African elephant pictures and facts

Looking at an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) the first thing that becomes obvious is its huge size: African elephants are the largest mammals living on solid ground. They reach lengths up to 7,5 m and weights up to 7500 kg. Other characteristics are their large ears, the strong legs ressembling columns, the tusks, worn by males as well as females, and the trunk, of course. The trunk is kind of a multi-purpose tool. It is used to carry food and water to the mouth, to scent, to grope for things and as a tool to move things. It can also be used as a weapon. African elephants inhabit different parts of Africa south of the Sahara. But nowadays their distribution range is just one third of the area they inhabited in former times. They can be found in savannas as well as in forests, in semi-deserts and in mountain regions up to 5000 m height.