SPECIES NAME: Loxodonta
SIZE: Males can reach almost 4 meters in height and 6 tons in weight
LIFESPAN: 60-70 years
FOOD: Grass, leaves, bark, fruit, and other foliage
HABITAT: Open and wooded savannas, deserts, and forests

African elephants are earth’s largest terrestrial mammals and are native to its grasslands, savannas, and forests, with two distinct species: the savanna elephant and the forest elephant. Their distinctive trunks are used for communication, drinking, bathing, and foraging for food, which can consist of up to 300 pounds of vegetation each day. African elephants are highly social, living in family herds led by matriarchs and maintaining close bonds with one another through physical contact and vocalizations.

African elephants are classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to habitat loss and poaching. The global population is estimated to be around 415,000, with most found in protected areas and national parks. However, these areas are often not sufficient to provide long-term security for the species, and elephants are still at risk. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure the survival of this magnificent species, including anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and advocacy for stronger protections.