Asian Elephant
Elephas maximus
- Where
- Southeast Asia and southern India
- Habitat
- Temperate forests, grasslands, and wetlands
- Diet
- Herbivore - fruits, leaves, bark, and grains
- Size
- Height: 8-13 feet (2.5-4 meters), Weight: 5,000-15,000 pounds
- Lifespan
- 50-70 years in the wild, up to 80 years in captivity
- Conservation
- Critically endangered - habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict
Fun Facts
- Asian elephants have smaller ears than African elephants.
- Only male Asian elephants typically grow visible tusks.
- They have excellent memories and can recognize family members after many years.
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Large gray body with wrinkled skin, covered in thick folds of skin.
Long curved tusk used for digging and fighting.
Ears are smaller than African elephants' and help regulate body temperature.