African elephant

Species of elephant native to Africa

The African elephant (Loxodonta) is a genus comprising two living elephant species, the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Both species are native to Africa and are the largest land animals on Earth.

Taxonomy

The genus Loxodonta was first described by Georges Cuvier in 1825. The name refers to the lozenge-shaped enamel of the molar teeth. The African bush elephant and the African forest elephant were once considered a single species, but genetic studies have shown that they are distinct species.

Description

African elephants are characterized by their large ears, which help to dissipate heat, and their trunk, which is a fusion of the nose and upper lip. The African bush elephant is larger, with males reaching up to 3.3 meters at the shoulder and weighing up to 6,000 kg. The African forest elephant is smaller, with males reaching up to 2.5 meters at the shoulder and weighing up to 4,000 kg.

Distribution and Habitat

African elephants are found in a variety of habitats including savannas, forests, deserts, and marshes. The African bush elephant is found in sub-Saharan Africa, while the African forest elephant is found in the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa.

Behavior

African elephants are highly social animals, living in matriarchal family groups. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations and seismic signals. Elephants are known for their intelligence, memory, and complex social structures.

Diet

African elephants are herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, bark, and fruit. They require large amounts of food and water, which influences their migratory patterns.

Conservation

African elephants are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory. Conservation efforts include anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and international bans on ivory trade.

Related pages

• Elephant
• Ivory trade
• Conservation biology
• Endangered species

Gallery

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  African forest elephant
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  Skulls of African bush and forest elephants
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  Skeleton of an African bush elephant
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  Historical illustration of an African elephant