African Rhinoceros
All About Ungulates
Learn all about the swift-hoofed herbivores! What exactly are hooves and what are they made of?
What Are Ungulates?
Ungulates are mammals that have hooves on their feet. These hooves are made of a horn-like material and are essentially like very large, sturdy fingernails. Even-toed ungulates have an even number of toes (often two), while odd-toed ungulates have an odd number (usually just one). Hooves enable these animals to run safely and quickly. After all, most ungulates are prey animals. This means they flee when threatened, such as antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, sheep, goats, horses, and cows. Ungulates typically live in herds, as this helps them better protect themselves from predators.
Main Characteristics of Ungulates
- There are about 240 species of hoofed animals. They're called ungulates.
- Ungulates can be even-toed or odd-toed.
- Even-toed ungulates include hippos, pigs, camels and ruminants such as giraffes, deer, goats, sheep, gazelles and antelopes.
- Odd-toed ungulates include horses, donkeys, zebras, tapirs and rhinos.
- Ungulates are herbivores.
- The largest hoofed animal is the giraffe. It grows up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall.
- The smallest ungulate is the Java mouse-deer, a deer piglet. Its height is 12 inches (30 cm) its weight 2-5 pounds (1-2 kg) – which is about the same as a rabbit.
Ungulate Family Tree
Top 3 Features of Ungulates
1. Hooves (Surprise!)
Ungulates didn't always have hooves. They evolved over time. Originally, they had claws. Yes, you heard that right. Claws! However, they were quite impractical when it came to escaping from predators. Today's big cats also have retractable claws. Additionally, long hikes were very tiring with claws. They could also break easily. So, the development of hooves brought significant advantages.
2. Running on Their Toes
Ungulates don't run on their soles like we humans do. They run on their toes. For most people, that would be a rather shaky affair! But not for ungulates. Their hard horn hooves provide them with a very stable stance. There are even ungulates that can effortlessly climb steep walls: the Alpine ibex.
3. Long, Slender Legs
Most ungulates have long legs – especially the giraffe, of course. They are very slender but strong, as they possess powerful muscles and well-developed tendons. The long legs help them escape from predators.
