General Description
African elephant is the
biggest land animal in the world. The most known species in the world which is
considered to be the biggest and heaviest is the bush elephant (a type of
African elephant). They have curved bodies, large ears, distinct upper lip and
nose. Their upper lip and nose form trunk which is used for carrying out life
functions such as picking up food, eating food, drinking water and defending
against predators.
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| African Elephant |
A grown up African elephant between the age of 25-40 years,
weighs around 4500-6000 kg. They have an average height between 7-13 ft (both
male and female) .They are of grayish or dark grayish color depending upon
their species and dwelling places. They have four molars (upper and lower teeth)
called ivory which are the most expensive trade items in the world. They
replace their teeth about 5-6 times in their life time. Their tusks weigh 20-25
kg which are useful weapons for attack and defense. Their tusks are 6-8 ft
long. The African elephants live in 37 African countries much larger in number
and size than their counter parts- the Asian elephants. They communicate with
the help of a shrilled sound called whistle. They can call their family members
at the time of danger in a minute notice or when they find good vegetation.
Their sounds cannot be understood by humans but generally they are considered
to be wise land animals.
Classification
Living African elephants
are classified into following groups:-
- African elephant
- North African elephant
- Bush elephant(biggest of all)
Habitat
African elephants like
to live in forest habitat with nearby available water resources. They like to
swim in water in hot summer. They live in a family unit consisting of 8-10
female members with their calves. Their calves are protected by mother and
other family members together. Their young ones live along their mother and
learn the art of living as they grow old. Male elephants live separate and join
female bond in mating season and like to form group of similar kinship (males)
to tackle their enemies.
Food
African elephants are
herbivores which eat up 400– 500 kg vegetation (leaves, herbs and tall grass).
They drink about 200 -300 ltr water per day. It is interesting to note that the
elephants have inefficient digestive system that is why, they digest only 40%
of ingested food. Had it not been so, they would have eaten up all the forest
vegetation.
Reproduction
African elephants are
very fertile at the age of 25-40 years .They give birth to their babies
(calves) weighing 25-30 kg at the time of birth. The gestation period is 1 year
and 8 months or 2 full years.
Hunting and Death
African elephants are
endangered species because their number has significantly decreased in the
recent years. They have ever looming danger from the ivory hunters who kill
them just for precious organs called molars (upper and lower teeth). Other
common causes of their death are old age (when they loose their teeth and
cannot eat any longer) diseases and predation.
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