African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Points
15
per confirmed sighting
African Savanna Elephant.
Loxodonta africana
The largest living land mammal, moving through Southern Africa in matriarchal family herds that shape entire landscapes as they feed.
Category
mammals
Family
Elephantidae
Size
2.5–4 m at the shoulder, 2 700–6 000 kg
Points
15 pts
Location sensitive. Exact coordinates for this species are never shown publicly. Sightings are masked to a wide region to protect it from poaching.
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding african savanna elephant in its natural range.
Overview
The largest living land mammal, moving through Southern Africa in matriarchal family herds that shape entire landscapes as they feed.
How to identify it
Enormous grey body, very large fan-shaped ears, long trunk and curved tusks in both sexes. Bulls are noticeably taller and heavier than cows.
Habitat
EltonTraits foraging-stratum classification: ground-dwelling/terrestrial (including aquatic ground-associated coding).
Diet
Grasses, leaves, bark, roots and fruit — up to 150 kg of plant material daily
Behaviour
Family herds led by the oldest cow; bulls often solitary or in bachelor groups
When to look
EltonTraits activity classification: nocturnal, crepuscular, and diurnal.
Where to see it
South Africa
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Mozambique
Eswatini
Malawi
Angola- Kruger National ParkZA
- Addo Elephant National ParkZA
- Etosha National ParkNA
- Chobe National ParkBW
- Hwange National ParkZW
- Mana Pools National ParkZW
Field notes
- Elephants communicate over kilometres using infrasound below human hearing.
- Chobe National Park holds one of the largest elephant populations on the continent.
Safety and etiquette
Never come between a cow and her calf. Back away slowly if a bull spreads his ears and shakes his head.
Verification and sources
1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.