Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Well, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring animals that are exclusively plant-eaters.
From the gentle giant of the African savannah to the mysterious mountain dweller of the Himalayas, these animals rely on plants as their primary source of sustenance.
Keep reading to learn more about what animal only eats plants and how they coexist with their environment! Have you ever heard of a pangolin?
You’re not alone if you haven’t; these mysterious animals are relatively unknown to the general public.
But did you know that pangolins are the only plant-eating animal in the world? This blog post will take a closer look at pangolins and their unique diet.
1. Camel
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Camel is one of the answers.
Camel is a large mammal found in the desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East. It is an herbivore that only eats plants, specifically grasses, leaves, and other vegetation.
Camels can go for long periods of time without drinking water, as they have adapted to survive in dry, arid environments with little to no water.
They also have padded feet, which helps them to walk on the sand easily. The camel’s hump stores fat that it can use for energy during times of drought.
2. Honeybee
Honeybees are a type of insect that is best known for producing honey and pollinating crops. They are social creatures that live in colonies, with a single queen bee in charge of a hive.
Another animal that falls to the ground of what animal only eats plants is the Honeybee feed on nectar and pollen from plants and can travel up to five miles in search of food.
As they move around, they spread pollen from one plant to another, which helps with plant reproduction.
The honey they produce is a byproduct of their nectar-gathering and is often harvested by humans.
Honeybees play an essential role in the environment, so it is important to take steps to protect them from harm.
3. Hippopotamus
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants hippopotamus is an animal that only eats plants.
They are native to the rivers and lakes of sub-Saharan Africa, where they spend most of their time grazing on grasses, leaves, and other aquatic plants.
Hippos are large, powerful animals whose diet consists of plant matter, including aquatic vegetation and fruit, with the remainder consisting of insects, snails, and small fish.
They mainly feed at night, when they travel up to eight miles away from their home range to feed in nearby pastures.
Hippos have a very slow digestive system, so they must consume large amounts of plant matter daily to remain healthy.
4. Grasshopper
Grasshoppers are a type of insect that is known for their ability to jump and fly.
They can be found all around the world, living in fields, grasslands, and meadows. Grasshoppers primarily eat plants, such as grasses, grains, leaves, and other vegetation.
They have an array of adapted mouthparts, including mandibles and a proboscis, that allow them to feed on various vegetation types.
Grasshoppers can quickly consume large amounts of food and help control plant populations by consuming young plants before they mature. When talking about what animal only eats plants, don’t forget Grasshoppers.
5. Goat
Goat is another answer to what animal only eats plants. Goats are a common animal that only eats plants, typically grazing on grass, shrubs, weeds, and herbs and grazing on hillsides and mountainsides.
Goats are also known for their ability to climb steep hills and mountains, which enables them to reach higher elevations and more plant-based food sources.
Goats have the capacity to eat a variety of different types of plants, including tree bark and twigs, as well as berries and some roots.
Goats can also consume large quantities of vegetation in a short time, making them an efficient source of nutrition for many rural communities.
Goats are important for their role in maintaining natural habitats as they prevent the overgrazing of grasses and other plants.
They can also help prevent soil erosion by maintaining a balance between plant cover and soil exposure.
6. Giant Panda
The giant panda is a species of bear native to south-central China that is known for its black-and-white fur and vegetarian diet.
Talking about what animal only eats plants, only bear species primarily eats bamboo. The giant panda is an iconic symbol of conservation and a favorite among animal lovers worldwide.
In the wild, giant pandas can be found in mountain forests with dense undergrowth of bamboo, where they spend most of their time foraging for food and playing.
Giant pandas mostly eat bamboo shoots, stems, leaves, and bark as their primary source of nutrition.
As herbivores, they get the majority of their energy from the cellulose and lignin found in plants.
Unlike other bears, pandas have relatively weak jaws and lack sharp claws, which makes it difficult for them to hunt for meat or defend themselves against predators.
Instead, their diet consists mostly of bamboo shoots, stems, and leaves supplemented with occasional servings of fish, small rodents, and other plant material.
Given the fact that their dietary needs are so specialized, giant pandas have evolved to become extremely efficient at processing bamboo.
They possess unique adaptations that help them break down cellulose and extract more nutrients from their food than other animals, such as enlarged molars and digestive tracts.
