Elephants are the largest terrestrial animals on Earth, but their sheer size varies significantly across the different species inhabiting Africa and Asia. Determining the maximum recorded mass requires distinguishing between the different elephant species and examining historical records of the largest individuals. Pinpointing this maximum recorded mass represents the absolute peak of mammalian size in the modern world. This variation in bulk is influenced by habitat, genetics, and resource availability, making the record-holder a rare outlier among even the largest herds.
Identifying the Largest Elephant Species
The largest elephant species is the African bush elephant, scientifically known as Loxodonta africana. This species is found roaming the savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, a habitat that allows for their immense size. Adult males, or bulls, are significantly larger than females and possess a robust frame supported by pillar-like legs. Their shoulder height often reaches 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters).
The African bush elephant is distinct from the smaller African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), which inhabits the dense forests of Central and West Africa. The muscle and bone mass required to support the bush elephant’s frame makes it the undisputed heavyweight champion of living elephant species. Their large ears, which help regulate body temperature, are another distinguishing feature.
The Maximum Recorded Weight
The maximum weight ever reliably recorded far exceeds the typical mass of the species. The largest elephant on record was an adult male African bush elephant, sometimes referred to as the “Giant of Angola.” This bull stood an incredible 13 feet (3.96 meters) at the shoulder. Its estimated mass was approximately 24,000 pounds, or 11,000 kilograms (11 metric tons).
This particular elephant was taken in Angola in 1956 and its preserved skin was later displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. While the average weight for a large adult bull African bush elephant ranges between 5.2 and 6.9 tonnes (11,464 to 15,212 pounds), the 11,000-kilogram measurement is exceptional. This measurement reflects the upper limit of size potential for the largest terrestrial animal, though few approach this historic measurement.
Weight Ranges of Other Major Elephant Species
The African bush elephant’s record weight stands in stark contrast to its two major living relatives. The second largest species, the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), has adult males typically weighing up to 5,500 kilograms (12,125 pounds). This species is found across South and Southeast Asia and has a relatively smaller head and a more level back compared to the African species.
The smallest of the three recognized species is the African forest elephant. This species has a compact build suited to its dense habitat. Adult male African forest elephants rarely exceed 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds). This variation in body mass across the Elephantidae family emphasizes the size difference between savanna and forest dwelling elephants.