Discovering African Elephants with Elephants for Africa
The Main Goal of Elephants for Africa
Elephants for Africa is an organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of African elephants. The main goal of Elephants for Africa is to conduct research and implement initiatives that will help support the long-term survival of African elephants in their natural habitats.
African Elephants: Majestic Creatures of the Land
African elephants are the world's largest land animals. The biggest can be up to 7.5m long, 3.3m high at the shoulder, and 6 tonnes in weight. The trunk is an extension of the upper lip and nose and is used for communication and handling objects, including food.
Unique Physical Characteristics
African elephants have two opposing extensions at the end of their trunks, in contrast to the Asian elephant, which only has one. Tusks are large modified incisors that grow throughout an elephant's lifetime and are used for various purposes such as fighting, marking territory, feeding, and digging.
The other notable feature of African elephants is their very large ears, which help them radiate excess heat and regulate their body temperature in hot climates.
Two Subspecies, Two Homes
There are two subspecies of African elephants – the larger savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) and the smaller forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis). Savannah elephants roam grassy plains and woodlands, while forest elephants live in the equatorial forests of central and western Africa.
Social Structure and Life Cycle
The complex social structure of elephants is organized around herds composed of related females and their calves. Males usually live alone or form small groups. Savannah elephants form family units that may join together to form clans, while forest elephants live in smaller family units.
Elephants have a long life cycle, with females mostly fertile between 25 and 45 years of age. Calves are usually weaned after 6 to 18 months, and male elephants leave their natal group at puberty to form alliances with other males.
Diet and Behavior
African elephants mainly eat leaves, branches, grasses, fruit, and bark. They are herbivores with a varied diet that sustains their large bodies and energy needs. Elephants also play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of their ecosystems through their feeding habits.
This incredible species of animal deserves our attention and protection to ensure their continued existence for future generations to appreciate and admire.
What is the main goal of Elephants for Africa?
African elephants are the world's largest land animals. The biggest can be up to 7.5m long, 3.3m high at the shoulder, and 6 tonnes in weight. The trunk is an extension of the upper lip and nose and is used for communication and handling objects, including food. African elephants have two opposing extensions at the end of their trunks, in contrast to the Asian elephant, which only has one. Tusks, which are large modified incisors that grow throughout an elephant's lifetime, occur in both males and females and are used in fights and for marking, feeding, and digging.