Though you may not think of them as such, there are many animals that only eat plants. These creatures, called herbivores, have adapted specifically to eating a plant-based diet. From the tiny but mighty caterpillar to the massive African elephant, herbivores come in all shapes and sizes.
If you’re curious about which animals are herbivores, read on to learn about 10 of the most interesting plant-eating creatures out there.
1. Caterpillar
Leaves are a caterpillar’s best friend. These little creatures feast on leaves all day long, and as a result, they play an important role in the life cycle of plants. They also feed on the occasional flower or fruit, but their primary source of food is leaves.
2. Cow
Cows are one of the most well-known herbivores out there. They graze on grass all day long, and you can often find them munching on hay or other plant-based foods. While they are a huge source of meat, milk, and other dairy products for humans, their diet is entirely plant-based.
3. Giraffe
Like cows, giraffes are another grazing herbivore. Leaves, fruits, and blooms of woody plants are their primary food, and they have even been known to eat the occasional acacia tree. Being the tallest mammal in the world, they got a great advantage when it comes to getting their food.
4. Buffalo
They might be feared by many, but buffaloes don’t actually eat meat. These large animals are herbivores, and their diet consists mostly of grasses and herbs. When grass and herbs are scarce, African and Asian buffalo will resort to eating shrubs and small trees.
5. Horse
Another animal that, despite its size, only eats plants is the horse. These beautiful creatures are herbivores, and their diet consists mostly of any type of grass, hay, or shrubs. Horses will also eat fruits and vegetables on occasion.
6. Gorilla
A gorilla will munch on just about anything green, including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. These massive animals are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of plants. They eat an estimated amount of 100lbs of vegetation per day!
7. Rabbit
It’s a known fact that rabbits only eat plants. These small, furry animals are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grass, hay, and other vegetables. Their cute teeth are specially adapted for chewing and biting any type of plant matter.
8. Panda
Everyone’s favorite bear, the panda, is another animal that only eats plants. These cute and cuddly creatures are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of bamboo shoots. Did you know that panda bears have insatiable appetites? Giant Pandas can eat an incredible amount of up to 40% of their body weight each day.
9. Zebra
Known for its beautiful stripes, the zebra is another animal that only consumes plants. They spend much of the day grazing, using their robust front teeth to remove the tips of the grass. They enjoy a wide array of foods, including seeds, grasses, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
10. Camel
Last but not least are these bumpy-backed creatures. Camels are herbivores, and their diet consists mostly of grasses and other plants. They are able to go for long periods of time without food or water, which is why they are often used as pack animals in desert regions.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a variety of animals that only eat plants. While some are large and intimidating, others are small and cuddly. But regardless of their size or appearance, all of these animals have one thing in common: they’re herbivores!