Even so, pandas must consume large amounts of bamboo daily to get enough nutrients to survive.
7. Gorillas
Gorilla is another answer to what animal only eats plants. Gorillas are large, powerful primates that live in Africa.
They are herbivores, meaning that they only eat plants. In the wild, gorillas primarily feed on leaves, stems, shoots, bark, and fruits.
Most of their diet comprises leaves, which comprise around a third of their daily intake. Gorillas supplement their diet with insects, ants, and occasionally small mammals.
They have also been known to eat soil and clay as a source of minerals and vitamins. Gorillas rarely drink water, as they get most of their hydration from the plants they eat.
8. Rabbits
Rabbits are small mammals that are widely recognized for their cute and cuddly appearance.
Although they look adorable, they are actually very versatile creatures, capable of adapting to different environments, diets, and lifestyles.
When you wonder what animal only eats plants, rabbits strictly depend on plants for their nutrition, relying heavily on fresh foliage, hay, and other plant-based foods.
While they may occasionally eat insects to supplement their diet, rabbits primarily subsist on plants and will not intentionally consume meat or other animal products.
They are able to digest the cellulose found in plants much more efficiently than other animals, allowing them to process larger amounts of vegetation than other species.
Rabbits also play an important role in the environment, providing nutrients for various ecosystems through the droppings they leave behind when eating plants.
9. Iguana
When considering what animal only eats plants, the iguana is a well-known herbivorous animal, feeding mainly on various plants, flowers, and fruits.
The iguana is native to Central and South America, though it can now be found in the United States.
An adult iguana can reach up to five feet long, with females typically being smaller than males.
Iguanas are mostly green in color but can also be spotted, gray, brown, or black. They have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell, which helps them locate food sources.
In the wild, iguanas live in trees and shrubs, where they can hide from predators.
10. Kangaroo
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Kangaroos are one of the many animals that only eat plants.
They have large hind legs and a powerful tail that allow them to hop up to six feet in a single jump.
The kangaroo’s diet primarily consists of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation, such as leaves and buds.
Kangaroos also feed on various shrubs and fruits. Although they are mostly grazers, they may consume other types of plants when the grass is not available or during drought conditions.
Their digestive systems are capable of breaking down some types of tougher vegetation. Kangaroos are also known to eat insects and larvae as well.
11. Mule
Mules are a hybrid between horses and donkeys, and just like their parents, they are herbivores who feed on plants.
When discussing what animal only eats plants, Mules are one of them, born with either two, three, or even four hooves, depending on their lineage.
Mules also typically have longer ears than horses and donkeys and smaller heads.
They are generally more resistant to diseases and parasites than horses due to having hardier immune systems.
Additionally, mules are known to be more sure-footed than horses, making them ideal for traversing difficult terrain.
When it comes to diet, mules can consume various plants, such as grasses, hay, and grains.
12. Reindeer
Reindeer, or Rangifer tarandus, are found in the Arctic tundra of Europe, Russia, Greenland, and North America.
These large mammals have thick, insulating coat that helps them survive in a cold climate. They also have large hooves for walking on top of the snow.
Regarding what animal only eats plants, Reindeer are herbivores that mostly eat lichens and mosses, but they will also occasionally eat grasses and other low-growing plants.
In the winter, reindeer can dig through the snow to find food and use their large antlers to break branches off trees to get to buds and bark.
Reindeer are migratory animals, traveling large distances each year to find food and follow the seasonal changes in vegetation.
In some parts of the world, reindeer are kept as livestock, providing people with food, transportation, and clothing.
13. Koalas
Koalas is another animal that answers what animal only eats plants. One of Australia’s most iconic animals, they only eat plants.
They feed on the leaves of eucalyptus trees, which make up most of their diet. They have an unusually large stomach, allowing them to digest the tough leaves.
They also supplement their diet with grasses and herbs when available. Koalas have sharp claws that allow them to climb trees and reach the best food sources.
They can also consume leaves, making them one of the few animals that are able to sustain themselves on a plant-based diet.
The koala is also a solitary animal and rarely interacts with other animals, which helps it conserve energy to search for food and survive.
14. Elephant
Elephants are one of the largest land animals and are native to Africa and parts of Asia.
They are herbivores, meaning that they only eat plants. Elephants feed on grasses, fruits, leaves, twigs, bark, and roots.
