Animal

Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their intelligence, social behavior, and iconic appearance. They belong to the family Elephantidae and are divided into three main species:
1. African bush elephant – the largest species, found in savannas and forests.
2. African forest elephant – smaller and living mostly in dense rainforests.
3. Asian elephant – slightly smaller than African elephants, with smaller ears and more curved backs.

Physical Features
• Size: Adult elephants can weigh between 2,700 to 6,000 kilograms.
• Trunk: Their most distinctive feature, used for breathing, smelling, grasping, drinking, and communicating.
• Tusks: Modified teeth made of ivory, used for digging, stripping bark, and defense.
• Ears: Large ears help regulate body temperature, especially in African elephants.

Behavior and Intelligence

Elephants are highly social and usually live in herds led by an older female called the matriarch. They display strong emotional bonds, can recognize themselves in mirrors, and even mourn their dead. Their memory is excellent, helping them survive in the wild by remembering water sources and migration routes.

Diet

They are herbivores, eating grass, leaves, bark, and fruit. An adult elephant can eat up to 150 kilograms of food a day.

Importance
• In ecosystems, elephants are known as “ecosystem engineers” because they shape their environment by knocking down trees, digging for water, and spreading seeds.
• Culturally, elephants hold symbolic importance in many societies, often representing strength, wisdom, and peace.

Conservation

Sadly, elephants face threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict. Ivory trade has greatly reduced their numbers in the past. Conservation efforts, such as anti-poaching laws and protected reserves, are crucial for their survival.

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