The 10 Largest Mammals

Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) are the largest species within the order Carnivora. Male southern elephant seals weigh four to five times that of females. They tip the scales between 2.2–5 tonnes (2.38–5.5 tons) and measure 4.2–6 m (14–20 ft) in length. Prior to the inclusion of the southern elephant seal and its relatives in the order Carnivora (they had previously belonged to the order Pinnepedia), the largest carnivore was the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Other large carnivores include brown bears (Ursus arctos) and Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica).

The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest member of the order Cetacea. But its accolades don't stop there. The blue whale is also the largest animal alive today and is perhaps the largest animal ever to have lived. Blue whales produce vocalizations at volumes in excess of 180 decibels, earning them the title of the loudest animal on the planet. Blue whales weigh between 110–160 tonnes (110—176 tons) and mature individuals measure in the range of 20–30 m (66–98 ft). The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) comes in a close second in size to the blue whale, weighing 47–74 tonnes (50–82 tons) and measuring 19–22 m (62–72 ft).

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is the heaviest of the even-toed ungulates. Hippopotomuses weigh in the range of 1.4–1.5 tonnes (1.38–1.5 tons) and reach lengths of about 2.7 m (9 ft). The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is another notably large even-toed ungulate. Giraffes, though significantly lighter than hippoptamuses, are the tallest of all living land animals. They can be as tall as 5.8 m (19 ft). Members of the even-toed ungulates that are eclipsed by the hippopotomasus' bulk and dwarfed by the giraffe's height include camels, pigs, deer, pronghorn, cattle, and antelope.

After elephant seals, blue whales, and hippos, a hare can't possibly seem that big but even the smaller groups of mammals have their larger breeds. Of all the members of the order Lagomorpha, the largest is the European hare (Lepus europaeus). It may not be the Were-Rabbit, but the European hare does tip the scale at a respectable 3–5 kg (6.6–11 lbs) and measures on average 680 mm (26.77 in).

The red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest of the marsupials. It weighs anywhere from 25–90 kg (55–200 lbs) and has a body length of 1–1.6 m (3.25–5.25 ft). Its tail is in the range of 75–120 cm (30–47 in). Male red kangaroos can be more than twice the weight of females. The sexes can be distinguished by their coat color (males are a rusty red color while females are blue-grey).

The odd-toed ungulates form a group of mammals known as the order Perissodactyla. This group includes horses, zebras, asses, tapirs, and rhinoceroses. Of all the species in these groups, the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is the largest. White rhinos weigh up to 2.33 tonnes (2.5 tons) and reach lengths of 3.7–4 m (12–13 ft). The white rhinoceros and the hippopotamus rival each other as being the largest land animal after elephants.

The eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) is the largest living primate. The largest eastern lowland gorillas can weigh as much as 225 kg (500 lb) and measure 1.83 m (6 ft) in length. Eastern lowland gorillas are occassionally exhibited in zoos, so records of animal weights have been collected. The largest known eastern lowland gorilla, Phil, resided at the St. Louis Zoo from 1941 to 1958. Phil weighed 388 kg and was 180 cm tall.

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest of the proboscids (order Proboscidae). Of course, there are only two species in the order Proboscidae (the other species being the Asian elephant) so being the bigger of two species many not sound like much of an acheivement. But not only are African elephants the largest proboscid, they are also the largest land animal. Asian elephants are the second largest land animal, followed by the white rhinoceros and hippopotamus. African elephants weigh in the range of 4–7 tonnes (4.5–7.8 tons) and are 4—5 m (13—16 ft) in length.

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world's largest rodent (order Rodentia). They weigh between 35–66 kg (77–145 lb) and grow to lengths of between 1.1–1.3 m (3.5–4.3 ft). The range of the capybara extends throughout northern and eastern South America. Capybaras have a large body, coarse fur, and partially webbed feet. The largest known rodent ever to have lived is Josephoartigasia monesi. Estimated to have weighed about 1000 kg (2200 lbs) and measured 3 m (10 ft) from head to tail, Josephoartigasia monesi was an ancient cousin of today's rats, mice and guinea pigs.

The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is the largest of all sirenians, a group of fully-aquatic marine mammals that includes the dugong and three species of manatees. The West Indian manatee weighs 200–600 kg (440–1320 lb) and measures 2.5–4.5 m (8.3–15 ft). The West Indian manatee includes two subspeces, the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and the Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus).