Everyone knows that elephants are the largest land mammals. But does everyone know that both the largest representatives of these animals and the smallest of them live in Africa? And how much does an elephant living in tropical forests weigh? Let's try to answer these and other questions regarding the wonderful animals of the Elephantidae family.
More recently, they were divided into two types: African and Indian. Today, scientists believe that the inhabitants of Africa should be divided into two separate species: savannah and forest. And the reason for this is not only different habitats, but also some other features, in particular how much each elephant weighs.
Giants from Africa
Researchers suggest that savannah elephants as a species appeared about 1.9 million years ago, and forest elephants - 1.7 million years. Moreover, numerous studies conducted by biologists have shown that East African representatives of these animals have significant differences in DNA, and they should also be distinguished in a separate form.
Of the entire family of elephants, the smallest are forest ones. Their average height is about 2.5 meters, and the body length is from 1.6 to 2.8 meters. How much does an elephant of this species weigh? Yes, less than everyone else! Although males are slightly larger in size than females, rarely do any of them weigh more than 5 tons.
There are several more features that distinguish forest representatives from savannahs:
- the presence of a thicker coat;
- the rounded shape of the ears, helping them cool the body;
- the amount of sweat glands is much less;
- tusks are straight and thin.
Usually mature males live separately, and females gather in groups of several individuals, which include their cubs. Forest giants inhabit the tropical forests of the central and western parts of the mainland.
When the question arises of how much the elephant weighs, the answer always relates to the inhabitant of the African savannah. And this is no coincidence. The savannah is the largest animal sushi. With a growth of 3.5 meters and a body length of about 7 meters, its mass can reach 5-7 tons. Females are lighter than males, and they also have shorter tusks. In 1975, the largest representative of this species, weighing 12.2 tons, was shot dead by hunters in Angola.
In addition to its large size, the savannah is distinguished from others by huge ears, a saddle on its back, a smooth forehead and darker hair in young individuals, worn out over time. The herd is dominated by a family environment. In danger, animals collectively protect babies and wounded brothers. Between themselves, they fight very rarely. This species is common south of the Sahara desert.
Dexterity and power of giantsDespite how much this massive animal weighs, the elephant is very mobile and has a certain dexterity. They easily move not only along the plains, but also through mountainous terrain, and are even able to climb steep slopes. In addition, the giants swim great. Slowly they can swim nonstop all day, only the tip of the trunk is visible above the surface of the water.
Animals walk very quietly, the whole family can go through the thicket without cracking a single twig. With their leisurely step, they can travel long distances of tens of kilometers.