South Africa boasts a rich array of wildlife, with numerous predators and prey that have evolved over centuries to thrive in their environments. A key aspect of their survival strategies is their bite force, which offers fascinating insight into their hunting methods, defense mechanisms, and overall physiology. From terrestrial to aquatic animals, each species possesses unique adaptations that contribute to their success in the wild.

Bite force refers to the amount of pressure an animal can exert with its jaws while biting, playing a crucial role in hunting, defense, and feeding. It’s measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) – more accurately, pound force per square inch, as it’s the pressure from a one-pound force applied to an area of one square inch (6.5 square centimeters). Higher PSI values indicate greater pressure applied over a small surface area.

Several factors influence an animal’s bite force, including jaw structure, muscle strength, tooth shape, and feeding behaviour. Diet plays a particularly significant role, as carnivores generally require stronger bite forces to capture and consume prey compared to herbivores.

Exploring the bite force of African animals provides a deeper understanding of their behaviours and ecological roles. Let’s examine the bite forces of various animals found at Londolozi, revealing what makes them such remarkable creatures.

I’ve selected animals with bite forces significantly stronger than humans to illustrate just how robust and powerful these creatures are that we regularly observe here at Londolozi.

Hippo’s will often open their mouths wide to show off their impressive-looking modified incisors in order to ward off and intimidate potential rivals. Being all by himself, I think this male was just yawning.

Humans

Humans have an average bite force of 162 PSI, which is relatively weak compared to many animals but perfectly adapted for our omnivorous diet. While not built for raw power, the human jaw is designed for versatility, capable of grinding, tearing, and chewing a wide range of foods. Our strongest bite comes from the molars, which we use for crushing and grinding food.

Going in order from the weakest bite force down to the strongest bite force, we could witness here at Londolozi, here are the top four:

 4. Lion

The lion’s bite force is approximately 650 PSI, which, while lower than some other large predators, is still powerful enough to take down impressive prey. Its strong jaws and sharp teeth are specifically designed for gripping and suffocating animals rather than crushing bones. Lions rely on this powerful bite to latch onto the throat or muzzle of prey, delivering a fatal hold that eventually cuts off the air supply.

Lions eat wildebeest and so get energy. Lions eating lions would get nowhere near as much energy.

3. Hyena

The hyena boasts a formidable bite force of around 1,100 PSI, one of the strongest among mammals. Its exceptionally large jaw muscles and specialized teeth allow it to crush bones remarkably easily, giving it access to nutrient-rich marrow that many other predators cannot reach. This extraordinary bite plays a crucial role in both scavenging and hunting, enabling hyenas to consume nearly every part of their prey, leaving little to waste.

A hyena successfully steals the remains of a carcass from a female leopard.

 2. Hippo

The hippopotamus has an incredibly powerful bite force, measured at a staggering 1,800 PSI, making it one of the strongest among land animals. Its massive jaw can open to 150 degrees, allowing it to deliver devastating bites with its long, sharp canine teeth. Despite being herbivores, hippos are highly territorial and aggressive, using their powerful bite primarily for defense and establishing dominance. Their bite force is strong enough to crush bones, effectively fend off predators, and even overpower rivals within their social groups.

1. Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile possesses one of the most formidable bites in the animal kingdom, measuring an astonishing 4,000 PSI. Its specialized powerful jaw muscles enable it to grip and subdue prey with immense force. Unlike mammals, it doesn’t chew its food but instead employs a “death roll” to tear apart its catch. The crocodile’s strong, conical teeth and rigid skull structure ensure maximum bite efficiency, allowing it to successfully hunt fish, birds, and even large mammals, establishing itself as the dominant predator in its aquatic habitat.

The Action shot. It was amazing to see the height this enormous crocodile was able to achieve!

Success! The crocodile rips a piece of meat free.

This crocodile came to the edge of the watering hole to finish off its share of an impala.

The immense power behind these bite forces reveals just how finely tuned each of these animals is for survival. Whether it’s the precision of a lion’s suffocating grip, the bone-crushing jaws of a hyena, or the sheer brute strength of a Nile crocodile, each predator’s bite is a testament to its evolutionary success. Witnessing these forces in action at Londolozi is a humbling reminder of the raw power that governs the wild—a world where every adaptation, from tooth shape to jaw structure, plays a vital role in the delicate balance of life.