African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
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
Data Year
2024
Key Facts
Habitat Types
Found In
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
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Quick Stats