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Description
The African (Bush) Elephant, Loxodonta africana, is the largest land mammal. Native to the savannahs, forests and mountains of Sub Saharan Africa, It lives in grassy regions south of the Sahara Desert. It is a large, thickset mammal with grey skin and a characteristic trunk used for vocalizing, drinking and grasping food. Both sexes of the species have tusks, and both are known for their intelligence and strong social bonds, especially the bond between mothers and their babies. Female herds bond for life and, even if a herd splits up, the females will remember and communicate with family members they may come across later in life. They have life spans is about 70 years. Healthy, full-grown elephants have no natural enemies other than humans.
Unlike the Asian elephant, the African elephant has a larger body, bigger ears, longer tusks and much slender legs. It has two finger-like extensions on the tip of its trunk, whereas the Asian elephant only has one.
Recently, the African elephant has been separated taxonomically into two separate species. The two species of African elephant are the African bush elephant, Loxodonta africana, and the African forest elephant, Loxodonta cyclotis.
Social: Elephants are social animals, the exception being mature males who usually live alone. Females live in closely bonded family herds - including their young - and will travel and forage together. Herds have a matriarch; an older female who uses her experience to guide the group, and the group will care for each other, helping to raise babies. Elephants have even been known to grieve at the death of a group member. African elephants may travel 50 miles a day searching for food, water and mates.

Size: Males; the largest 13 feet at shoulders and 11.5 tons, on average 10.5 feet at shoulders and 7 tons. / Females; 8.5 feet at shoulders and 3 tons.

Description
The African (Bush) Elephant, Loxodonta africana, is the largest land mammal. Native to the savannahs, forests and mountains of Sub Saharan Africa, It lives in grassy regions south of the Sahara Desert. It is a large, thickset mammal with grey skin and a characteristic trunk used for vocalizing, drinking and grasping food. Both sexes of the species have tusks, and both are known for their intelligence and strong social bonds, especially the bond between mothers and their babies. Female herds bond for life and, even if a herd splits up, the females will remember and communicate with family members they may come across later in life. They have life spans is about 70 years. Healthy, full-grown elephants have no natural enemies other than humans.
Unlike the Asian elephant, the African elephant has a larger body, bigger ears, longer tusks and much slender legs. It has two finger-like extensions on the tip of its trunk, whereas the Asian elephant only has one.
Recently, the African elephant has been separated taxonomically into two separate species. The two species of African elephant are the African bush elephant, Loxodonta africana, and the African forest elephant, Loxodonta cyclotis.
Social: Elephants are social animals, the exception being mature males who usually live alone. Females live in closely bonded family herds - including their young - and will travel and forage together. Herds have a matriarch; an older female who uses her experience to guide the group, and the group will care for each other, helping to raise babies. Elephants have even been known to grieve at the death of a group member. African elephants may travel 50 miles a day searching for food, water and mates.

Size: Males; the largest 13 feet at shoulders and 11.5 tons, on average 10.5 feet at shoulders and 7 tons. / Females; 8.5 feet at shoulders and 3 tons.