African elephant

African Elephant

The African Elephant (Loxodonta) is a genus comprising two living elephant species, the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the smaller African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Both are herbivores and are found in various habitats in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are distinguished by their large size, large ears, and a trunk used for communication and handling objects.

Taxonomy

The genus Loxodonta was first described by Frederick Nutter Chasen, a British zoologist, in 1827. The name refers to the lozenge-shaped enamel of the molar teeth, which is unique to these species. The two species, Loxodonta africana and Loxodonta cyclotis, were classified as separate species in 2010 based on genetic studies.

Description

African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. The bush elephant is typically larger than the forest elephant, which usually does not grow higher than 3 meters. Both species have grey skin, but the forest elephant's skin is a darker shade. The most notable features of African elephants are their large ears, which are used to radiate excess heat, and their trunks, which are used for communication, feeding, and drinking.

Behavior

African elephants are highly social animals, living in matriarchal family groups. They communicate using a variety of vocalizations, as well as touch, smell, and body language. Elephants also display behaviors such as mourning for the dead, making them one of the few species to show such complex emotions.

Conservation

African elephants are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The primary threats to their survival are habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching for their ivory tusks.

See also

• Elephant cognition
• Elephant crushing
• Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus
• Elephant gun
• Elephant meat
• Elephant's foot (plant)
• Elephant seal
• Elephant shrew
• Elephantidae
• Elephantine (disambiguation)
• Elephantine papyri
• Elephantopus
• Elephants in Kerala culture
• Elephants in Thai culture
• Elephants in ancient Rome
• Elephants in art
• Elephants in culture
• Elephants in folklore and religion
• Elephants in literature
• Elephants in mythology
• Elephants in the military
• Elephants in warfare

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