African elephant vs

Loxodonta africana compared with Hydropus trichoderma

Key Differences

  • African elephant is Vulnerable while is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank African elephant
Kingdom Animalia (Animals) Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum Chordata (Chordates) Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class Mammalia (Mammals) Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order Proboscidea (Elephants) Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)
Family Elephantidae (Elephants) Mycenaceae
Genus Loxodonta (African Elephants) Hydropus
Species Loxodonta africana Hydropus trichoderma

Conservation Status

African elephant

VU — Vulnerable

Population: ~415.0K

Trend: Decreasing ↓

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute African elephant
Diet Herbivore
Average Lifespan 65 years
Average Length 6.0 m
Average Weight 6.0 t

Habitat & Geographic Range

African elephant

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, and flooded grasslands and savannas, among 5 distinct biome types within the Afrotropic biogeographic realm. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Found in Kenya. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

African elephant

The largest land animal on Earth, African elephants can reach 7,000 kg and inhabit sub-Saharan savannas, forests, and wetlands. Highly intelligent with complex social structures led by matriarchs, they communicate through infrasound, rumbles, and touch. As ecosystem engineers, they shape habitats by uprooting trees, digging waterholes, and dispersing seeds. Vulnerable, with populations declining due to ivory poaching and habitat loss.

Hydropus trichoderma is a small, saprotrophic mushroom with a delicate, slender stipe and a pale, convex cap that grows on decaying woody debris in forest habitats. It is recorded from temperate European forests and contributes to wood decomposition in woodland ecosystems. Its Endangered status reflects rarity and the decline of undisturbed, mature forest with adequate deadwood.

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