African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
AfricaSavanna
About this species
The African elephant is the largest living land animal, roaming the savannas and forests of sub-Saharan Africa in tight-knit family herds led by an experienced matriarch. Their trunks contain more than 40,000 muscles, letting them uproot trees or delicately pluck a single blade of grass. Elephants are highly social and intelligent, capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors, mourning their dead, and communicating over long distances with low-frequency rumbles that travel through the ground.
Fun fact
An elephant's trunk can hold up to 8 liters of water at once.
Quick facts
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Conservation status
- Endangered
- Lifespan
- 60-70 years
- Weight
- up to 6,000 kg
- Length
- 6-7.5 m
- Top speed
- 40 km/h
- Population estimate
- ~415,000
