African Bush Elephant
Loxodonta africana
- Class
- Mammal
- Rarity
- Epic
- Observations
- 19,843
- Most observed in
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
- Conservation
- Endangered
Description
The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa and the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 m (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 t (5.7–7.6 short tons); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 m (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 t (11.5 short tons). It is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a concave back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. Its skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water. The African bush elephant inhabits a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land. It is a mixed herbivore feeding mostly on grasses, creepers, herbs, leaves, and bark. The average adult consumes about 150 kg (330 lb) of vegetation and 230 L (51 imp gal; 61 US gal) of water each day. It is a social animal that lives in herds of cows and their offspring. Adult bulls usually live alone or in small bachelor groups. During the mating season, males undergo musth, a period of high testosterone levels and heightened aggression. The menstrual cycle of cows lasts three to four months, and gestation around 22 months, the longest of any mammal.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “African bush elephant”.