African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Proboscidea · Elephantidae
About
The African bush elephant, also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of three extant elephant species and, along with the African forest elephant, one of two extant species of African elephant. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 metres (10–11 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 tonnes ; the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes. The African bush elephant is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a convex back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. The skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water.
Fun Fact
African elephants can communicate using infrasound at frequencies below human hearing, sending seismic vibrations through the ground that other elephants detect through their feet from up to 10 km away.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Savannas and forests
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
60-70 years
Threats
- Wildfire
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Genetic Bottleneck
- Small Population Size