The African Elephant

The African elephant is the largest land animal on the earth. While males measure about three meters (9.8 feet) at the shoulder, and weigh 5,000-6,000 kg (11,000-13,200 lbs), females measure around 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) at the shoulder and weigh 3,000-3,500 kilograms (6,600-7,700 lbs).

Q: Do they have tusks?

A: Males and females alike grow tusks (elongated second upper incisors). Tusks grow throughout the lifetime of the animal and therefore are largest in old animals. Elephants use their tusks for food gathering and carrying, and as weapons.

Q: What is the elephant's trunk used for?

A: The African elephant uses its trunk (elongation of the nose and upper lip) to smell, eat, communicate, manipulate objects, bathe and drink (although they do not drink through their trunks, they do suck water up and spray it into their mouths).

Q: Where does the African elephant live?

A: Historically, African elephants inhabited areas south of the Sahara, although they are now restricted to forest, bush and savanna in parks and preserves due to human encroachment and agricultural expansion. They live in complex migratory matriarchal herds of eight or ten to 15 related animals led by one dominant female.

Q: How do they communicate? What are their eating habits?

A: Elephants have a sophisticated sense of smell and acute hearing. Recent research suggests that infrasound is used for long-distance communication. Their diet is made up of grass, shoots, tree buds, shrubs, bark, and fruit and vegetable crops, if encountered. They require 30-50 gallons of water per day. African elephants live between 60 and 70 years on average.

Q: Is it an endangered species?

A: The African elephant is listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). It is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora except for populations in those countries (Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia), which were reclassified to Appendix II.

African elephants are threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Tusks have been used in jewelry, piano keys, hanko (the personalized signature seals required on official documents in Japan) and other items. Their hides and other parts are a minor component of trade; their meat is used by local people, and they are highly prized among big game hunters.

Q: What are the main threats to the species?

A: For many years, intense poaching of elephants for their ivory was a serious conservation problem, and many countries faced serious declines in elephant populations. Between 1979 and 1989, the species population was estimated to have dropped from 1.2 million to 600,000. An ivory ban was implemented in 1989 and with management and anti-poaching measures, populations in some countries rose. However, the debate regarding the necessity and success of the ivory ban continues today.

Some countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, had been able to manage their elephant populations and claimed that increased populations were causing increased agricultural losses, decreased revenue from hunting and increased conflicts between elephants and local residents.

This led to a proposal for the downlisting of African elephants from CITES Appendix I to Appendix II in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to allow for managed trade in elephants and elephant parts. The proposals were modified and accepted, allowing Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe to sell individually set amounts of ivory to Japan. Proponents of the plan say the money from the sale will help local people, wildlife programs and even national treasuries.

Q: Is it true that there is an overpopulation of elephants?

A: Because elephants are confined to parks and refuges, some herds experience higher numbers than can be supported by the habitat within the restricted area.

Q: Where is ivory traded?

A: Prime markets for ivory historically were Europe, North America, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and India. Today, legal trade occurs only with Japan.

* Source: International Fund for Animal Welfare, IFAW, http://www.ifaw.org/