Endangered

African Elephant

Loxodonta africana

Back to Animals

Endangered

IUCN Red List status ยท Population decreasing as of 2024 ยท Est. 415,000 individuals

About the African Elephant

The African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth and is known for its intelligence, strong social bonds, and impressive memory. It plays a vital role in shaping ecosystems across Africa.

African elephants are highly intelligent and emotional animals that live in close-knit family groups led by older females called matriarchs. They communicate through low-frequency sounds that can travel long distances. These elephants are ecosystem engineers, meaning they help shape landscapes by uprooting trees, creating water access points, and dispersing seeds. However, they face serious threats from poaching and habitat loss.

Region

East Africa

Population

415,000

Trend

Decreasing

Data Year

2024

Key Facts

Weight2,700โ€“6,000 kg
Height2.5โ€“4 m at the shoulder
Lifespan60โ€“70 years
DietGrass, leaves, bark, fruit
Social StructureMatriarch-led herds
Trunk UsesBreathing, feeding, communication, lifting objects

Habitat Types

SavannahForestsWoodlandsGrasslandsWetlands

Found In

KenyaTanzaniaBotswanaZimbabweSouth AfricaNamibiaUganda

Why Africa's Wildlife Matters

Africa's megafauna are not just iconic โ€” they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.

20%

of Earth's bird species in Africa

25%

of mammals found in Africa

3,000+

endemic plant species at risk

Help spread the word about the African Elephant

Share this

Adopt a African Elephant

Your monthly support directly funds this animal's protection.

Funding Progress$0 / $10.0k

0% funded

Quick Stats

StatusEndangered
RegionEast Africa
Population trendDecreasing