We will explain the characteristics, ecology, and habitat of forest elephants. The forest elephant was originally considered a subspecies of the African elephant, but it is increasingly being treated as a separate species. We are going to open this page to find out what characteristics the forest elephant has, so please use it as a reference.
Basic information about forest elephants
The forest elephant is an elephant classified as a member of the Elephantidae family and the genus African Elephantidae. The scientific name is Loxodonta cyclotis. It is one of the largest land animals in the world, weighing up to 2-7 tons. It is a very large animal, with a body length of 4-6 meters. A famous animal both in Japan and around the world.
| Japanese（和名） | マルミミゾウ |
| English（英名） | African forest elephant |
| scientific name(学名) | Loxodonta cyclotis |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Proboscidea、Elephantidae、Loxodonta 哺乳綱、長鼻目、ゾウ科、アフリカゾウ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Height（身長） | 4 – 6m |
| Weight（体重） | 2-7t |
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 |
分類学（Taxonomy）
| ランク | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 (Kingdom) | 動物界 (Animalia) |
| 門 (Phylum) | 脊索動物門 (Chordata) |
| 綱 (Class) | 哺乳綱 (Mammalia) |
| 目 (Order) | 長鼻目 (Proboscidea) |
| 科 (Family) | ゾウ科 (Elephantidae) |
| 属 (Genus) | アフリカゾウ属 (Loxodonta) |
| 種 (Species) | アフリカマルミミゾウ (Loxodonta africana) |
About the forest elephant habitat
Forest elephants are distributed in Angola, Ghana, Gabon, Cameroon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Central African Republic, Togo, Nigeria, Niger, South Sudan, and Liberia.
- Geographic Distribution
Distributed primarily across the African continent.
Mainly found in savanna zones (grasslands and dry forests).
Some species also live in tropical rainforests and wetlands.
They are commonly found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.
- Habitat
Savanna Zone: Areas containing a mixture of open grasslands and trees. They prefer to live near water sources.
Woodland Zone: In the tropical rainforests of West Africa, some populations live in dense forests.
Importance of Water Sources: Elephants require hundreds of liters of water per day, so they are often found near rivers, lakes, and swamps.
- Migration Patterns
Seasonal Migration (Migratory): Elephants move to areas near water sources during the dry season and to areas with abundant grass during the rainy season.
Large Territory: Each elephant can cover an area of tens to hundreds of square kilometers.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The most distinctive feature of the forest elephant is its auricle. The ear pinna is small and rounded, which is the difference between it and the African elephant. Forest elephants also differ from African elephants in that their incisors grow downwards. 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 – 10 individuals to protect themselves from predators.
- Physical Characteristics
Body Size: One of the largest elephants. Body length is 6-7.5m, shoulder height is about 3-4m, and weight is 4-6 tons.
Ears: As their name suggests, they are large and round. They help release heat and are important for regulating body temperature.
Truncus: Long and dexterous. Used for sucking water, grasping food, and communication.
Tusks: Both males and females have them. Primarily used for peeling bark and fighting.
Skin: Thick and wrinkled. Helps retain moisture and protects against injury.
- Ecology and Behavior
Diet: Herbivorous. Eats mainly grass, bark, fruit, and branches.
Eats approximately 150-300kg of plant matter per day.
Horde: Lives in female-dominated herds. Males tend to live alone or in small groups.
Sociality: Highly social. They live in a matriarchal society, with the most experienced female (matriarch) leading the pack.
Lifespan: Approximately 60-70 years in the wild.
Reproduction: Their gestation period is approximately 22 months, one of the longest of any mammal.
- Behavioral Characteristics
High Intelligence: They have excellent memories and the ability to use tools, and have been observed to mourn the death of companions.
Communication: They communicate over long distances using low-frequency calls (which are sometimes inaudible to humans).
Migration: They travel long distances in search of food and water. Their migration routes change depending on the season.
What will your personality look like?
Forest 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.
- Sociality and Cooperation
Highly social, living in groups: Females and their offspring cooperate in raising their young.
Presence of a Leader (Matriarch): Experienced females lead the pack. The pack relies on her for decision-making and danger detection.
Caring: When a member is injured or dies, they may exhibit sad behavior (feeling for bones or surrounding others).
- Intelligence and Learning Ability
Highly Intelligent: They have excellent tool use and memory skills, and can remember the locations of water sources and food sources during the dry season for long periods of time.
Cautious and Observant: When they sense danger, they emit a low-frequency warning sound to the entire pack.
- Individual Personality Tendencies
Gentle and Gentle: Generally docile, but will be fiercely defensive when necessary.
Curious: Often interested in new objects and sounds.
Strong Maternal and Protective Instincts: They are extremely protective of their offspring and pack members.
- Aggression
Usually gentle, but defensive when threatened.
