Estimated year of extinction: 2025
Biology
• there are 2 species of African Elephants: Forest and Savanna
- although it is biologically proven that these 2 species are different and have existed as separate species for thousands of years, conservationists are timid to create an official separation by calling them "Subspecies" of African Elephants because they are afraid that conservation efforts will only focus on Forest Elephants, since they are at higher risk. However, Savanna Elephants are at a very high risk as well.
- Savanna Elephants are larger than Forest Elephants. Savanna have tusks that angle out, while Forest's tusks point straight down.
• Color: Browning grey
• Af. El. have the largest brain of any animal on earth- up to 11lbs!
• Height: up to 11 ft. tall
• Weight: 4-6 tons (8,800-13,227 lbs)
• Gestation Period: 22 months
• Female Elephants have 1 calf every 4-5 years
• Elephants can be right-tusked or left-tusked; noted by which tusk is worn down more than the other
Behavior
• Herds are matriarchal
• Males live separate from females for most of their lives; often live alone
• They sleep 2 hrs for every 24 hrs
• Can run up to 25 mph
• Can eat 1,000 lbs per day
- grass, fruit, bark, leaves, seed pods
• Poop every 15 min
• Drink up to 50 gallons per day
• Pee approximately 49 liters per day
Environmental Integration/Impact
• Elephants have a huge impact on the environments around them. Because of their size, they leave a huge path behind them when they migrate.
• In central African forests, up to 30 percent of tree species may require elephants to help with dispersal and germination. (WWF)
