There are two different sub-species of elephants that roam around in the lands of Africa. These are the Savannah or bush elephant and the forest elephant. Savannah elephants tend to be a little bit larger and they have larger tusks to match their size that curve away from their bodies.

The other species of elephant on the continent is the forest elephant which is smaller than the bush elephant and has a darker colour to its skin. This sub species has evolved more oval shaped ears and has tusks that point downwards and are straighter. There are also variations in the size and shape of the two species skeletal structure and skulls.

The main characteristic of the elephant to most people will be its trunk. The is used for a number of different purposed including communication, washing by sucking and spraying in water, and picking things up such as food. Whilst the Asian elephant only has one opening at the end of its trunk, the African variety has two.

The tusks of the elephant are large incisors that keep on growing throughout an elephants lifetime. These over-sized teeth are grown by both males and females and are used for fighting, digging and feeding. Another one of these creatures notable features are the large ears that help to radiate heat in the hot African sun.

These wonderful creatures have always been under threat from poachers who wish to cut off their tusks to sell. Ivory is a valuable material and can be very attractive to some poor Africans. As a result there has been a great decline in numbers of the mammal, although this has stabilised somewhat since the introduction of the ivory ban twenty years ago. Nonetheless, the trade continues to flourish in illegal markets in Africa and further afield.

A far greater threat over the long term is the expansion of human settlements which continue to drive into their lands. Elephants are now an endangered species and therefore much is being done to safeguard these animals against possible extinction.

This website, devoted to the lives of elephants by Andrew Keet is a must see.