African elephant characteristics, ecology, habitat, lifespan, and is it an endangered species? I will explain about it. The African elephant is said to be the world’s largest land-based wild animal, making it one of the largest animals in the world. However, the African elephant is listed as an endangered species, and the situation is not at all good.
Basic information about African elephants
The African elephant is an elephant classified as a member of the Elephantidae family of the order Proboscidae. The scientific name is Loxodonta africana. It is one of the largest land animals in the world, weighing up to 10 tons. It is a very large animal, reaching 6-7 meters in length. There is a subspecies called the savannah elephant. A famous animal both in Japan and around the world.
| Japanese（和名） | アフリカゾウ |
| English（英名） | African bush elephant |
| scientific name(学名) | Loxodonta africana |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Proboscidea、Elephantidae 哺乳綱、長鼻目、ゾウ科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Height（身長） | 6 – 7.5m |
| Weight（体重） | 10t |
What will happen to the classification?
It has been revealed that the two existing elephant species, the African elephant and the Asian elephant, diverged genetically about 7.6 million years ago. It has since been revealed that African elephants and forest elephants diverged genetically at least 1.9 million years ago. Therefore, there are currently three types of elephants, and the African elephant is one of them.
| Name （名前） | academic name （学名） | body length （体長） | Weight （体重） | Habit （生息地） |
| African elephant アフリカゾウ | Loxodonta africana | 6〜7.5m | ～7.5t | South of the Sahara Desert サハラ砂漠以南 |
| Asian elephant アジアゾウ | Elephas maximus | 5〜6.4m | ～5.4t | Southeast Asia、South Asia 東南アジア、南アジア |
| African forest elephant マルミミゾウ | Loxodonta cyclotis | 4〜6m | 2.7〜6t | West Africa 西アフリカ |
About the habitat of African elephants
African elephants are distributed in sub-Saharan Africa.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The most distinctive feature of African elephants is their auricles. It is very large and has a wide range of uses for body temperature regulation. They are also known for their very long incisors, which can be up to 350 meters long in males. African elephants usually live in savannahs and forests, and range within an area of 3,700 square kilometers. They form herds of at least 3 to 10 individuals to protect themselves from predators.
What will your personality look like?
African elephants have extremely high cognitive abilities and will greet people who treat them kindly, and will attack people who treat them maliciously. Therefore, their cognitive abilities are extremely high, and can be said to be at a level that is not much different from humans.
What is the ecology of African elephants?
African elephants drink 100-300 liters of water per day and eat large amounts of plants. The reproductive form is viviparous. Males compete over females that are in heat, and the gestation period is 22 months. They give birth to one cub at a time, and the lactation period is about two years. The lifespan is said to be 60 to 80 years.
What are the natural enemies of African elephants?
African elephants have no natural enemies. African elephants are very strong animals and can lift up to 350 kilograms. Therefore, only people with weapons can defeat them.
Are African elephants an endangered species?
The estimated population of African elephants is 227,900. Unfortunately, it has been designated as an endangered species by the IUCN and is also listed in Appendix I of the Washington Convention, which places strong restrictions on international trade. Why have African elephants been designated as an endangered species? Let me explain why. It turns out that the problem is caused by us humans. For this reason, various projects and activities such as forest protection are currently underway.
Overhunting for ivory continues
Ivory is the reason why wild elephants have been overhunted in large numbers by humans. Ivory is a beautiful material and is highly sought after in the arts, crafts, and manufacturing industries, and sells for a high price. In some regions, illegal poaching and overhunting of living creatures has progressed in society without laws, and elephants are being killed one after another by humans.
Rapid progress in land development
Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa are all experiencing rapid economic development and land development. As I explained above, elephants eat large amounts of grass, so if there are no trees left in any place, it means that they will no longer be able to reproduce and survive.
Elephant Day is set
“World Elephant Day” was established on August 12, 2012 by Canadian film director Patricia Sims and a Thai conservation organization as a day to call for the protection of elephants around the world. The purpose is to overcome the threat of extinction and to exchange information and donations from friends to protect elephants. We are asking for your cooperation to protect the declining elephant population. As has been widely reported in the news, we want everyone to be aware of the situation of elephants, which are abundant in the southern part of the African continent, and are registered on the Red List due to overhunting of their tusks and other parts.
Can elephants be kept?
Can elephants be kept as pets? It’s very difficult. First of all, all elephants are endangered species and are strictly protected. Also, since they require a large amount of food, it is wise to assume that it would be extremely difficult for ordinary people to keep them as pets. It is safe to see them at a zoo or in a local national park. They can be seen in groups, mainly in zoos in the United States. If possible, look at materials, etc.
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