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Cladistically included but traditionally excluded taxa. † Mammuthus Brookes, 1828. Elephants are the largest living land animals. Three living species are currently recognised: the African bush elephant ( Loxodonta africana ), the African forest elephant ( L. cyclotis ), and the Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus ).
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This article is about the importance of elephants and their role in shaping ecosystems. It discusses the decline in elephant populations due to habitat loss, poaching for illegal ivory trade, human-elephant conflict etc. The article also highlights the efforts made by WWF to protect elephants through various initiatives such as establishing protect...
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The greatest threat to African elephants is poaching for the illegal ivory trade, while Asian elephant populations are most at risk from habitat loss and resulting human-elephant conflict.
Both male and female African elephants grow tusks, led by matriarch, organized into complex social structures of females and calves with males living in isolation or small bachelor groups. A single calf is born every 4-5 years after 22 months gestation period.
Elephants play pivotal role shaping their habitats, directly influence forest composition and density, disperse seeds, alter broader landscape; they maintain biodiversity of ecosystems they inhabit as keystone species. At least 1/3 tree species rely on elephants for seed distribution in central Africa forests.
Learn about elephants, the largest land mammals on earth, and their distinct characteristics, social behavior, and ecological importance. Find out how WWF is working to protect elephants from poaching, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflict.
Learn about the two species of African elephants, their size, diet, behavior, threats and how they shape their habitat. See stunning images of these majestic animals and their trunks, tusks and ears.
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Jan 25, 2018 · As the world's largest land mammal, elephants have quite the commanding presence. But did you know elephants can't jump? Or that baby elephants lose their fi...
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- Nat Geo WILD
- They’re the world’s largest land animal. The African Savanna (Bush) elephant is the world's largest land animal – with adult males, or bull elephants, standing up to 3m high and weighing up to 6,000kg on average.
- You can tell the three species apart by their ears. There are three species of elephant: African Savanna (Bush), African Forest and Asian. The ears of African elephants are much larger than their cousins and are described as being shaped like the African continent, whereas the ears of Asian elephants are shaped like the Indian subcontinent.
- Their trunks have mad skills. Elephants have around 150,000 muscle units in their trunk. Their trunks are perhaps the most sensitive organ found in any mammal.
- Their tusks are actually teeth. Elephant tusks are actually enlarged incisor teeth which first appear when elephants are around 2 years old. Tusks continue growing throughout their lives.
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Elephant guide: where do they live, what do they eat and how to identify them - Discover Wildlife. Learn more about the world's largest land mammals, including what they weigh, if they are dangerous and how good their memory is.
Learn about the African elephant's trunk, diet, life span, and social behavior. Watch videos of elephants playing, rescuing, and interacting with humans.