They are particularly aggressive when protecting their young, during male-male conflicts, and in defense against predators.
Lone males may also be aggressive toward rival males in territorial or reproductive battles.
What is the ecology of forest elephants?
Forest 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.
- Diet
Herbivore: Eats mainly grass, bark, leaves, branches, and fruit.
Intake: Consume approximately 150-300 kg of plant matter per day.
Eating Method: Grabs branches with their trunks and sometimes peels bark off trees with their tusks.
- Water Use
Water Requirement: Drinks over 100-200 liters per day.
Water and Mud Bathing: Requires water to regulate body temperature, protect the skin, and remove parasites.
- Migration and Living Range
Large Territory: Travels long distances seasonally in search of food and water.
Seasonal Migration: Moves near water sources during the dry season and to areas with abundant grass during the rainy season.
Living Environment: Lives in a variety of environments, including savannas, forests, and wetlands.
- Sociality
Matrilineal: Lives in groups of females and their offspring.
Group Composition: Typical groups of 10-30 individuals.
Male Behavior: Mature males live alone or in small groups.
Communication:
Long-distance communication using low-frequency calls.
Communication through nose, ears, and physical contact.
- Reproduction
Gestation period: Approximately 22 months (one of the longest among mammals).
Birth: Usually one offspring, occasionally twins.
Rearing: The entire group, not just the mother, protects the young.
- Intelligence and Behavior
High intelligence: Excellent tool use, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Social learning: Experienced females teach young survival skills.
Emotional expression: Mourning behavior has sometimes been observed following the death of a mate.
- Natural Predators/Dangers
Adults have few natural predators.
Cub predators: Lions and crocodiles pose a risk.
Human Impact: Poaching and habitat destruction due to land development are the biggest threats.
What are the forest elephant’s natural enemies?
Forest 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.
About Forest Elephant Calves
- Birth and Size
Gestation Period: Approximately 22 months (one of the longest among mammals).
Birth Weight: Approximately 90-120 kg.
Body Length: Approximately 1 meter.
Appearance: Round, with small ears and nose, and slightly unsteady when first starting to walk.
- Rearing and Protection
Matriarchal Protection: The mother protects the calf nearly 24 hours a day.
Whole-group Rearing: Other females in the matriarchal group also care for the calf (all-oping).
Protection from Danger: Calves are vulnerable to predators such as lions and hyenas, and the group acts as a shield.
- Developmental Process
Lactation Period: Approximately 2-3 years. Initially, calves are primarily breastfed, but gradually begin to eat plants as well.
Walking and Play: Calves stand and begin learning to walk immediately after birth.
The Importance of Play: By playing with other calves in the group, they learn social skills and strategic behavior.
Learning: They learn how to select food and detect danger from their mother and other adults in the pack.
- Intelligence and Sociality
Young animals are highly curious and observant.
They learn to communicate within the pack, mastering communication through low-frequency calls and nose movements.
As they age, they gradually understand their role within the pack.
- Maturity
Males: Leave the pack at around 12-15 years of age to live alone or in small groups.
Females: Remain in the matriarchal pack and learn how to raise future offspring.
Is the forest elephant an endangered species?
The estimated population of forest elephants is 70,000. 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 to call for the protection of elephants around the world. The purpose is to overcome the threat of extinction by collecting donations and exchanging information from friends to protect the species. We are currently asking for help to protect the declining population of elephants.
Can elephants be kept?
Can elephants be kept? It’s very difficult. First of all, all elephants are endangered species and are strictly protected. It is also wise to keep in mind that it is extremely difficult for the average person to raise them as they require a large amount of food. It is best to see them at a zoo or at a local national park.
- Legal Restrictions
In many countries, including Japan, elephants are classified as designated animals and endangered species, requiring strict permits and facility standards for individuals to keep them as pets.
Smuggling and illegal keeping are subject to severe penalties.
Keeping elephants is permitted only in specialized facilities such as zoos and safari parks.
- Physical Constraints
Large Body Size: Safely housing an elephant weighing 4-6 tons and measuring 6-7 meters requires a very large space.
Exercise Demands: Elephants have the habit of traveling several kilometers to several tens of kilometers per day, making cramped spaces unhealthy.
Diet: Elephants eat 150-300 kg of plants per day and require large amounts of water.
- Behavioral and Intelligence Issues
Highly Social: As a group-living animal, isolation can cause severe stress, leading to aggression and health problems.
Curious and Intelligent: Boredom or lack of stimulation can lead to harm to facilities and people.
Longevity: They can live for 60-70 years in the wild, requiring lifelong care.
- Conclusion
Private captivity is nearly impossible.
In reality, they can only be kept in zoos, safari parks, and conservation facilities.
Keeping them requires large facilities, specialized staff, and adequate food, medical care, and social care.
コメント