Two Main Species
While similar, African and Asian elephants have distinct features that set them apart.
African Elephant
- › Larger ears shaped like the continent of Africa.
- › Both males and females typically grow tusks.
- › Rounded head with a single dome.
- › Skin is more wrinkled.
- › Larger in size, weighing up to 8 tons.
Asian Elephant
- › Smaller, rounded ears.
- › Typically, only males grow large tusks.
- › Twin-domed head with an indent in the middle.
- › Skin is smoother.
- › Generally smaller, weighing up to 5.5 tons.
Incredible Anatomy
An elephant's body is a masterpiece of evolution.
The Trunk
Contains over 40,000 muscles! Used for breathing, smelling, touching, grasping, and producing sound.
Tusks
Actually elongated incisor teeth. Used for defense, digging for roots and water, and marking trees.
Ears
The large surface area helps radiate heat, keeping the giant animal cool in the hot sun.
Skin
Up to 1 inch thick, but it's sensitive. The wrinkles and folds trap moisture, which helps cool them down.
What's on the Menu?
Elephants are herbivores, spending up to 16 hours a day eating!
An adult elephant can consume up to 300 lbs (150 kg) of food in a single day.
A Complex Social Life
Elephant herds are matriarchal, led by the oldest and most experienced female.
These herds are like close-knit families, typically made up of related females and their calves. They display complex behaviors like grief, learning, and problem-solving, and communicate using a wide variety of sounds, including low-frequency rumbles that can travel for miles.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Both African and Asian elephants face significant threats from poaching for their ivory tusks and habitat loss due to human encroachment. Protecting these magnificent animals and their environments is crucial for their survival.
Did You Know?
Elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror, a sign of high intelligence.
They are excellent swimmers and use their trunks as natural snorkels.
An elephant's pregnancy is the longest of any mammal, lasting almost 22 months.
They can live for up to 70 years in the wild.
The saying is true: Elephants have incredible memories.
They purr like cats as a means of communication.