African savanna elephant

Presentation

The African savanna elephant is the largest land animal alive today. This imposing herbivorous mammal is distinguished by its flexible trunk containing thousands of muscles, its large fan-shaped ears, and its ivory tusks. A major symbol of African wildlife, it plays a fundamental ecological role in the ecosystems it inhabits.

The elephant's skin is thick and gray, often covered in protective mud. Its giant ears play a crucial role in thermoregulation. The trunk is an extraordinary sensory and manipulative organ containing over 40,000 muscles. The tusks, which can be very long, are actually modified baby teeth that continue to grow throughout life.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The savanna elephant inhabits open savannas, semi-arid regions, and wooded grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It also frequents sparse forests and areas near water sources. This animal requires vast territories to find sufficient food and water throughout the year.

Behaviour

Elephants are highly social animals living in matriarchal groups led by the oldest female. They are intelligent, possess exceptional memory, and can emit infrasound to communicate over long distances. They display great empathy and have been observed grieving their deceased companions.

Reproduction

Gestation in elephants lasts approximately 22 months, the longest among land mammals. A female gives birth to a single calf, rarely two. The young elephant remains dependent on its mother for several years and benefits from the care of the entire group until it achieves full independence.

Peculiarities

The elephant's trunk is a marvel of adaptation: it can detect scents at distance and manipulate objects as small as a peanut. Elephants are also known to use natural tools like sticks to scratch themselves or access food. Their intelligence equals that of great apes and cetaceans.

Threats and conservation

The savanna elephant faces major threats: poaching for ivory, habitat loss due to agricultural and urban expansion, and conflicts with local communities. Climate change also exacerbates drought and limits access to water and food, forcing migrations and confrontations.

References

UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées

Profile updated 08 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Endangered (EN)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

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