Three classes of proboscideans are known (order of placental mammals, which includes elephants). Two live on the African continent: the Lexodonta cyclotis (forest elephant) and the African Lexodonta (savanna elephant), but both are generically grouped as African elephants, as they differ only in size. The third species is the Elephas maximus or Asian elephant or Indian elephant (although it is in more Asian countries), the largest mammal in Asia.
These elephants are the largest land animals and mammals on Earth, second only to the blue whale, but there are subtle differences between them. In this Green Ecologist article you will learn what are the differences between African and Asian elephants.
Habitat of the African and Asian elephants
One of the primary differences between these animals is their habitat.
African elephant habitat
The african elephants extend their habitat throughout the African continent, except the north and the desert. These animals are constantly on the move through the jungle or forest and the savannah and travel great distances in search of water and food.
Asian elephant habitat
Conversely, the asian elephant is concentrated in a few points of the Southeast Asian, in countries like Sri Lanka, India, Borneo, Sumatra or Bangladesh. However, many centuries ago these elephants extended further north, reaching China, but with the passage of time they have been relegated to other territories due to the destruction of their habitat and their hunting.
Differences between African and Asian elephants: the size
The African elephant is the largest land animal, being able to measure up to 3.5 meters high and almost 7 meters long and weigh between 5 and 6 tons.
For its part, the Asian elephant is somewhat smaller, reaching 2 meters in height and weighing up to 5 tons. Asian elephants are also large animals, but not as large as the African.
Different tusks and trunk
There are differences in the size of the fangs Between both species, so in the African elephant both the females and the males have long ivory tusks and in the Asian elephant only the males have tusks, while in the females they do not all grow and are usually small in size.
Another major difference between the two elephants is the final section of their trunks, in the Asian elephant's trunk has a movable lobe, while the african has two. Therefore, the African elephant's trunk looks like a hand and it makes it easier for you to grasp objects. Both types of elephants move and grasp objects to bring them to their mouths with both types of trunks without problems. They also collect water to drink.
The ears of African and Asian elephants are different
The ears of the Asian elephant they are rounded and small compared to its body, which barely covers the entire head. However, the ears of the african elephant they are larger and reach further behind the shoulders.
The reason for this difference can be found in the use: African elephants use their ears to dissipate heat body and use them as a fan, since in the African continent they live in more extreme conditions than in Asia.
The shape of your shoulders and back
Another difference that not many people know of these two large mammals is in the back and in the shoulders. In the asian elephant's back is arched, so your back is the highest part of your body. Conversely, the African elephant has a straighter back and descending from the shoulders. Behind your head is the highest area of your back, which can even give the impression of being sunken.
The legs and tail of Asian and African elephants
The main difference in the legs of African and Asian elephants it is in its toes: the African elephant has 4 or 5 toes on the front legs and 3 on the back, while the Asian elephant has 5 on the front and 4 on the back.
The tail is very similar in the two species, so it is not easy to differentiate them just because of this. The Asian elephant has the longest tail in relation to the body than the African.
Conservation status of elephants
African and Asian elephants are in danger of extinction. Both species are endangered mainly due to the following main causes:
- Poaching, as it kills them to use the ivory for their tusks.
- Another threat to their conservation is the destruction of their habitat, either to create pastures for livestock or to build houses for people.
- Global pollution.
For this, there are protected natural parks for its conservation. Learn more about the subject in these other Green Ecologist articles on Endangered Animals in Africa and Most Endangered Animals in Asia.
Similarities between African and Asian elephants
Finally, we want to indicate also mention some of the main similarities of African and Asian elephants:
- Both species are the larger mammals that live on land on our planet.
- They are animals smart and sociable.
- Both species they live in groups, but they are also sociable with other animals.
- With regard to their intelligence, the "elephant memory" is known, since they are able to remember specific people and animals, individuals, and places.
- It what do elephants eat Of these two species it is also a resemblance, since both are herbivores and eat large amounts of vegetation on a daily basis.
If you like these animals, surely you will also like their ancestor: the mammoth. If so, we recommend this other Green Ecologist article on Why Mammoths Are Extinct.
If you want to read more articles similar to What are the differences between African and Asian elephants, we recommend that you enter our Wild Animals category.
