anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs are vital to secure the futures of these mega-fauna. Many big 9 species serve as keystone species and ecosystem engineers in their environments. Losing them would mean drastic changes to entire ecosystems and landscapes.
Importance of the Big 9
Beyond just their imposing size and status as wildlife icons, the big 9 animals provide important benefits for ecosystems and humans:
- As megaherbivores, they shape vegetation through grazing, browsing, trampling seed dispersal
- Elephants and hippos create watering holes and gaps in vegetation
- Predators like crocodiles and polar bears regulate prey populations
- Attract wildlife tourism, which funds conservation and communities
- Cultural value and national symbols
- Research value to understand megafauna extinction impacts
That’s why protecting these largest animals is about more than just saving individual species. It’s about maintaining fully functioning ecosystems and human-nature connections.
Population Status of the Big 9 Species
Here is a table summarizing the population status and trends for each of the big 9 animals:
| Species | Population | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| African elephant | 415,000 | Declining |
| White rhino | 20,000 | Declining |
| Hippopotamus | 115,000-130,000 | Declining |
| Giraffe | 97,500 | Declining |
| African cape buffalo | ~900,000 | Stable |
| Polar bear | 26,000 | Declining |
| Saltwater crocodile | 200,000-300,000 | Increasing |
| Ostrich | 2-10 million | Stable |
This table illustrates how the majority of the big 9 species have experienced population declines in recent decades primarily due to human activities. However, some like the saltwater crocodile have stabilized or recovered thanks to conservation protections. Ongoing conservation efforts and habitat protections will be critical to prevent future declines of Earth’s largest and most vulnerable megafauna.
Conclusion
The big 9 represents the largest land mammals, reptiles, and birds sharing the planet today. These iconic giants include the African and Asian elephants, white rhino, hippo, giraffe, African cape buffalo, polar bear, saltwater crocodile, and ostrich. While awe-inspiring due to their immense size and prehistoric connections, many of the big 9 species are facing population declines mainly driven by habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities. These mega-fauna play vital roles in shaping entire ecosystems, from dispersing seeds to regulating prey populations. Conserving the remaining big 9 populations is crucial not just for their individual survival, but for maintaining fully functioning landscapes and human-nature connections. Though challenges remain, targeted conservation efforts have aided recoveries for some populations, giving hope that we can preserve Earth’s biggest animals.
