ELEPHANT JOURNAL

Elephants are the largest living land animals on Earth, belonging to the family Elephant. Elephant come in two varieties: African elephants and Asian elephants.

African elephants are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, in a variety of habitats including savannas, forests, and deserts. They are divided into two subspecies: the savanna elephant and the forest elephant. Savanna elephants are the larger of the two subspecies, with males standing up to 4 meters tall and weighing up to 6 tons, while forest elephants are smaller, standing up to 2.5 meters tall and weighing up to 3 tons.

Asian elephants can be found through Asia, but are mostly in the countries of Southeast Asia, India, and the country of Sri Lanka. They are smaller than African elephants, with males standing up to 3 meters tall and weighing up to 5 tons.

Both species of elephants are known for their long trunks, which are actually elongated noses and upper lips. The trunks are used for a variety of tasks, including breathing, smelling, touching, grasping, and producing sounds. Elephants also have large ears that they use to regulate their body temperature, as well as to communicate with one another over long distances.

Elephant are sociable creatures that reside within tribes. The herds are led by a matriarch, typically the oldest and most experienced female, and consist of females and their young. Adult males, known as bulls, usually live alone or in small groups.

Elephants are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. They have large, flat teeth that they use to grind up tough vegetation. African elephants can eat up to 300 pounds of vegetation in a single day, while Asian elephants eat around 200 pounds.

Unfortunately, both species of elephants are listed as threatened due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks. Preservation initiatives are being carried out to safeguard these magnificent creatures & their natural environments.