Animals that live in natural habitats are rarely able to reach their maximum age because of the extremely high mortality rates caused by infant mortality, disease or predators or bad weather, habitat destruction, or the competition for food and shelter. Here are the top ten animals with Longest Lifespans under ideal conditions.
10. Macaw
The macaw is easily identified by its brightly colored feathers. Macaws belong to the family called parrots. They live for a long time, and in the right circumstances, they can live between 60 and 80. They live in the forests and consume a variety of seeds and nuts. Unfortunately, however plentiful, many of these gorgeous birds are in danger in the wild, and certain species are already disappearing due to habitat destruction and the illegal trade in pet animals.
9. African Elephant
African elephants are among the most significant living animals on the planet, and they live a life span of is 70-years. They are one of the longest-lived animals. Experts can determine the age of an elephant by observing several aspects like its size and the number of teeth. It’s a procedure that requires observation skills and plenty of practice!
Females are born between 10 and 12 years old, like us. They can be fertile for the rest years of their lives. They could have around seven babies. The duration of their pregnancy is approximately 22 months. That’s more than three times longer than humans! Being a mummy elephant is not an easy job.
8. Longfin Eel
Longfin eels are typical to 60 years old. However, the record-breaking longest life span was 106 years old! The species is native to New Zealand and Australia and live its entire life swimming in freshwater lakes before making its way towards the Pacific Ocean to breed. The only time they do it is one time in their lives, and they die shortly when they spawn. They’re slow-growing animals with only a few centimeters per year. Females, however, reach 73 to 156 centimeters in length.
7. Galapagos Giant Tortoise
It’s not only the Galapagos Giant Tortoise size worth mentioning; it’s their age. They’re able to live to more than 100 years old, with the oldest recorded as being the age of 152! The oldest of them isn’t the most well-known, however. Lonesome George was one of the only left Pinta Island tortoises on the islands and, for a short time, was the world’s most rare animal. He passed away in 2012, aged about 100 years old. Like many of the species on our list, giant tortoises also have an unhurried pace of life as they eat grass and other plants, enjoy the sun, and rest up to 16 hours per day.
6. Red Sea Urchin
Red sea urchins have been believed to be nearly immortal and have been known to last for more than 200 years, with no sign of aging. They are much greater at risk of being eaten by predators than die from an age-related illness, and 100 years old is equally well-nourished and able to reproduce like a young one. The ability to determine the age of these echinoderms is achievable by analyzing levels of carbon-14, which is a method called radiocarbon dating.
5. Koi Fish
The lifespan of Japanese Koi is about 40 years, but they could be much longer living in the right environment. One particular Koi, called “Hanako”, was the astonishing age of 226 when she passed away in 1977. Scientists were able to determine her age by observing growth rings on her scales.
4. Bowhead Whale
Bowhead whales live up to 200 years. This is more than any other mammal. Their age is difficult to determine as they live in the Arctic and subarctic, and their research can last longer than theirs. You can estimate their age by looking at fragments of harpoons found in the fat of the animals captured. One individual had fragments that date back to the 1800s. Scientists have suggested that bowhead whales may live up to 268 years. Another method is DNA.
3. Greenland Shark
Greenland sharks can live between 300-500 years, making them the longest-living vertebrate. They live a slow life, moving an average of 0.76 mph. They can grow up to a meter yearly and may not reach sexual maturity until 100-150. That’s a long life! Despite their size and longevity, scientists have struggled to understand the lives of these sharks. Radiocarbon dating of the eye’s lens is a method that scientists have recently discovered to estimate age. Every year, new tissues are added to your lens. It is possible to determine the age of the tissue by the amount of carbon isotope present.
2. Ocean Quahog
Ocean Quahogs can be eaten as edible clams with a long life span. Many will live to their 400th birthday; the oldest recorded Ocean Quahog was 507. Scientists could determine the shell’s age by counting the growth rings, much like how trees age. Other information can be retrieved as well. Scientists can also see how shells change over time to determine how the oceans have changed. They are both living creatures and an illustration of life in a changing world.
1. Immortal Jellyfish
Can you imagine being immortal? Imagine reaching old age, then being able to return as a baby and start over again. This is what we call the stuff of our dreams. It is the real thing for immortal jellyfish. These incredible creatures begin their lives as larvae (known as planula), which swirl around in the ocean. The larvae settle on the ocean floor and become static polyps before swimming medusa. So far, so good. However, immortal jellyfish can return to the polyp stage if they are injured or feel stressed by environmental changes. They can do it over and over again if they have the opportunity. Other animals often use them for dinner, which is why many won’t.
