There are more animals that hop and jump aside from the common frog and kangaroo. The animal world is actually full of creatures that use this form of locomotion to get around. Most of these animals are relatively small, but there are a few larger ones that use this unique form of locomotion as well.
Let’s take a look at 10 animals that hop and jump, shall we?
1. Small Birds
When they’re on the ground, most small birds move by hopping. An example of this is the sparrow, which is a common bird found in many parts of the world. Some larger birds such as the kiwi also jump around a lot since they’re flightless birds.
2. Rabbits
Born natural jumpers, rabbits are able to cover great distances with their powerful hind legs. Not only can rabbits jump high vertically and horizontally, but they are also incredibly fast runners. Wild rabbits have a top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h). Also, did you know that when a rabbit is happy, it will do something called a binky leap which is its version of a happy dance? So cute!
3. Hares
Hares are similar to rabbits, but they tend to be larger and have longer legs. Like rabbits, hares are born natural jumpers and can cover great distances quickly. Their jump height of more than 11 feet and max running speed of 45 mph (72 kph) makes them nigh-on impossible to catch!
4. Bharals
The unusual blue sheep, also known as a bharal, inhabits the hills and cliffs of the Himalayas. The primary diet of the bharal is grass, but it also eats leaves, flowers, and fruit from trees. Bharals seldom stray far from cliffs since they use them to flee from predators. Even though they look like sheep, these creatures are quite athletic and can leap vast distances.
5. Frogs
Despite their tiny stature, frogs can hop several times the length of their bodies. Frogs typically jump when they’re running away from predators, moving places, but also when they’re trying to catch prey. It’s already a known fact that frogs can jump really high, but did you know that some species of frogs can jump over 20 times their body length? That’s insane!
6. Jumping Spiders
Though they max out at under an inch in body length, some jumping spiders’ hydraulic limb systems let them jump up to 50 times their body length. Not only does jumping appear to be fun for spiders, but they also use it as a method to catch prey. They may also leap in reaction to sudden threats.
7. Kangaroos
You probably already know that kangaroos are famous for their powerful hind legs, long tails, and ability to hop around. What you may not know is that This amazing creature from The Land Down Under will stand on two legs and run at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour! However, they only leap at a speed of 25 kmph.
8. Crickets
There are numerous species of crickets, but the majority of them can jump up to 3 feet long. This is a method of avoiding predators, similar to how other jumping animals avoid them. If you come too close to a camel cricket, it will actually leap at you! Crickets, on the other hand, are harmless and you’re a greater risk to them than they are to you.
9. Grasshoppers
Just like crickets, grasshoppers have long back legs that they use for jumping. Grasshoppers can spring into the air using their leaping skills, but the majority of them are strong fliers that utilize their wings to avoid predators. A grasshopper can jump up 30 inches from the ground.
10. Flea
They might be tiny, but fleas are some of the best jumpers in the animal kingdom. Fleas use their jumping skills to quickly hop from host to host, which is how they feed themselves and even spread diseases. Scientists theorize that they jump into the air via an elastic cushion made of a protein called resilin, which functions like a spring.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! The top 10 animals that hop and jump. These creatures are all amazing in their own right and showcase the impressive abilities that animals have adapted for survival. Thanks for reading!
Jumping Spiders Image by: Kevincollins123, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
