Tusks are large, deeply rooted teeth that evolved to assist the elephant in digging, lifting, gathering food, and defense while also protecting the trunk, according to World Wildlife Fund. But typically, only male Asian elephants will grow large tusks, while the females and a few males have much smaller tusks called tushes that don't always grow outside the mouth. Asian elephants have a single 'finger' on the end of their trucks. Read about their innovative work to save these animals.The ears of African elephant are larger and resemble the shape of the African continent, while Asian elephants have smaller, rounder ears, according to the San Diego Zoo.īoth male and female African elephants have large tusks and two 'fingers' on the end of their trunks to help them pick items up. Team Lioness is transforming what it means to be a woman ranger protecting African elephants and other wildlife from poachers at the border of Tanzania and Kenya. Explore IFAW’s work to help elephants, and learn more about these beautiful creatures at our information hub page dedicated to African bush elephants. IFAW works tirelessly to help all types of animals, including elephants. While elephants may be startled by mice or other rodents, elephants are no more afraid of mice than other animals that might quickly scurry by. While this myth about elephants being afraid of mice may be widespread, it’s hardly rooted in fact. Learn how you can help protect elephants. IFAW is working in Asia and Africa to reduce market supply and consumer demand for elephant ivory, where the demand is highest. Elephant tusks are highly prized in the ivory trade, resulting in illegal elephant poaching.

Tusks are used as a tool for digging, gathering food, and defending themselves. Do all elephants have tusks?īoth male and female African elephants have tusks, but only male Asian elephants have tusks. Adult elephants have very few natural predators, though lions have been known to brazenly hunt elephants when desperate. Lions, hyenas, and crocodiles all prey on baby elephants. Elephants will also use their feet, trunks, and tusks to dig large holes in dry riverbeds and reach water sources. This area, most commonly used by elephants to make a deep rumbling sound for communication, can store about a gallon of water. Just behind the tongue of an elephant is a small pouch called the pharyngeal pouch. Even the desert elephant, suited for dry climates, can only go a maximum of 3 days without water. Can an elephant go for days without water?Īlthough elephants have large and thick bodies with little fat covering ideal for storing water, elephants are highly dependent on water sources. Elephants will also use their trunks to show affection. The trunk is used for drinking, bathing, smelling, breathing, trumpeting, and grabbing things. How does an elephant use its trunk?Īn elephant’s trunk is like a long, flexible nose. By flapping their ears, elephants cool the blood in their ears, which is then transported to the rest of the body. Instead, they use their large ears, which have a high concentration of veins, to keep cool. Why did elephants evolve such large ears?Įlephants do not have sweat glands. These elephants can weigh up to 4,000 pounds (1,800 kilograms). Found in Asia, adult Bornean pygmy elephants stand at less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) high. The Borneo elephant, also known as the Bornean pygmy elephant, is the smallest species of elephant by size. What is the smallest species of elephant? Males can stand up to 13 feet (4 meters) high at the shoulder. Yes, the African and Asian elephants are the largest living land animals. How much do elephants weigh at birth? African elephants can weigh up to nearly 200 pounds when born! Are elephants really the largest living land animal? For comparison, an average male human weighs about 180 pounds (82 kilograms). The largest male elephants can weigh up to 15,000 pounds (6,800 kilograms). The earliest elephant fossil remains date back 4 million years ago. The elephant originated in Africa and Asia, the only regions where wild populations are found today.

Random fact about elephants