Elephant

n bush elephants and African forest elephants are seperate species (L. africana and L. cyclotis respectively). These species are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa and South to Southeast Asia. Elephants are the only surviving proboscideans, although several extinct species have been identified, including the elephants’ close relatives, the mammoths. Elephants are the largest living terrestrial animals. Male African elephants can reach a height of 3.20�4 m (10.5�13.1 ft) and a weight of 4,700�6,048 kg (10,362�13,334 lb). The animals have several distinctive features, including a long proboscis or trunk that they use for numerous purposes, particularly for grasping objects. The ear flaps are particularly large and help to control the temperature of their massive bodies. Their incisors grow into large tusks, which serve as tools for digging and moving, as well as weapons for fighting. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs while Asian elephants has smaller ears and a convex back.