African Forest Elephant

Loxodonta cyclotis

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

Mammalia · Proboscidea · Elephantidae

About

The African forest elephant is an elephant species native to humid tropical forests in West Africa and the Congo Basin. It was first described in 1900. With an average shoulder height of 2.16 m, it is the smallest of the three living elephants. Both sexes have straight, down-pointing tusks, which begin to grow at the age of 1–3 years.

Fun Fact

African forest elephants were only recognized as a distinct species from savanna elephants in 2010, and they play a critical role as 'mega-gardeners' — their dung disperses seeds of over 100 tree species through the Congo Basin.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical rainforests

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

60-70 years

Threats

Poaching
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Illegal Logging
Genetic Bottleneck

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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