African Elephant Overview

The scientific name of the African Elephant is Loxodonta Africana.

The African Elephant is the largest living land animal. The African Elephant is also referred to as the Bush Elephant or the Savanna Elephant. The African Elephant lives in a range of habitats from desert to high rain forests.

The male African Elephant can be twice the size of the female African Elephant. African Elephants are much larger than Asian Elephants. Male African Elephants grow to a height of 10-13 feet and weigh approximately 15,000 lbs. African Elephants have ears that are bigger than an Asian Elephant. Both male and female African Elephants have tusks.

African Elephants are the largest land animals. Their long trunk is actually an extension of their upper lip and nose. They use their trunks to communicate with each other, and to bathe and feed themselves.

The African Elephant can feed for up to 20 hours each day, consuming vegetation that is equivalent to 5% of its body weight. African Elephants also usually visits a water source daily to wallow, bathe and drink. African Elephants will sometimes wallow in thick mud. The thick mud protects their skin from sun and insects.

The African Elephant lives in matriarchal societies. The elephant calf stays with its mother for thee first 3-4 years of life and may also be protected b other females in the herd.

About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net