Loxodonta africana africana

(Blumenbach, 1797)

Vernacular names
English : South African Elephant
French : Eléphant d’Afrique du Sud

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Proboscidea
Family : Elephantidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
The largest and heaviest terrestrial animal in existence, reaching 7.5 m in length, 4 m in shoulder height and weight up to 10 tons. Very large ears, mostly angular forehead. Both sexes can grow long tusks. Thick mostly hairless grey skin.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in southern Africa, in Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Species is found in most of subsaharan Africa (scattered populations). Mostly found in dry woodlands, scrublands and savannas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species occurs mostly in protected areas. Its populations in the wild are well managed and protected but many of them are still declining.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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