1. The world's largest land animal is the African Savanna (Bush) elephant.
On average, adult males, or bull elephants, stand up to 3m high and weigh up to 6,000kg.
It takes males around 35-40 years to reach their full size, which is well over half their lifespan. Wild elephants can live for up to 60-70 years.
Even the calves are enormous, weighing almost 19 stone, or 120kg, at birth.
2. The three species of elephants - African Savanna (Bush), African Forest, and Asian - can be distinguished by their ears.
African elephants have much larger ears, which resemble the shape of the African continent.
On the other hand, Asian elephants have ears shaped like the Indian subcontinent. Another difference is seen in their trunks;
African elephants have two 'fingers' at the tip, while Asian elephants have only one.
3. Elephants' trunks possess remarkable abilities.
With around 150,000 muscle units, their trunks are highly sensitive and are considered the most sensitive organ among mammals.
Elephants use their trunks to drink, capable of holding up to 8 litres of water. Furthermore, they also use their trunks as a snorkel while swimming.
4. Elephant tusks, often desired objects, are actually enlarged incisor teeth that start to appear around the age of 2.
These tusks continue to grow throughout their lives. They serve multiple purposes such as aiding in feeding by prising bark off trees or digging up roots, as well as providing defense in fights.
Unfortunately, these beautiful tusks are a threat to elephants as they are made of ivory. Read further to understand why elephants are endangered.
5. The skin of an elephant is approximately 2.5cm thick in most areas.
The folds and wrinkles in their skin can retain up to 10 times more water than smooth, flat skin, which helps in keeping them cool.
Elephants maintain hygiene by taking regular dust and mud baths, which not only keep their skin clean but also protect them from sunburn.
Elephants employ a diverse range of methods to communicate, including audible calls similar to trumpets (although some sounds may extend beyond the audible range for humans), body language, tactile interactions, and olfactory signals.
The temporal lobe of the elephant's brain, which is strongly associated with memory functions, exhibits a greater size and density compared to that of humans.
6. The constant activity of elephants involves their continuous consumption of food.
In accordance with their habitat and the season, elephants nourish themselves by ingesting varying food sources such as grasses, leaves, shrubs, fruits, and roots. During particularly arid periods, elephants will increase their consumption of the woody components of trees and shrubs, including twigs, branches, and bark.
Their daily food requirement amounts to approximately 150kg, which is equivalent to around 375 tins of baked beans. It should be noted, however, that approximately half of this intake may be excreted undigested.
Due to their substantial food consumption, elephants dedicate as much as three-quarters of their day solely to feeding.
7. Communication among elephants occurs primarily through vibrations.
Elephants employ a diverse range of methods to communicate, including audible calls similar to trumpets (although some sounds may extend beyond the audible range for humans), body language, tactile interactions, and olfactory signals.
Furthermore, elephants are capable of engaging in communication through seismic vibrations, which are audible signals that generate ground vibrations that can be sensed through their bones.
25 Cool And Absolutely Extraordinary Elephant Facts
8. Within a mere 20 minutes after birth, a baby elephant can already stand on its own.
One remarkable aspect of elephant calves is their innate ability to stabilize themselves on their feet within 20 minutes after birth.
Even more astonishingly, they can begin to walk independently within just one hour. By the time two days have passed, they can match the movement pace of their herd.
This extraordinary adaptation enables elephant herds to sustain their migratory patterns in search of sustenance and water.
9. It is a universally recognized fact that elephants possess an exceptional memory.
The temporal lobe of the elephant's brain, which is strongly associated with memory functions, exhibits a greater size and density compared to that of humans.
This remarkable anatomical feature lends credence to the popular saying that "elephants never forget."
10. The past century has witnessed a staggering decline of approximately 90% in the African elephant population.
Over the course of the last century, the African elephant population has been decimated, with an alarming reduction of approximately 90%. This decline is largely attributable to the rampant and devastating ivory trade.
Consequently, today, the estimated number of African elephants remaining in the wild stands at approximately 415,000 individuals. Asian elephants also face severe threats, with their numbers having dwindled by at least 50% in the past three generations alone.
Presently, a mere 48,000 to 52,000 individuals endure in their natural habitats.
The encroachment of human settlements and agricultural expansion has resulted in the fragmentation and loss of elephant habitats, making it increasingly challenging for
Asian elephant populations to adhere to their traditional migration routes in order to access water sources, feeding areas, and breeding grounds.
Consequently, these noble creatures frequently find themselves exposed to dangerous encounters with humans.
