Number 13 Indian Rhino The Indian rhino is a massive beast that can
gear up to a charge of 35 miles per hour and completely dismantle any perceived threat.
The largest specimen on record was an outstanding 8,820 pounds, meaning it’s heavier than
the largest SUVs. Whatever animal the Indian rhino impacts will face its powerful horn,
which is longer than the average male forearm and made out of durable keratin. Additionally,
the rhino’s body is covered by thick skin folds, which effectively act as armor, while
the animal’s upper legs and shoulders feature wart-like bumps. Males have huge neck folds
protecting the anatomical region that’s the favorite killing spot of Bengal tigers,
with which Indian rhinos often share their territories.
Number 12 Arapaima The arapaima, found in the Amazon and Essequibo
basins of South America, is among the world’s largest freshwater fish. Its torpedo-shaped
body can reach almost 10 feet and is covered in a remarkably complex suit of armor. On
the outside, the fish has a mineralized layer that’s corrugated for extra strength. It’s
connected to the under tissue via collagen fibers that form a structure similar to plywood.
The mineralized outer layer and the collagen structure work together to ensure mobility
but also heavy protection. Not even piranhas, which have a very powerful bite and razor-sharp
teeth, can pierce through arapaima skin. Number 11 Gorilla
While not as well-armored as others on our list, gorillas have other physical adaptations
that make them a force to be reckoned with. Mature males, known as silverbacks, are particularly
intimidating both within their troop and to would-be predators. They possess outstanding
musculature and will show off their power in a well-known threat display that involves
them pounding on their chest. Aside from great physical strength, these beasts also own a
devastating bite. They have a pronounced sagittal crest, which is a bony ridge that runs lengthwise
across the middle of the skull and which anchors powerful jaw muscles. The gorilla’s large,
sharp canines are used exclusively for fighting since their diet is predominantly herbivorous.
Number 10 Thorny Devil Thorny devil is the common name for a lizard
species native to Australia. It’s the only lizard in the Moloch genus and a creature
that’s definitely ready for combat. Its entire body is covered in sharp, thorn-like
scales. They dissuade attacks from most animals, since they make the lizard difficult to swallow.
Two large thorns on the creature’s head are responsible for its common name, as they
complete the look of a dragon or devil. It also has a false head on its back, thus giving
would-be predators the illusion that the thorny devil is constantly on guard.
Number 9 Argali The argali is the largest of the wild sheep
species. Rams can weigh almost 800 pounds and they possess massive, corkscrew horns
that can be up to 6ft 3ins, roughly the same length as a queen-size bed. Like most rams,
argali males will fight for dominance and mating privileges. The difference is that
they carry enough mass to make combat even more ferocious than what’s seen in other
sheep species. With their fore legs up into the air, they slam into each other with enough
force that the impact can be heard from up to 2,600 feet away. Should a ram carry out
such a forceful charge on a human, it may result in broken bones, internal organ damage
and even death. Number 8 Lion
All big cat species are designed to be natural powerhouses, in accordance to the environment
they inhabit. They’re exceptionally strong and agile while also displaying great focus
whenever hunting their prey, with sight being their sharpest sense. Most species are skilled
climbers and swimmers while also being capable of impressive leaps. Their physical gifts
are rounded off with effective killing tools in the form of powerful teeth and sharp claws.
Yet, one feline, above all others, has a significant physical advantage when it comes to being
built for war. Adult male lions have a thick mane that covers their neck. This crown-like
feature is associated with royalty and the reason why the lion is known as the king of
animals. Since most felines kill via a sharp bite to the throat, the lion’s mane acts
as enhanced protection. Its growth has been linked to the male’s testosterone production
and research indicates that females prefer mates with dense, dark manes.