They have an enormous appetite and spend up to 18 hours a day foraging for food.
Their trunks are extremely powerful and dexterous, allowing them to manipulate vegetation as they search for food.
Elephants also consume large amounts of water to stay hydrated, and an answer to what animal only eats plants.
15. Panda
Pandas are one of the most beloved animals in the world and their answer; what animal only eats plants?
These large, cuddly-looking mammals are native to China and are easily recognizable by their distinct black and white fur. Pandas are part of the bear family.
They mainly feed on bamboo shoots and leaves but will also occasionally eat small fish, honey, and eggs.
In addition to their plant-based diet, pandas have a slow metabolism, making them quite sedentary.
They spend most of their day munching on bamboo or taking naps. Pandas are considered endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching, so it is important to conserve their natural habitats and protect them from poachers.
16. Giraffe
Giraffes are one of the most recognizable animals in the world. They are known for their long necks, reaching up to five feet in length.
Giraffes also have distinctive horns called ossicones and brown patches on their coats.
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Giraffes eat leaves and twigs from trees, which they can reach with their long necks.
Their diet also consists of fruits and flowers. Giraffes live in herds and spend much of their time eating and searching for food.
They are social creatures that communicate through various vocalizations, body language, and even “smells.” They can also recognize other members of their herd by sight and scent.
17. Deer
Deer are one of the most well-known and widespread animals in the world. There are different species of deer, ranging from the tiny muntjac to the majestic elk.
Talking about what animal only eats plants, all species of deer are plant-eaters and feed on grasses, herbs, shoots, and leaves.
They also browse for other vegetation, such as fruit, nuts, bark, and twigs. Deer are often seen in large herds, which can be made of different species.
Most deer have excellent senses of smell and hearing, enabling them to detect predators from a distance.
They have split hooves, which help them navigate the terrain they live in, while their long legs allow them to run and jump quickly when they sense danger.
The diet of deer varies depending on the season and the species, but typically they feed on tender plants and buds during the spring and summer months.
During the winter, they will switch to feeding on twigs and bark as the weather gets colder.
They can also eat grains such as corn, oats, and wheat and fruits such as apples and pears.
Despite their ability to browse for food, deer are known to feed mainly on grasses and herbs, providing them with vital minerals and vitamins necessary for survival.
18. Sloths
Wondering about what animal only eats plants, Sloths are some of the most unique and interesting animals in the animal kingdom.
They are a kind of mammal that only eats plants, mostly leaves from trees like the cecropia. Sloths live mostly in tropical rainforests and can be found in Central and South America.
They are the slowest-moving land mammal in the world and spend almost their entire lives in the same tree!
They move so slowly that algae often grows on their fur, making them appear green or brown.
Sloths have specially adapted long arms and sharp claws to hang onto branches while they eat.
They also have long tongues which help them reach into trees and grab leaves. Sloths are typically solitary animals but will sometimes travel in small groups. They are nocturnal animals.
19. Tortoises
Tortoises are unique among plant-eating animals because they have a hard, protective shell covering their entire body.
They feed mainly on grasses and other vegetation, such as shrubs, cacti, and fruits. Tortoises can also be seen foraging mushrooms, berries, and insects.
The tortoise‘s diet is determined by its habitat and what type of vegetation is available.
Generally, tortoises are not very active and will spend most of their time basking in the sun or hiding in the shade.
They are not migratory animals, and one of the animals that answer what animal only eats plants.
20. Anteaters
Anteaters are mammals that are native to Central and South America, and they are the only animals on Earth that feed exclusively on ants and termites.
Talking about what animal only eats plants, these creatures have long tongues, allowing them to get into the deepest parts of ant colonies to hunt for their prey.
They have an incredible sense of smell and can locate a colony of ants from several miles away.
They also have large claws that enable them to break open mounds of soil and logs where the ants nest.
Anteaters are endangered due to habitat loss, and international laws protect them.
21. Antelope
Antelope is a mammal species belonging to the family Bovidae, which includes cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, and other similar animals.
They are found in many habitats across Africa and Eurasia, from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Arctic tundra of Norway.
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Antelopes are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants.
Their diet consists mostly of grasses, foliage, fruits, and nuts. They have large ears and long horns, which help them detect danger and ward off predators.
