Gigantopithecus, the Largest Ape that Ever Lived

Gigantopithecus blacki, at 3m (9.8 ft) tall and weighing up to 540 kilograms (1,200 lb). Two to three times larger than a gorilla, it was the largest ape to ever walk the Earth.

This huge creature's habitat was around China, India and Vietnam. It was incredibly strong and its massive bulk kept it safe from local preditors, tigers, leopards and black bears.

Gigantopithecus blacki lived between 300,000 to 1 million years ago and ate the tough grasses found in South East Asian forests. Although it is not known why Gigantopithecus died out, researchers believe that climate change and resource competition with better adapted species were the main reasons.

It has often been claimed by people who research and search for hidden animals from local and ancient legends that a type of Gigantopithecus blacki are the source of tales regarding creatures such as Bigfoot and the Yeti.