17 Grassland Animals with Facts & Pictures
Ever wonder what creatures roam the vast grasslands? Many people struggle to name more than a few grassland animals. It’s a common problem, but don’t worry – I’m here to help!
As someone who’s spent years studying grassland ecosystems, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible diversity of life in these open plains.
From tiny insects to massive mammals, grasslands are home to some of the most interesting animals on Earth.
By the end, you’ll have a new appreciation for these often-overlooked habitats and the creatures that call them home.
Ready to explore the grasslands?
The Ultimate List of Grassland Animals
In this post, I’ll introduce you to 17 amazing grassland animals and explain their unique adaptations, behaviors, and roles in the ecosystem.
Let’s dive in!
1. African Elephant
The African elephant is the largest land animal. It is characterized by its large ears, which help regulate body temperature, a trunk used for communication and handling objects, and ivory tusks.
They are social animals in herds, known for their intelligence and strong family bonds. They communicate through vocalizations and seismic signals.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 10-13 feet (3-4 meters) |
| Weight | 5,000-14,000 pounds (2,268-6,350 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Loxodonta africana |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses, fruits, and bark |
| What Sound They Make | Trumpet |
Fun Facts
- African elephants have the largest brains of any land animal.
- They can use their trunks to pick up objects as small as a single grain of rice.
- They are known to mourn their dead and show signs of grief.
2. Lion
Lions are muscular, deep-chested cats with short, rounded heads, a reduced neck, and round ears. Males have a prominent mane.
Lions are social, living in pride, and they hunt together. They are territorial and communicate through roars and scent markings.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 feet (1.2 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 330-550 pounds (150-250 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Panthera leo |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivore, feeding on large mammals like antelopes and zebras |
| What Sound They Make | Roar |
Fun Facts
- A lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles away.
- Lions are the only cats that live in groups, known as prides.
- Male lions defend the pride’s territory, while females do most of the hunting.
3. Giraffe
Giraffes are the tallest mammals, with long necks and legs, distinctive spotted patterns, and small horn-like structures called ossicones.
They are social and often form loose herds. They feed on treetops and can run at high speeds to escape predators.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 14-18 feet (4.3-5.5 meters) |
| Weight | 1,750-2,800 pounds (800-1,270 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Giraffa camelopardalis |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on leaves, especially acacia trees |
| What Sound They Make | Bleat |
Fun Facts
- Giraffes only need to drink water once every few days.
- They sleep less than 2 hours per day.
- Each giraffe’s spots are unique, much like human fingerprints.
4. Cheetah
Cheetahs are slender, with long legs, a small rounded head, a deep chest, and distinctive black “tear stripes” on the face.
Cheetahs are solitary or live in small groups. They are known for their incredible speed, which they use to chase down prey.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5-3 feet (0.75-0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 77-143 pounds (35-65 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Acinonyx jubatus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivore, feeding mainly on small to medium-sized ungulates |
| What Sound They Make | Chirp |
Fun Facts
- Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of speeds up to 70 mph.
- They can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds.
- Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar.
5. Zebra
Zebras have distinctive black and white striped coats. Each zebra’s stripe pattern is unique.
Zebras are social animals that live in herds. They have strong family bonds and communicate with vocalizations and body language.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 770-990 pounds (350-450 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Equus quagga |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses and occasionally shrubs |
| What Sound They Make | Bark |
Fun Facts
- Zebras’ stripes may help them avoid predators by confusing their vision.
- They can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph) to escape predators.
- Zebras are highly social and form strong family bonds.
6. Bison
Bison are large, heavy animals with a hump on their shoulders, thick fur, and short, curved horns.
Bison live in herds and are grazers, feeding on grasses. They are known for their migrations and powerful runs.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5-6.5 feet (1.5-2 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 900-2,200 pounds (400-1,000 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Bison bison |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses and sedges |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt |
Fun Facts
- Bison have been known to jump fences that are 6 feet high.
- They can run up to 35 mph despite their large size.
- Bison are considered a keystone species crucial for the ecosystem.
7. Kangaroo
Kangaroos have powerful hind legs, large feet, a long tail for balance, and a small head.
Kangaroos are social and live in groups called mobs. They are known for their hopping movement and use of their tail for balance.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters) |
| Weight | 40-200 pounds (18-90 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Macropus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses and shrubs |
| What Sound They Make | Thump |
Fun Facts
- Kangaroos use their tails for balance when hopping and as a third leg when moving slowly.
- They can leap over 30 feet in a single bound.
- Female kangaroos can delay pregnancy until environmental conditions are favorable.
8. Prairie Dog
Prairie dogs are small, stout rodents with short legs, a short tail, and a brownish-tan coat.
They are social animals that live in large colonies or “towns.” They communicate with a complex system of vocalizations.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 14-17 inches (35-43 cm) |
| Weight | 1-3 pounds (0.5-1.4 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Cynomys |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses, roots, and seeds |
| What Sound They Make | Bark |
Fun Facts
- Prairie dogs have a complex vocal communication system with specific calls for different predators.
- Their burrowing activities aerate the soil and help vegetation grow.
- Prairie dog colonies, or “towns,” can cover hundreds of acres.
9. Wildebeest
Wildebeests have large, box-like heads, a robust body, and curved horns.
They are social animals known for their annual migration. They live in herds and graze on grasses.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 300-600 pounds (140-270 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Connochaetes taurinus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses |
| What Sound They Make | Moo |
Fun Facts
- Wildebeests participate in one of the largest animal migrations in the world.