Antelope can also run at high speeds over short distances, making them excellent escape artists when threatened.
22. Bison
Bison, sometimes referred to as buffalo, are among the largest land animals in North America.
Talking about what animal only eats plants, Bison are herbivores that primarily feed on grasses and other plant matter, such as leaves, twigs, and bark.
Bison have been around for thousands of years and are considered an iconic symbol of the Great Plains.
They are also keystone species, meaning their presence has a major impact on the ecosystem and other species in the area.
Bison can live up to 25 years in the wild and are generally social animals, preferring to live in large herds.
However, their population has drastically declined over the past two centuries due to habitat loss and hunting.
They are now listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
23. Beaver
Beavers are large, semi-aquatic rodents that are best known for their ability to build dams out of sticks and mud.
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? They are primarily herbivores, with their diet consisting mainly of tree bark and aquatic plants such as lilies and cattails.
They have sharp incisors that they use to fall trees and can also use their tails to push debris around.
Beavers are an important species in many ecosystems, and their dams can provide habitats for other animals, including fish and amphibians.
24. Aphid
Aphids are one of the most common and widespread of all plant-eating animals. They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plants by sucking the sap and juices.
They can range in color from green to yellow or black, and they reproduce rapidly, making them difficult to control.
Aphids are a major pest of many food crops. Still, they can also be beneficial in some cases by providing an important food source for other animals such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.
They are also an important part of the food chain and answer why animal only eats plants.
25. Buffalo
The capybara is a large rodent found in Central and South America. It is the largest living rodent in the world.
Regarding what animal only eats plants, capybara has coarse, reddish-brown fur, webbed feet, and a distinctive muzzle.
It spends most of its time in shallow waters and dense vegetation, grazing on aquatic plants and grasses. It is an excellent swimmer and can remain submerged for up to five minutes at a time.
The capybara is also a social animal and lives in large groups of individuals. It is an herbivore, only eating plants such as grasses, leaves, fruits, and tree bark.
26. Cow
Cows are well known as plant-eaters, consuming a diet primarily of grass and hay.
Regarding what animal only eats plants, Cattle, which is another word for cow, are usually herbivorous, though they may occasionally eat insects or other small animals.
Cows are able to digest large amounts of plant matter thanks to their four-chambered stomachs.
They have the ability to regurgitate partially digested food and re-chew it, allowing them to extract more nutrients from their food.
Cows are often raised for milk or meat production, but in many parts of the world, cows are still used for labor, such as plowing fields or pulling carts.
27. Capybara
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Capybara is a large semi-aquatic rodent native to South America.
It is the largest living rodent in the world and is an herbivore, meaning it feeds primarily on plants, grasses, aquatic vegetation, and fruits.
Capybaras have a distinctive appearance with their reddish-brown fur, round ears, and almost bear-like face.
They are sociable animals that live in large family groups and are excellent swimmers.
They often spend much of their time in water and use their webbed feet to navigate around rivers and streams. Their diet consists of leaves, bark, fruit, twigs, grasses, and aquatic plants.
28. Donkey
Donkeys are well known for their hardworking and loyal natures, but they are also one of the few animals that solely rely on a plant-based diet.
Do you ever wonder what animal eats plants? Donkeys can eat a variety of vegetation, including grass, hay, fruits, and vegetables.
They are selective eaters and often forage for specific plants, such as clover or alfalfa.
Donkeys have an especially tough digestive system, allowing them to survive on food sources that other animals couldn’t process.
As a result, they can survive in harsh environments where food sources are limited. Despite their ability to eat vegetation that other animals can’t digest, donkeys still require plenty of water and minerals to stay healthy.
29. Fruit Bat
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Fruit bats are unique because they are the only animal species that exclusively feed on fruit and flowers.
These small mammals are native to tropical regions of the world but can also be found in temperate climates, such as in the United States.
Fruit bats can range in size. These animals are excellent pollinators and play a vital role in sustaining healthy ecosystems.
They use their excellent sense of smell to locate ripe fruits and flowers. They have strong jaw muscles and sharp claws that enable them to break open tough-skinned fruits.
They typically consume juicy fruits and have the ability to swallow whole fruits up to the size of a golf ball.
Fruit bats have incredible mobility due to their ability to fly. They migrate seasonally in search of fruit-producing trees.
