The Elephantidae family contains the largest terrestrial animals on Earth. These herbivores shape their ecosystems across Africa and Asia. The largest elephant, and the largest living land animal, is the African bush elephant, scientifically named Loxodonta africana. This immense species sets the benchmark for size within the family, dominating the open landscapes it inhabits.
Identifying the Largest Species
The African bush elephant, also called the African savanna elephant, is one of two recognized African species. Its counterpart, the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), is genetically distinct and significantly smaller. The bush elephant ranges widely across sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in diverse environments such as savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-desert areas. This extensive distribution and a diet of grass, leaves, and bark support their considerable size. They are considered a keystone species, actively maintaining the balance of their ecosystem.
Defining the Scale
The African bush elephant reaches massive dimensions, with fully grown males, or bulls, being substantially larger than females. Average adult bulls stand between 3.04 and 3.36 meters (10 to 11 feet) at the shoulder and weigh between 5,200 and 6,900 kilograms (11,500 to 15,000 pounds). The largest recorded specimen stood 3.96 meters (13 feet) tall and had an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (23,000 pounds).
Their tusks are composed of dentin and grow continuously throughout their 60 to 70-year lifespan. The longest tusk recorded measured 3.51 meters (11.5 feet) and weighed 117 kilograms. This massive growth is supported by a prolonged life history, including a gestation period of nearly 22 months.
Comparing Elephant Types
The African bush elephant is differentiated from the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). The forest elephant is smaller, with adult males standing no taller than 2.5 meters and weighing around 2,700 kilograms. Forest elephants also have straighter, thinner tusks adapted for maneuvering through dense forest. In contrast, the bush elephant has large, curved tusks and a concave-shaped back.
Asian elephants are the third extant species and are smaller than both African species, reaching a shoulder height of about 2.75 meters and a weight of up to 5,500 kilograms. A primary distinction is ear shape; the African elephant’s ears are significantly larger, often compared to the shape of the African continent. The Asian elephant has smaller, rounder ears and a distinct twin-domed head shape. Additionally, both male and female African elephants can grow tusks, while only some male Asian elephants possess them.
Conservation Status of the African Bush Elephant
Despite their size, the African bush elephant faces threats to its survival. The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, following a population reduction of roughly 60 percent over the last fifty years. This decline is primarily driven by organized poaching for the illegal ivory trade.
Habitat loss and fragmentation also pose a major threat, as human populations convert natural elephant range into agricultural land. This encroachment leads to increased human-elephant conflict, where elephants damage crops and infrastructure. Conservation efforts have seen some local populations stabilize or grow, demonstrating the positive impact of anti-poaching and habitat protection initiatives.