African elephants are the largest of all the land mammals. There are two species or variations that live within the continent - the the Savannah or bush elephant, and the forest elephant. The Savannah elephants are slightly larger than their forest kin and their tusks curve in an outward direction away from their bodies.

The other species of elephant on the continent is the forest elephant which is smaller than the bush elephant and has a darker colour to its skin. This sub species has evolved more oval shaped ears and has tusks that point downwards and are straighter. There are also variations in the size and shape of the two species skeletal structure and skulls.

For many people the most recognisable and perhaps odd feature of the elephant is its long trunk that extends out ahead of its face. This is a very practical tool and can be used for communication, as well as picking items up and washing or drinking by sucking in water to be blown into its mouth or over its body. The end of the trunk has two openings as opposed to the Asian variety that has only one.

The tusks of the elephant are large incisors that keep on growing throughout an elephants lifetime. These over-sized teeth are grown by both males and females and are used for fighting, digging and feeding. Another one of these creatures notable features are the large ears that help to radiate heat in the hot African sun.

Elephants remain under considerable threat from poachers who look to steal their ivory tusks to sell them on the black market. Whilst the ivory trade has declined since the overall ban on ivory in 1989 it still remains a significant issue and ivory still finds its way into foreign markets.

A threat to the species that is more long term is the reduction of their available habitat. This is mainly due to the expansion of human populations into their lands. For these reasons the African elephant is considered an endangered species and much is being done to guarantee the continuation of their way of life.

African elephants are the largest of all the land mammals. There are two species or variations that live within the continent - the the Savannah or bush elephant, and the forest elephant. The Savannah elephants are slightly larger than their forest kin and their tusks curve in an outward direction away from their bodies.

About the Author
Andrew Keet lives close to the Addo Elephant Park in South Africa and sends much of his time watching and studying the Elephants and is concerned about the threats to elephants in our world today.