This enables them to colonize new areas and expand their habitats. Fruit bats are also important for human agriculture.
They help spread the pollen of many economically important crops, including bananas, mangoes, and dates.
By doing so, they improve crop yields and ensure abundant fruit for people to enjoy.
Unfortunately, fruit bats are threatened by deforestation, hunting, and disease outbreaks. Efforts must be made to protect these valuable creatures and ensure their long-term survival.
30. Zebra
The zebra is one of the most recognizable animals due to its black and white stripes. Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Zebras are herbivores and mainly feed on grasses, leaves, twigs, and bark.
They graze mostly in the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
Although they are selective eaters, they will also occasionally consume shrubs, herbs, fruit, and some aquatic vegetation. Zebras are also known to eat termites and bones for additional minerals.
They have an impressive digestion system that helps them to extract as much nutrition as possible from their plant-based diet.
To stay hydrated, zebras need to drink water daily, but because of their water-conserving bodies, they can go longer than most other mammals without needing a drink.
31. Moose
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? The Moose is a large member of the deer family, which has adapted to living in northern climates and often consumes plants as its primary source of nutrition.
They can eat aquatic and terrestrial plants and have been known to consume shrubs, herbs, grasses, sedges, willows, aquatic vegetation, aspen, birch, and even balsam fir.
Moose can feed on various plants year-round, with preferred items changing depending on season and location.
During winter months, they are known to feed on twigs and buds of deciduous trees, and during summer, they may rely more on the fruits and leaves of the same trees.
Although their diet is predominantly plant-based, they have also been known to eat small animals, such as fish or rodents, when the opportunity presents itself.
32. Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros are a unique species of animal that only eat plants. Talking about what animal only eats plants, they primarily feed on grasses and leaves, but they also consume fruits and vegetables like apples, cucumbers, and bananas.
Rhinos have very tough skin that helps protect them from predators.
They are also extremely fast, but their numbers are decreasing due to hunting and poaching. There are still plenty of rhinos in the wild.
Some rhino species, such as the black rhino, are critically endangered and require urgent conservation measures to survive.
33. Howler Monkey
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Howler monkeys are a type of New World monkey native to the forests of Central and South America.
These large primates are identified by their loud, distinctive call that can travel miles through the jungle.
They have long, prehensile tails and a coat of fur which ranges in color from yellowish-brown to black.
Howler monkeys live in troops of individuals typically made up of related females and their offspring.
The males will leave the troop when they reach maturity and go on to form their own.
Howler monkeys feed mainly on leaves, flowers, buds, fruits, and nuts, making them one of the few exclusively herbivorous primate species.
They also supplement their diet with some insects and bird eggs. They spend most of their time in the treetops and move slowly through the canopy in search of food.
Howler monkeys play an important role in their habitats as they disperse seeds through their feces, which helps to regenerate forests.
34. Hare
Hares are a type of rabbit native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are known for their long ears and legs and the distinctive hopping gait that they use to travel long distances.
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Hares are strictly herbivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of grasses, plants, roots, leaves, and other vegetation.
During the summer months, they may also eat small insects and eggs. The wild European hare is the most common hare species in the world.
They live in open fields and grasslands and can also be found in woodland areas and even in urban parks.
35. Horse
Horses are one of the few animals that are exclusively herbivorous, meaning they only eat plants.
Horses mainly eat hay, grass, and grain but enjoy apples, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables.
Do you ever wonder what animal only eats plants? Horses have very powerful digestive systems, so they can extract more nutrition from a plant-based diet than most other animals.
While they do not have specialized teeth like some other plant-eating animals, their unique mouth structure allows them to grind their food up before swallowing it.
This makes their diet highly nutritious and easily digestible. Horses also need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy, so ensure your horse has access to clean drinking water every day.
Conclusion
When talking about what animal only eats plants, there is a wide variety of creatures out there.
From deer and sloths to tortoises and anteaters, many fascinating animals get their sustenance solely from plant-based food sources.
Other herbivores include antelope, cows, buffalo, aphids, beavers, bison, zebras, fruit bats, donkeys, capybaras, moose, horses, hares, howler monkeys, koalas, rhinoceroses, and giraffes.
All of these animals provide a valuable source of food for other animals, making them an important part of the natural ecosystem.
