African Bush Elephant

The African bush elephant is the worlds largest land animal, with males weighing up to 10 tons and standing at about 3 metres tall. Female elephants are not quite as tall or heavy, but are still incredibly strong! An elephant has huge ears and a long trunk, often with two large tusks on either side of it. These can grow over a metre in length. It's safe to say there's no animal quite like the elephant!

DID YOU KNOW?

Three of a Kind

In Africa we have two species of elephant: The African bush elephant and the African forest elephant. In Asia, their cousin, the Asian elephant can be found.

Social Giants

Elephants are extremely social creatures who live in herds led by older females called matriarchs—their mothers or grandmothers—who teach them how to survive in their environment, as well as where to find food and water sources when necessary.

An Elephants Age

African bush elephants typically live between 50 and 60 years in the wild, but can be as old as 70!

A Trunk that Talks

Elephants can communicate using a variety of sounds and gestures, including rumbles, roars, chirps and squeaks. They also use their trunks as an expressive way to communicate.

photo of two elephants reaching up at once to feed off a tree

Elephants use their trunks to eat, explore and communicate.

photo of a young elephant pulling leaves with its trunk

Male elephants will stay with their mothers until they are mature, then they will go off on their own.

Photo of a male bull elephant standing in the bush

Male elephants can grow to nearly 4 metres!

photo of two elephants reaching up at once to feed off a tree

Elephants use their trunks to eat, explore and communicate.

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Elephant Conservation

The African elephant is at risk of extinction because of illegal poaching, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflict.

In many countries, elephants are hunted for their ivory tusks. The demand for ivory has increased in recent years, which has led to an increase in poaching. Elephants also face a risk of habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. Finally, elephants often live near farms or towns, where they can get into trouble when they raid crops or attack people.

To find out more about African elephants and how you can help them, follow the links below:

Elephants Alive

ERP.ngo

Elephants for Africa