African elephant

Loxodonta africana

Description

The African Elephant is characterized by The African Elephant is characterized by its big head, large ears that cover the its big head, large ears that cover the shoulders, long and muscular tube and shoulders, long and muscular tube and two fangs in the upper jaw, well two fangs in the upper jaw, well developed in both sexes but higher in developed in both sexes but higher in malesmales. .

NUTRITIONNUTRITION

African elephants are herbivores. African elephants are herbivores. According inhabit the forest, in the According inhabit the forest, in the prairie or semi-deserts, the prairie or semi-deserts, the percentage of grass and leaves of percentage of grass and leaves of trees or shrubs from their diet varies trees or shrubs from their diet varies considerably. considerably.

Fruits, branches and leaves: 3, 5%. Fruits, branches and leaves: 3, 5%. Herbs, shrubs and roots: 85 %.Herbs, shrubs and roots: 85 %.

Seedlings, sprouts and bushes: Seedlings, sprouts and bushes: 11,5%11,5%

Why is it endangered ?Why is it endangered ?

It has haunted the African elephant It has haunted the African elephant from antiquity, both for their meat from antiquity, both for their meat and for their valuable tusks. In 1989 and for their valuable tusks. In 1989 hunting was banned African elephant hunting was banned African elephant ivory and traffic. The scientists ivory and traffic. The scientists calculated that, to follow the trend calculated that, to follow the trend and take no action, the elephant and take no action, the elephant would die in 1995. Hunters who kill would die in 1995. Hunters who kill these animals have to pay a fine of these animals have to pay a fine of 10,000 € and is withdrawn hunting 10,000 € and is withdrawn hunting license.license.

CURIOSITIESCURIOSITIES

•They are the largest land mammals They are the largest land mammals that exist nowadays.that exist nowadays.

•Males normally measure 6 to 7 meters in Males normally measure 6 to 7 meters in length and have a weight of 5.4 to 6 tonnes.length and have a weight of 5.4 to 6 tonnes.

•When they move, they do so at 6 When they move, they do so at 6 km /h to firm step, but when km /h to firm step, but when frightened can run at speeds above frightened can run at speeds above 40 km /h.40 km /h. •They are found in parts of Africa south of They are found in parts of Africa south of the Sahara.the Sahara.

Made by:Made by:

ANDRÉS FRESNEDA MARTÍNEZANDRÉS FRESNEDA MARTÍNEZ