Watercolor illustration of Afrikanischer Elefant (Loxodonta africana)

Afrikanischer Elefant

Loxodonta africana

Vulnerable
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
65 years
Length
6.0 m
Weight
6.0 t
Population
415.0K
Trend
↓ Decreasing

About

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.

Fun Facts

  • Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
  • They can communicate using infrasound over distances of several kilometers.
  • An elephant's trunk has over 40,000 muscles.

Habitat & Distribution

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.

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

Diet & Behavior

🌿
Herbivore
Afrikanischer Elefant is classified as herbivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🌿 Herbivore
Plant matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable
Estimated Population
415.0K
Population Trend
Decreasing

Full Taxonomy

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Elefante de Sabana
French Éléphant de savane
German Afrikanischer Elefant

Similar Species in Loxodonta

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Afrikanischer Elefant?
The scientific name of Afrikanischer Elefant is Loxodonta africana. It belongs to the genus Loxodonta.
What is the conservation status of Afrikanischer Elefant?
Afrikanischer Elefant (Loxodonta africana) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.
Where does Afrikanischer Elefant live?
Afrikanischer Elefant is found in Found in Kenya. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Kenya.
What family does Afrikanischer Elefant belong to?
Afrikanischer Elefant (Loxodonta africana) belongs to the genus Loxodonta, which is part of the taxonomic family Elephantidae.
What does Afrikanischer Elefant eat?
Afrikanischer Elefant is herbivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does Afrikanischer Elefant live?
Afrikanischer Elefant has an average lifespan of approximately 65 years in the wild.
How many Afrikanischer Elefant are left in the wild?
The estimated wild population of Afrikanischer Elefant (Loxodonta africana) is approximately 415,000 individuals.
Is Afrikanischer Elefant endangered?
Yes, Afrikanischer Elefant (Loxodonta africana) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

Native Range — 1 Countries

Genus Loxodonta — 2 Species

🐘
Afrikanischer Elefant
Loxodonta africana
VU
🐘
African forest elephant
Loxodonta cyclotis
CR

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