Number 7 Taurus Beetle If raw strength is the measure by which one
determines how ready a creature is for war, then the undisputed champion is found in the
insect world. A blue whale can send a small boat flying with a flick of its tail but,
from a pound-per-pound perspective, no creature even comes close to the dung beetle. Much
like their name suggests, some species will roll dung into large balls and consume it
or use it as a breeding chamber. Others will bury the dung where they find or simply live
in it directly. The taurus scarab is named after the protrusions on its head that are
similar to bull horns. Male beetles will use their horns to fight each other and gain mating
rights. The most incredible aspect about the taurus scarab is its strength. This creature
can pull 1,141 times its own weight. To compare, this is the equivalent of an average human
pulling six double-decker buses that are full of people. Theoretically, a human of such
strength could drag a blue whale, the largest creature to have ever lived, out of water
and pull it on land. Number 6 Moose
Deer are often thought of as the passive, harmless victims of other predators. It’s
true that the variety of large carnivores in many ecosystems is largely dependent on
deer predation. Still, some species can be quite ferocious and none are a better example
than the moose, the largest deer in the animal kingdom. In the Americas, these aggressive
animals injure more people than any other beast. They own powerful antlers, which are
shed and regrown every year and which can inflict deadly damage. The antlers are massive
and one Alaskan moose recorded a spread of nearly 7 feet, comparable to the size of former
NBA player Shaquille O’Neal. Moose are also surprisingly flexible and can kick in any
direction with their sharp, pointed hooves. Wolves and even bears will generally stay
away from adult moose in the regions where their territories overlap. Only Siberian tigers
are known to regularly prey on fully grown moose.
Number 5 Porcupines At first glance, porcupines are certainly
not among nature’s most fearsome creatures. They do, however, possess outstanding defenses
in the form of a coat of quills. These spines are actually modified hairs, coated with thick
keratinous plates. They’re embedded in the animal’s skin and detach upon contact. They
feature microscopic barbs at their tips, which facilitate skin penetration while also making
removal a painful process. The porcupine can run sideways or backwards into predators,
or may swing its tail to impale them with its quills. If the spines aren’t removed,
the pressure that the body exerts will cause them to sink deeper into the skin, to the
extent that they might damage vital organs. Number 4 Ironclad Beetle
While some beetle species are known for outstanding strength, others are distinguishable by extreme
durability. Such is the case of insects from the Zopherinae family, commonly known as ironclad
beetles. Much like their common name suggests, these creatures have a very tough exoskeleton.
In fact, it’s among the hardest of all arthropod exoskeletons. With some species, insect collectors
will find it nearly impossible to drive a pin through their bodies. To do so, they’ll
first have to make a hole through the beetle’s body using a small drill.
Number 3 Giant Forest Hog Africa’s giant forest hog is often described
as the largest member of the wild pig family. Found in the continent’s wooded habitats,
the giant forest hog is tough and relentless. This creature is even known to drive spotted
hyenas from carcasses and competing males will often fight to the death. Males, which
can weigh up to 500 pounds, clash head on then try to slash each other with their curved
tusks. The tusks can grow to be 14 inches long, meaning they’re roughly the size of
bowling pins. Today's topic was requested by Terry C. If
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section below, Number 2 Honey Badger
There’s a reason why the honey badger has earned a reputation for completely disregarding
all natural threats and taking on any predator. Often described as nature’s most fearless
animal, the honey badger’s entire body is built for war. This creature will readily
attack any perceived threat. Its eyes and ears are small, meaning that their senses
aren’t likely to get impaired during fights. The skull is built so robustly, that adults
have no trace of an independent bone structure. The skin, perhaps the honey badger’s greatest
asset, is remarkably tough, particularly around the neck, but also very loose. This allows
the honey badger to twist and attack fearsome predators, such as lions or hyenas, even if
it’s already in their jaws. The honey badger’s skin is not only impervious to sharp teeth
but also resistant to snake fangs, bee stings and porcupine quills. Even human hunters have
a hard time with honey badgers as their skin can withstand arrow shots, spear thrusts and
machete blows. Number 1 Gaur
The gaur is a massively built bovine native to South and Southeast Asia. Also known as
the Indian bison, it’s the largest extant wild bovine. Males weigh up to 3,300 pounds,
meaning they’re on par with the average 4-door sedan. Exceptional males will also
stand at over 7 feet tall at the shoulder, which is comparable to wrestler André the
Giant. While these proportions alone make the gaur a redoubtable force of nature, the
source of its prowess is the manner in which this beast is built. Its muscles tend to be
very well-developed and quite prominent, particularly when it comes to the ridge on its back. The
gaur’s raw power is supplemented by a set of sharp horns which they can use to inflict
lethal damage on predators. Because of their physical attributes, few creatures will take
on an adult gaur. The only exceptions in that regard are perhaps tigers and saltwater crocodiles.
Thanks for watching! Would you rather face a charging Indian rhino or go toe to toe with
a silverback gorilla? Let us know in the comments section below!