African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
The African Elephant is one of the Big Five. They are the largest of African animals. Wildlife Justice commission indicate that there are currently less than 500,000 left in the wild. Compared with 26 million in the 19th Century.
Unfortunately their killing for ivory continues today. Thus their continued decline. Consequently they are a threatened species. As a result listed as vulnerable.
Characteristics
The African Elephant in many respects a record holder. It is, for example, the largest of all land mammals. Both male and females grow tusks. They can grow to reach a shoulder height up to 10 feet.
They are also the heavy weights in land animals. As they can reach up to 6 tons in weight. The male is usually larger and heavier.
Elephants have an exceptionally long gestation period. With the female carrying the calf for 22 months.
Diet
The Elephant is a herbivore. Unusual, amongst land mammals they are both browser and grazers. Therefore they eat a wide range of vegetation. Including grass, leaves, fruit but also tree root and bark.
Our wildlife photography collection of large African animals also including Rhino, Giraffe, Buffalo and Hippo.
See more images – Antelope and Gazelle
Read more about the plight of the Elephant at The Wildlife Justice commission.