African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Information:

The African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), descendant of the prehistoric Mammoth, is the biggest herbivorous mammal on earth. The bull has a height of 3,30 meters and weighs 4-6 tons, whereas the female “only” a height of 2,80 meters and a weight of 2-3 tons. It has a big head and huge ears which cover his shoulders and are often used for making air and cooling his body and for fending off pesky insects. It has a dark or light gray color and its trademark, are his two tusks in his upper jaw which can grow more than 2,50 meters and reach a weight of more than 70 kg.

The African Elephant is widespread in the woods, the steppe and the savannah of the Mid-tropical zone of Africa. It has a developed sense of smell and touch, but very poor eyesight. In their search for food, the African Elephants cross on a daily base long distances passing even through rivers by holding their “two-fingered” trunk out of the water so they can breathe.

They consume an average of 200-250 kg of grass, leaves and fruits and 90-180 liters of water. The female elephant gives birth to one young after a gestation period of 22 months.