African elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth. With a body length ranging from 5 to 7.5 meters, a tail length of 1 to 1.3 meters, and a weight of 2,700 to 6,000 kilograms, they are an imposing sight. The largest African elephant ever recorded weighed a whopping 10,000 kilograms.


African elephants are typically found in wooded grasslands with mixed shrubs and trees. They are well adapted to a variety of natural environments, ranging from sea level to 5,000 meters above sea level, including forests, open grasslands, and semi-arid jungles.


Unfortunately, today the African elephant's habitat is limited to forests, bushland, and savannas within national parks and reserves.


African elephants are slightly larger than their Asian counterparts and can be distinguished by their large ears. While Asian elephant ears are rounder and smaller, African elephant ears are larger and more oval-shaped.


Elephants' ears radiate heat to keep them cool, but sometimes the continent gets too hot. Elephants have an innate affinity for water and like to suck water into their trunks and spray it all over their bodies. Afterward, they often spray their skin with a protective layer of mud.


The long trunk of the African elephant is a remarkable tool, with about 100,000 muscles alone. It can be used to smell, breathe, blow the horn, drink water, and grab things.


African elephants have two finger-like protrusions at the end of their trunks, which are very sensitive and dexterous and can be used to grab small things. Asian elephants, on the other hand, have only one.


As herbivores, African elephants spend most of their day foraging and feeding on grasses, leaves, bark, fruit, and various plant foliage. Incredibly, they can eat up to 350 pounds of vegetation per day.


African elephants are social animals that usually form family groups consisting of mothers and calves. Each family can consist of 10 to 100 elephants, led by a female elephant. Bull elephants usually travel alone, but may also form small groups with other bull elephants.


African elephants are very intelligent animals that can communicate in various ways, including through sight, hearing, smell, and touch. They use their voices to warn family members of dangerous situations, as well as to express joy and friendliness. Additionally, they use body language to convey messages, such as nose bumping to signal warnings or threats.


Despite their intelligence and majestic beauty, African elephants have a complex relationship with humans. They are often used as tourist attractions, as well as for performing in circuses and transporting heavy objects. However, due to human disturbance and destruction, the habitat and numbers of African elephants are declining.


African elephants are one of the most important components of the African savannah ecosystem. Unfortunately, a survey of African elephants has shown that their numbers have declined dramatically over the past decade, with poaching being the main threat. Each year, approximately 25,000 elephants are killed by poachers.


To protect African elephants, many countries have developed conservation plans, such as banning the ivory trade and establishing wildlife sanctuaries.


These measures have had some success, but more efforts are still needed to protect these beautiful animals. With continued conservation efforts, it is hoped that future generations will continue to be awed by the majesty of the African elephant.