African Savanna Elephant
    Image: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0

    African Savanna Elephant

    Loxodonta africana

    Big Five
    Endangered

    Best Months to Spot

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    Most sightings recorded in Jul, Aug, Sep, Nov. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.

    Conservation Status

    Conservation hub
    EN - EndangeredDecreasing population

    Faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

    African savanna elephants face significant threats from poaching for ivory and habitat loss due to human expansion. While conservation efforts have seen some localized successes, the overall population continues to decline. Responsible safari tourism plays a vital role by generating revenue for anti-poaching patrols and protected areas, while also educating visitors and fostering a sense of stewardship for these magnificent animals.

    The African bush elephant, also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa and the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 m (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 t ; the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 m (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 t. It is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a concave back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. Its skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water.

    Description adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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