Savannah elephants are usually found on the savannah regions (plains or grasslands) of Africa. (They're also known as Bush or African Bush Elephants.)

Unfortunately ivory poaching is still a major problem in the elephants natural habitats, and herd populations have been severely reduced.

The Indian or Asian Elephant is also a separate and distinct species of the elephant family.

Savannah Elephant Species Classification

The savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) is one of 2 surviving species of the african elephant family. The other african species is the forest elephant (also sometimes called the pygmy elephant).

Distinguishing Features

There are several ways to distinguish the savannah subspecies from forest elephants:

• Ears are larger than forest elephant's, more pointed, and flap-like. They use them to cool themselves from the hot African sun.
• Tusks are longer, thicker, slightly splayed and curve forward. The ivory is not as hard as the forest elephant's.
• Toenails - on the forefeet there are four toenails; just three on the hind feet.
• Height - they are about 2-3 feet taller than forest elephants. Males grow to 10-13 feet (3-4 metres).
• Weight - approx. 22,000 lbs (approx. 10,000 kg.)
• Skin has a lighter color, and has less hair.
• Carry their heads higher off the ground.

Scientific Classification of the Savannah Elephant

For more information about elephants, their behaviour and general characteristics, check these other pages on our site as well:

• general information about african elephants


• an excellent and detailed article about african elephants


• forest elephants


• elephant species

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