5 Tallest Land Animals in the World

One significant area of diversity within the animal kingdom is size. From microscopic mites, which can't even be seen with the naked eye, to the gigantic blue whale that glides through our oceans  - the difference is staggering.

Amongst the animals found on land, there is a huge variance in height - which can be defined as the measurable length between the base and the top of an animal. For humans, the average height worldwide is estimated to be 1.7 metres for males and 1.6 metres for females. However, the tallest human on record stood at a staggering 2.72 metres!

The average moose will grow to a height of between 1.5 and 2.1 metres from base to shoulder. However, this figure excludes the height of their antlers. As well as being tall, moose are mighty quick too - reaching speeds of up to 56 km/h.

Of all the species of camel, the dromedary (or Arabian) camel is the tallest. Primarily found in North Africa, this one-humped camel will grow to an average height of 2.13 metres.

These flightless birds have speed on their side. They can reach speeds of over 70 km/h and can cover five metres in a single stride.

African elephants are the largest of the elephant species and can grow up to a staggering 4 metres in height.

Unfortunately, the ivory tusks belonging to these beautiful animals are in constant demand by poachers, but if left alone, elephants can live to between 60 and 70 years old.

Giraffes are the tallest land animals in the world. Reaching heights of up to 5.8 metres, these beautiful herbivores are able to feed from trees and plants that remain out of the reach of other animals.

The giraffe's distinctive long neck is the main reason for their towering height, yet a giraffe neck actually has the same number of bones as a human neck.

So there we have it, five equally amazing and unique species of animal, each with height on their side!