Animals have different morphological structures that allow them to fully develop in their environment. These structures include horns, common in some species of terrestrial animals, either to attract the opposite sex, to defend themselves or to feed, and some animals need them to survive.
Interested in what species have this feature? Read the expertAnimal article on, large, long and curved animals.
- Before giving examples of horned animals.
- It is important to explain what they are.
- These are bone structures that protrud from the head of some animals.
- Especially the frontal bone of the skull.
- In addition to being made up of bones.
- They grow covered with a layer of keratin.
- Even some species develop horns protected by a layer of soft fur.
- Called velvet.
But what are horns for? Most horned animals use it to defend themselves, either as a weapon against a predator or when they are in conflict between males by territory or mating. However, horns can perform other functions, one of which is to serve as a means to remove obstacles and even to obtain food (scratching trees or branches). In addition, in the case of cuckold males, they are attractive elements during the mating period.
There are several types of horn shapes in animals, thick, wide, coiled, spiral, among others. Read on and see examples of each.
We begin the list of animals with horns highlighting some species that have large and strong horns. Examples include:
There are many types of chameleons but in this article we will highlight the Chameleon of Jackson or Trioceros jacksonii. Due to the size of their horn relative to the body, they are considered animals with larger horns. They have three horns on their heads, which can change color as the chameleon changes.
The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a cattle that, as the name suggests, is on the list of African animals. One of its most noteworthy features are its horns, which are part of the list of animals with rolled horns. In addition to being long, they bend at the ends to form a semicircle.
The common sheep (Ovis orientalis musimon) belongs to the goat family. It lives in the mountainous regions of Europe and is distinguished by its large horns, which wrap around the ends of the head.
Capra falconeri is a species of Pakistani origin, it is one of the most beautiful curved horned animals in the world. Its horns can measure up to 1.5 meters and form very elongated curves.
Cape Oryx is an African antelope known for its large horns. This feature is present in males and females, but males have longer, sharper and thicker horns.
Deer are a family of rumors characterized by the large horns of males, formed by bone matter, so it is possible to classify them as horns. These horns change every year, in a process known as bone regeneration. They allow men to fight for women, as well as establish their position among their counterparts.
The animals in the list above are distinguished by their wide and very striking horns. In this list, you will see some examples of animals with horns that are distinguished by their length.
The bull is one of the animals with best known horns, this cattle have horns that end in tip. The difference between bulls and oxen is that the bulls are fertile adult males and the oxen are sterilized adult males.
Antelopes are a group of several species and subspecies of unregulated mammals. Antelope horns are long and, in some cases, can be rolled up. However, most are bones. Antelopes use horns to fight during mating, establish hierarchies, and protect themselves from predators.
The impala (Aepyceros melampus) belongs to the antelope family but is smaller in size. Males have horns of almost 1 meter, which adopt curved but not curved shapes.
The western Caucasus tur (Capra del Caucasus) is part of the goat family. Males and females have horns, and the horns of the male are larger, reaching up to 75 centimeters and wrapping towards the back.
The mountain goat (Capra ibex) is a cattle that inhabits the mountainous Alps. Females and males have horns, but in males they can reach up to 1 meter, in addition to being thick and with different bumps throughout their length.
Addax (Addax nasomaculatus) belongs to the antelope family. It has long, thin horns that curve slightly as they grow upwards.
The zibeline (Hippotragus niger) is a goat that belongs to the list of African animals with horns. It has an elegant appearance, with long horns that end in tip. Thanks to these horns, the zibelin can defend against predators and fight with other males to conquer females.
East African oryx (Oryx beisa) is a species of African antelope. It has broad, thin and straight horns, with which it protects from predators.
To finish this list of animals with horns, we will give examples of animals that, although they have horns, are different from those mentioned above, such as:
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is among the African animals with horns. Females and males have horns called osicona. The osicones are part of the skull and are covered in cartilage and hair. The horns allow giraffes to confront and even fight predators. In addition, they identify the age and gender of each individual.
Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a species of African mammal related to giraffes. In addition to its curious appearance (brown loin with striped fur legs reminiscent of zebras), it has two small horns on the head. However, these horns seem to have no use for the species.
The giant cuckold lizard (Phrynosoma asio) is one of Mexico’s cuckolded animals. The species has spines in its entire length, but at the top of the head it has real horns, formed by bone matter.
Bisons are a group of artiodactyl mammals found in North America and Mexico. The bison horns are hollow and short.
If you want to read articles similar to Animals with Horns: features and photos, we recommend that you visit our Curiosities of the Animal World section.