Top Jumpers of the Animal Kingdom

Mountain Goat

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Mountain goats are sure-footed animals that spend their days jumping from cliff to cliff. They have cloven hooves with two toes spread to improve their balance as they pick their way up and down the mountainside. They are able to jump nearly 12 feet in a single bound. (Source)

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Klipspringer

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The name Klipspringer actually means "rock jumper" in Afrikaans. These tiny types of African antelope only stand 22 inches tall at their shoulder. They are extraordinary jumpers and can reach heights of 25 feet. That is about 15 times their own height. (Source)

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Flea

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These tiny, wingless parasites that measure one-fourth of an inch in length are capable of jumping from 50 to 150 times their body length. Fleas' hind legs feature specialized tissues that allow them to make these massive leaps. Recorded vertical jumps of 7 ¾ inches and horizontal jumps of 13 inches demonstrate the abilities of this miniscule insect. (Source)

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Dolphin

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These aquatic mammals jump up to 20 feet above the surface of the water. Dolphins do this to see what is around them. They look for predators or scout out their next meal. They could also just be saying hello to their fellow dolphin pals and communicating their location. (Source)

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Hare

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Hares and rabbits are both outstanding jumpers. Hares in particular are able to leap in 15 feet bounds. This comes in handy when they are trying to outrun predators. (Source)

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Domestic Cat

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Cats can jump up to five or six times their own height. They often leap to reach high and strategic spots that offer concealment and protection, a habit that reflects their natural survival instincts. (Source)

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Grasshopper

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Grasshoppers are excellent jumpers, as is implied in their name. Reaching anywhere from two to five inches in length, they are able to make powerful leaps. Grasshoppers have six jointed legs, the back two of which are solely used for jumping. (Source)

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Impala

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Impalas are able to jump large distances in a single bound. They use their powerful jumping to quickly escape from predators, such as cheetahs, leopards and Nile crocodiles. Their ability to jump eight feet in height and 30 feet in length can literally save their life. (Source)

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Frog

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These amphibians make for excellent jumpers. Using their tendons to stretch out as far as they can, frogs are able to leap forward in about a fifth of a second. A quarter of their entire mass is in their legs, making their bodies built for jumping. (Source)

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Kangaroo

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No surprise here, kangaroos are masters at jumping. Technically, they hop with their powerful hind legs and long feet. One hop can move a kangaroo forward three to four times its own length, with the longest hop on record reaching 43 feet. (Source)

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