- They can run up to 50 mph to evade predators.
- Wildebeests have a strong sense of smell and hearing, aiding in predator detection.
10. Antelope
Antelopes are slender and graceful, with long legs and horns that vary in shape.
They live in herds and are known for their speed and agility, which they use to evade predators.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 100-500 pounds (45-225 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Various regions, including Africa and Eurasia |
| Scientific Name | Antilopinae |
| Place of Origin | Africa and Eurasia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses and leaves |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt |
Fun Facts
- Antelopes are known for their incredible speed and agility, often reaching speeds of 55 mph.
- Many antelope species have unique adaptations to avoid predators, such as leaping and zigzagging.
- They have excellent vision and can detect movement from long distances.
11. Hyena
Hyenas have a stout body, sloping back, large head, and powerful jaws.
Hyenas are social and live in clans. They are scavengers but also hunt in packs.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5-3 feet (0.75-0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 90-190 pounds (40-86 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Crocuta crocuta |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivore, scavenger, and hunter |
| What Sound They Make | Laugh |
Fun Facts
- Hyenas have one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom.
- They are known for their “laughing” call, which is a form of communication.
- Female hyenas are larger and more dominant than males.
12. Ostrich
Ostriches are large, flightless birds with long legs and necks, and small heads.
They live in groups and are known for their fast running speed. They are also known for their powerful kicks.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 meters) |
| Weight | 220-350 pounds (100-160 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa |
| Scientific Name | Struthio camelus |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivore, feeding on plants, seeds, and insects |
| What Sound They Make | Boom |
Fun Facts
- Ostriches can run at speeds up to 45 mph, making them the fastest birds on land.
- They have the largest eyes of any land animal, allowing them to spot predators from far away.
- Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any living land animal.
13. Meerkat
Meerkats are small, slender animals with pointed faces, large eyes, and a long tail.
Meerkats live in groups called mobs or gangs. They are known for their cooperative living and sentinel behavior.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm) |
| Weight | 1.1-2.2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southern Africa |
| Scientific Name | Suricata suricatta |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivore, feeding on insects, small animals, and plants |
| What Sound They Make | Bark |
Fun Facts
- Meerkats live in large social groups called mobs or gangs.
- They have a complex social structure with designated sentinels that watch for predators.
- Meerkats are immune to certain types of venom, allowing them to eat scorpions.
14. Gazelle
Gazelles are slender, with long legs and horns that are often lyre-shaped.
They live in herds and are known for their agility and speed, which they use to escape predators.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2-3.5 feet (0.6-1.1 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 26-165 pounds (12-75 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa and Asia |
| Scientific Name | Gazella |
| Place of Origin | Africa and Asia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses and leaves |
| What Sound They Make | Bleat |
Fun Facts
- Gazelles can reach speeds of 60 mph in short bursts.
- They use a unique bounding leap called “pronking” to escape predators.
- Some gazelles can go without drinking water, getting moisture from their food.
15. Rhino
Rhinos are large, heavy animals with thick skin, one or two horns on their snout, and a broad body.
Rhinos are mostly solitary and are grazers, feeding on grasses and vegetation.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 1,800-5,500 pounds (800-2,500 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa and Asia |
| Scientific Name | Rhinocerotidae |
| Place of Origin | Africa and Asia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivore, feeding on grasses and vegetation |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt |
Fun Facts
- Rhinos’ horns are made of keratin, the same material as human hair and nails.
- They have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell.
- Rhinos can run up to 30 mph despite their large size.
16. Emu
Emus are large, flightless birds with long legs, a long neck, and small wings.
They are solitary or live in pairs, known for their fast running speed and curious nature.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5.7-6.2 feet (1.75-1.9 meters) |
| Weight | 66-100 pounds (30-45 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Dromaius novaehollandiae |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivore, feeding on plants, seeds, and insects |
| What Sound They Make | Drumming |
Fun Facts
- Emus can travel long distances at a fast trot and sprint at 31 mph.
- They have a tracheal pouch that allows them to make deep booming sounds.
- Emus are excellent swimmers known to take dips in ponds and rivers.
17. Secretary Bird
Secretary birds are large, terrestrial birds with long legs, a hooked beak, and distinctive black and white plumage.
They are solitary or live in pairs and are known for their unique hunting technique of stomping on prey.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 feet (1.3 meters) |
| Weight | 7.3-8.4 pounds (3.3-3.8 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Sagittarius serpentarius |
| Place of Origin | Africa |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivores, feed on insects, small mammals, and reptiles |
| What Sound They Make | Clucking |
Fun Facts:
- Secretary birds are known for their unique hunting technique of stomping on prey to kill it.
- They can cover up to 30 km a day while hunting.
- Their name is thought to come from the quill-like feathers on their head, resembling old-time secretaries who carried quills behind their ears.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the grasslands, I hope you’ve gained enough knowledge about these incredible ecosystems and their inhabitants.
From the swift cheetah to the tiny prairie dog, each animal plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of these expansive plains.
Remember, grasslands are more than just grass fields – they’re vibrant, complex habitats teeming with life.
Understanding these animals and their environments can better protect and preserve these important ecosystems for future generations.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever seen any of these animals in the wild? Do you have a favorite grassland creature that didn’t make the list? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Happy Exploring!
