When you think of the world’s slowest animals, you may think of the humble sloth, but did you know that there are actually several other creatures that move even slower? While some animals are able to move quickly, there are some that are much slower and can barely keep up with a tortoise’s pace. Here is our top 7 list of the slowest animals on earth.
Koala
Koalas are the slowest animals on earth! They move at a lethargic pace of around 0.2 mph. But don’t worry, they have evolved to conserve energy. Koalas sleep up to 18 hours a day. They can also climb trees to avoid predators. But they don’t just sleep and eat! Koalas can swim and hold their breath for up to six minutes. Koalas also make a range of sounds, from bellows to squeaks. They even have their own language! It’s a mix of snorts, grunts, and screams. Koalas are also very particular about their diets. They only eat the leaves of certain species of eucalyptus trees.
Giant Tortoise
The Giant Tortoise may be the slowest animal on earth, but its speed is not to be underestimated. It can move up to 0.17 mph, enough to traverse a football field in an hour! Despite its sluggish pace, the Giant Tortoise can live up to 200 years, making it the oldest living creature on the planet. It also has a remarkable ability to survive in extremely harsh environments. It can survive without food or water for up to a year, and even withstand long periods of extreme temperatures. Furthermore, its shell provides protection from predators and extreme weather conditions.
Garden Snail
Garden snails are the slowest animals on Earth. They move at a maximum speed of 1.3 centimeters per second. That’s just 0.00000436 miles per hour! To put that in perspective, an average human can walk at 3 miles per hour. At their top speed, it would take a snail roughly two days to travel the length of a football field. Snails also have tiny, thread-like tentacles that they use to sense their environment. They also possess a hard, calcareous shell that helps protect them from predators. In addition, snails can sleep for up to three years at a time!
Sea Horse
The slowest animal on Earth is the sea horse! It moves at a whopping 0.01 mph. To put it in perspective, a snail can outrun it! It also moves its head in an up-and-down motion, not side-to-side like most other fish. Its tail is prehensile, allowing it to hold on to objects. It can even curl up into a spiral shape! Its diet consists of small crustaceans and plankton. Sea horses are masters of camouflage, blending in with their surroundings. They have excellent eyesight and can detect predators from far away.
Loris
The loris is the slowest animal on Earth. It moves at a snail’s pace! But don’t let its slow pace fool you; these amazing creatures are full of surprises. They have big eyes and long claws that help them climb trees. They also have a powerful sense of smell. Lorises are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. Surprisingly, they can live up to 20 years in the wild! They are mostly solitary but some species live in small family groups. They mainly eat insects, eggs, fruits, and small animals. So, the loris is slow, but it’s still an impressive creature with some impressive skills!
Starfish
Starfish are the slowest animal on Earth. But don’t be fooled; they are no slouches! They can still move up to two meters per hour. Starfish use hundreds of tiny tube feet and a sticky suction to cling to rocks, coral and other surfaces. They also have a unique way of getting around; by pushing water out of their bodies and propelling themselves. Starfish can even change direction mid-flight! They use their tube feet and spines to climb steep surfaces, like cliffs and rocks.
Three-Toed Sloth
The sloth is the world’s slowest animal! But hey, that doesn’t mean it’s lazy. It just moves at its own pace! After all, why rush when you have nowhere to be? Sloths spend 15 to 20 hours a day sleeping and the rest of the time they move slowly through the trees. They are slow but purposeful! They take their time to get things done, like finding food and building nests. Sloths also take their time to socialize, and they can even be quite playful when they want to.
