Nature showcase

When it comes to extremes, the planet itself knows how to turn it up a notch. Take a look at this selection of Guinness World Records titles where Mother Nature reigns supreme.

Longest reef

Record

Longest reef

The Great Barrier Reef off Queensland, north-eastern Australia is 2027km 1260miles in length. It is…

View this record Longest reef

Most dangerous ant

Record

Most dangerous ant

The most dangerous ant in the world is the bulldog ant ( Myrmecia pyriformis ) found in coastal…

View this record Most dangerous ant

Most dangerous tree

Record

Most dangerous tree

A member of the spurge family, the world´s most dangerous tree is the manchineel ( Hippomane…

View this record Most dangerous tree

Tallest waterfall

Record

Tallest waterfall

Some world records aren’t pretty. Watching someone pull a truck via meat hooks in the back, for…

View this record Tallest waterfall

Largest mammal to build a nest

Record

Largest mammal to build a nest

The largest mammal to construct a nest is the gorilla ( Gorilla gorilla ) of Africa, where adult…

View this record Largest mammal to build a nest

Largest genus of pitcher plants

Record

Largest genus of pitcher plants

The largest genus of pitcher plants is Nepenthes , the so-called tropical pitcher plants, which…

View this record Largest genus of pitcher plants

Biome with the greatest biodiversity

Record

Biome with the greatest biodiversity

The total number of animal and plant species that exist in the world’s tropical rainforests is…

View this record Biome with the greatest biodiversity

Most active volcano

Record

Most active volcano

The world's most active volcano is Kilauea, in Hawaii, USA, erupting on a continuous basis since…

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Highest mountain

Record

Highest mountain

The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest. Its peak rises to 8,848 m (29,028 ft 9 in) – the…

View this record Highest mountain

Highest clouds

Record

Highest clouds

The highest clouds in the atmosphere are noctilucent clouds. Best seen in the lower and higher…

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Fastest growing plant

Record

Fastest growing plant

The world record for the fastest growing plant belongs to certain species of the 45 genera of bamboo…

View this record Fastest growing plant

Tallest mountain face

Record

Tallest mountain face

The Rupal face of Nanga Parbat, in the western Himalayas, Pakistan, is a single rise of some 5,000 m…

View this record Tallest mountain face

Tallest mountain

Record

Tallest mountain

Mauna Kea (White Mountain) on the island of Hawaii, USA, is the world's tallest mountain. Measured…

View this record Tallest mountain

Largest tree hug

Record

Largest tree hug

The largest tree hug consists of 4,620 people, achieved by Asianet News Network Pvt. Ltd. (India) at…

View this record Largest tree hug

Record

Most forested country (overall area)

View this record Most forested country (overall area)