The Elephant, or Elephantidae, is the largest land mammal roaming the planet, Earth. The African Elephant can weigh up to 8 tons. If you aren’t already aware of what Elephants look like, they are mostly differentiated from other animals by their massive bodies, and large ears. As well as their powerful trunk that poses as many different useful tools, such as a hand to pick items up, or a warning trumpet. Baby elephants also use their trunks to grasp their mother's tail while traveling.
Elephants are known for being a symbol of sagacity, and they, themselves, are considered quite sagacious. This belief is usually caused by the life-span of Elephants, 60-70 years, for the African Elephant. Studies have also proven them to be very intelligent creatures. Elephant communities are normally made up of the females and the calves, with the males living individually. Every 4-5 years a female will have a single calf after a 22 month gestation period. The Elephant gestation period is the longest of any earth dwelling mammal. These calf stay with their mothers for years. All of the females in the group help protect all of the young.
Asian and African Elephants are the two main types of Elephantidae. They are very different, the Asian elephant lacking considerably in size compared to their African kin. Whilst the African Elephant has the signature large fan-shaped ears, the Asian Elephant’s ears are straight at the bottom. Not all Asian Elephants, even males, have tusks, while all African Elephants, including females, have tusks. Asian Elephants have five on the forefoot and four toes on the hind foot, while the African Elephant has five on the forefoot and three on the hind foot. Like humans are left or right-handed, Elephants are either left or right-tusked. By looking at an Elephant you can tell which side they prefer by the size of the tusks, the preferred tusk is usually smaller due to the wear and tear of usage.
All species of Elephantidae require extensive land, water, and food to survive. Their need for so many resources has caused some conflict with the human race. Elephants biggest threat to their survival is illegal poaching of ivory and habitat loss. Climate change will cause Elephants habitats to grow hotter and drier as the years progress. Therefore resulting in poorer foraging conditions, and calf survival chances to decrease. Elephants help maintain savanna and forest ecosystems for other species, and are integrally tied to rich biodiversity. Therefore they are very important, and we, as humans, with such privileges, should do our best to help.
"Basic Facts About Elephants." Defenders of Wildlife. N.p., 19 Sept. 2016. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
"Elephant." WWF. World Wildlife Fund, nod Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
Society, National Geographic. "Elephants Information, Facts, Photos, Videos, News." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
"The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee." The Elephant Sanctuary. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
Elephants are known for being a symbol of sagacity, and they, themselves, are considered quite sagacious. This belief is usually caused by the life-span of Elephants, 60-70 years, for the African Elephant. Studies have also proven them to be very intelligent creatures. Elephant communities are normally made up of the females and the calves, with the males living individually. Every 4-5 years a female will have a single calf after a 22 month gestation period. The Elephant gestation period is the longest of any earth dwelling mammal. These calf stay with their mothers for years. All of the females in the group help protect all of the young.
Asian and African Elephants are the two main types of Elephantidae. They are very different, the Asian elephant lacking considerably in size compared to their African kin. Whilst the African Elephant has the signature large fan-shaped ears, the Asian Elephant’s ears are straight at the bottom. Not all Asian Elephants, even males, have tusks, while all African Elephants, including females, have tusks. Asian Elephants have five on the forefoot and four toes on the hind foot, while the African Elephant has five on the forefoot and three on the hind foot. Like humans are left or right-handed, Elephants are either left or right-tusked. By looking at an Elephant you can tell which side they prefer by the size of the tusks, the preferred tusk is usually smaller due to the wear and tear of usage.
All species of Elephantidae require extensive land, water, and food to survive. Their need for so many resources has caused some conflict with the human race. Elephants biggest threat to their survival is illegal poaching of ivory and habitat loss. Climate change will cause Elephants habitats to grow hotter and drier as the years progress. Therefore resulting in poorer foraging conditions, and calf survival chances to decrease. Elephants help maintain savanna and forest ecosystems for other species, and are integrally tied to rich biodiversity. Therefore they are very important, and we, as humans, with such privileges, should do our best to help.
"Basic Facts About Elephants." Defenders of Wildlife. N.p., 19 Sept. 2016. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
"Elephant." WWF. World Wildlife Fund, nod Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
Society, National Geographic. "Elephants Information, Facts, Photos, Videos, News." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
"The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee." The Elephant Sanctuary. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.