Elephants
There are two types of elephants, the Asian elephant and the African elephant although sometimes the African elephant is split into two species, the African forest elephant and the African bush elephant. Also Elephants are the largest land-living mammal in the world.
Elephants Natural Habitat
Elephants are able to survive in a variety of different locations because of the huge variety of food sources that they consume.
Elephants Appearance
The african elephant is the largest elephant of all. Adult males can weigh up to 6 300 kgs. The elephant's trunk is an extension of the upper lip and nose. It functions for grasping, breathing, feeding, dusting, smelling, drinking, lifting, sound production/communication, defence/protection and sensing.
The trunk contains an estimated 100,000 muscles and tendons in the trunk, giving it extreme flexibility and strength. The Skeleton of an elephant's foot is angled,with a large pad of fat and tissue at the heel. The elephant's ear can reach up to about one-sixth of its entire body and primarily functions as a cooling device. Elephant skin is wrinkled in appearance with African elephants more wrinkled than Asian elephants.
Behaviour
The complex nature of elephant social structure is extended into the mourning behaviour for deceased companions. When elephants come across deceased remains of other elephants, a silent pause is taken, as the remains are touched with their trunks. Occasionally tusks or bones are carried with them, as the herd continues to travel.
Reproduction
The male's reproductive tract is about 2 meters long. Male elephants, called bulls, begin producing sperm between 10 and 15 years of age, sometimes even earlier in younger breeders are known in zoos.
Elephants are very intelligent and interesting creatures. They against in groups and their social structure is very important.
