African elephants are larger than their Asian kin and are the largest animals to walk on the face of the earth. Within Africa there are two different sub-species. The Savannah or bush elephant lives on the open plains and thus have evolved to become slightly larger. Their tusks also grow larger and curve in an outward direction from their bodies.
The other species of elephant on the continent is the forest elephant which is smaller than the bush elephant and has a darker colour to its skin. This sub species has evolved more oval shaped ears and has tusks that point downwards and are straighter. There are also variations in the size and shape of the two species skeletal structure and skulls.
For many people the most recognisable and perhaps odd feature of the elephant is its long trunk that extends out ahead of its face. This is a very practical tool and can be used for communication, as well as picking items up and washing or drinking by sucking in water to be blown into its mouth or over its body. The end of the trunk has two openings as opposed to the Asian variety that has only one.
Another fantastic feature of this animal are the wonderful tusks that are used for digging, fighting and feeding. These tusks are simply over-sized incisors that continue to grow through an elephants lifetime. A final feature of these mammals are the very large ears that have evolved to help the elephant to radiate head and stay cool in the African sun.
Whilst elephants continue to roam throughout the African plains and woodlands, they remain under serious threat from poachers who desire their valuable ivory tusks. Poaching has declined since 1989 when there was a worldwide ivory ban put in place, yet it continues to remain a tangible problem. Sizable quantities of ivory are still sold in illegal markets in Africa and further afield in Asia.
Perhaps a larger threat to the creatures is the expansion of people into their habitat. They are now an endangered species and thus their protection is of vital importance.
The other species of elephant on the continent is the forest elephant which is smaller than the bush elephant and has a darker colour to its skin. This sub species has evolved more oval shaped ears and has tusks that point downwards and are straighter. There are also variations in the size and shape of the two species skeletal structure and skulls.
For many people the most recognisable and perhaps odd feature of the elephant is its long trunk that extends out ahead of its face. This is a very practical tool and can be used for communication, as well as picking items up and washing or drinking by sucking in water to be blown into its mouth or over its body. The end of the trunk has two openings as opposed to the Asian variety that has only one.
Another fantastic feature of this animal are the wonderful tusks that are used for digging, fighting and feeding. These tusks are simply over-sized incisors that continue to grow through an elephants lifetime. A final feature of these mammals are the very large ears that have evolved to help the elephant to radiate head and stay cool in the African sun.
Whilst elephants continue to roam throughout the African plains and woodlands, they remain under serious threat from poachers who desire their valuable ivory tusks. Poaching has declined since 1989 when there was a worldwide ivory ban put in place, yet it continues to remain a tangible problem. Sizable quantities of ivory are still sold in illegal markets in Africa and further afield in Asia.
Perhaps a larger threat to the creatures is the expansion of people into their habitat. They are now an endangered species and thus their protection is of vital importance.
About the Author:
For more information on Elephants and their interaction with humans please follow the links to Andrew Keets website about them.
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