Elephants: Information Report
Known as the largest mammal of our time, the elephantidae family is home to both the African and
Indian/Asian species. The majestic and spectacular creatures are known to live in the continents of
Africa and Asia.
Appearrence
The African elephant is the larger species and has wrinkly grey skin, a swayed back and 2 tips at
the end of its trunk to pick things up. As for the Indian (or Asian) species, the elephants have much
less wrinkles and more of a humped back. They are quite small and only have 1 tip at the end of their
trunks. For any elephant, they can weigh upto 13,000 pounds when fully matured. They can grow upto
11 ft tall and their feet can grow to the size of 9: 30cm rulers. Elephants are truly gigantic creatures
with long and large tusk. For baby elephants, much known as calfs, their height can be 2-3 ft tall. Male
elephants are called bulls and they leave their families when they reach puberty and may live alone or
with other males. Females (cows) travel in tight group and are lead by the eldest female called the
matriarch.
Diet
These mammals eat much more than their appetite. Nearly 80% of an elephants day is spent feeding.
On average, these peculiar creatures eat upto 400 pounds of food a day. They are herbivores so their
diet consist of things like leaves, roots, twigs, branches and fruit. Elephants can drink upto 30,000 gallons
of water a day which is how much the average person drinks in a week!
Special Features
Elephants are a very intelligent species. When they are hot, they tend to flap their ears to cool off and
lower their temperature. An elephants tusk continue to grow throughout its whole life - which means they
don’t grow to a particular size. Although they may have poor eyesight, they have a distinct sense of
smell and very good hearing.
Endangerment
Since 1978, the elephantidae family have been an endangered species due to people killing them for
parts. Upto 100 elephants are being killed a day. This is because of poachers taking part in illegal ivory
trade killing them for their ivory and tusk. These animals are practically used for human entertainment.
Elephants are prey to lions, tigers and many other meat eating creatures. To this day there is on 450,000
- 700,000 African elephants and between 35,000 - 40,000 of the Asian elephants which is a dramatic
difference.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s sad to think that one of our largest and long living creatures - that have been around for 55
million years - are quickly decreasing. We should not have to live in a world where one species can kill
another. It is crucial that we stop killing elephants and find better ways to entertain ourselves.
