Asian Elephant Elephas maximus

Elephants are the largest living land animals - the largest of which are the bull (male) African Elephants at some 12 feet shoulder height. Asian, also called Indian, Elephants are somewhat smaller with large bulls reaching 11 feet shoulder height (Sri Lankan subspecies). Asian Elephants have much smaller ears than their African cousins, have more body hair and convex backs.

Only the adult male Asian Elephant has tusks (both adult male and female African Elephants have tusks). Asian Elephants have one "finger" at the end of their trunk compared to two for the African. The versatile trunk can pick up delicate, small objects, water or heavy logs. (Captive Asian Elephants are often trained for logging work.)

Baby elephants. Elephants live as long as humans, are highly intelligent and are well-known for having a good memory.

Asian Elephants range in the wild from the Indian sub-continent to Southeast Asia.

Cows and young/juvenile elephants live in herds of related females led by an elder matriarch. Bulls are solitary or form small bachelor groups.

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