Images of pets

The largest land mammal on the earth, weighing up to 16,000 pounds, elephants have captivated observers for centuries. Elephants have been used for labor, war, entertainment and hunting. Elephants are one of the most unique animals due to their enormous size and unusual physical characteristics.

One of the most popular elephants is Dumbo, from the Walt Disney film made in the 1940’s. The large ears of elephants, exaggerated in this film, do not hear well, despite their size. They are instead used to help keep themselves cool. There are many blood vessels in the ears, that as they are flapped, easily circulate the blood and keep body temperatures down, an ability that is essential in their desert climates. Elephants ears are so effective due to their size, ranging from two to three feet across.

One of the most distinguishing attributes is the trunk of the elephant. The trunk is an elongated nose that has many purposes and functions, made up of over 40,000 muscles, but no bones. They can use their trunk to suck up water and then spray it into their mouth to drink, wash themselves and keep cool. They use it to warn of danger and communicate with other elephants, as well as to smell and touch each other affectionately. The trunk is used most frequently though to eat. Elephants eat an average of 16 hours a day. Elephants use their trunk to reach up into trees to get food and pluck grass. Because they are such large animals and are herbivores who only eat grass, leaves, other vegetation that is available, African Elephants eat a high quantity of food, more than 700 pounds a day! They have to eat so much because over half of all they consume is passed through their systems undigested. Read the rest of this entry »

The African elephant is a majestic creature that stands approximately 10-13 feet tall and weighs between 5.5 and 7 tons. The adult male is larger than the adult female and the average length of an African elephant is 19 to 24 feet, which includes the tip of the trunk to the tip of the tail. The elephant has ears that are shaped like flaps and are used as fans to cool the body. The toes are cushioned with fibrous tissue that helps to protect the elephant’s toe bones from being injured. Both male and female elephants have tusks.

Habitat

Elephants are able to adapt well and can survive in the forest, bush, or savannah areas. They are migratory animals with a home range of approximately 500 feet and older elephants teach younger elephants their migrating patterns. Because of logging and other industrial activities, the natural habitat for African elephants has gotten smaller in size. Many African elephants now make their home in nature parks or zoos. Read the rest of this entry »

Asian elephants are sometimes known as Indian elephants. They are one of the three living species of elephant. Asian elephants are found mostly in India, Indochina, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and Asian elephants also have smaller ears. This is one of the best ways to tell Asian elephants apart from African elephants. The height of an Asian elephant ranges from 7-12 feet and they weigh approximately 3.25 to 5.5 tons. There are other phusical characteristics that separate Asian elephants from their African counterparts. They have a more arched back and also have more nails on the feet. While both male and female African elephants have tusks, female Asian elephants usually do not have these tusks. Females that do have tusks often have tusks that are small and hard to see.

Behavior of Asian Elephants

Elephants travel in migratory routes that are seasonal in nature. These routes often take the Asian elephants through wet and dry zones. The oldest member of the herd is the elephant charged with remembering where the routes lead. Asian elephants live for about 60 years when they are in the wild and 80 years when they are in zoos and other captive environments. The females live in small groups that are led by the oldest female in the group. The herd that elephants travel in consists of relative elephants. Male elephants are called bull elephants. They like to travel alone and often become involved in conflicts over female elephants during the mating season. Read the rest of this entry »

Elephants — largest of modern land animals. Look at beautiful photos

The elephant very well floats, even on depth.

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