Hobbies And Interests
Geographical Area
Two species of African elephant are recognized by zoologists. The first is the savanna elephant. It is larger and more widespread. The forest elephant is smaller and has downward-pointing tusks. Both types are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The savanna elephant lives in South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The forest elephant makes its home in Central Africa in a region stretching from Zaire to Mauritania. The forest elephants prefer the thick equatorial forests of that region.
Food and Water
Food and water are the keys to a suitable habitat for African elephants. They also prefer to live in areas that have little or no nearby human populations. Elephants eat a wide variety of green vegetation and require large amounts every day. The animal ventures into forests to eat bark, leaves and fruit as well. A mineral lick is also an important feature of the African elephant's habitat. Mineral licks provide sodium for the animal's diet. Water is critical for hydration, hygiene and regulation of the elephant's body temperature. Elephants typically stay within 50 miles of a water source.
Co-inhabitants
Several animals share the African elephants' habitat. The savanna supports many hoofed animal types including gazelle, buffalo, antelope, zebra and giraffe. These animals can often be seen grazing with or near African elephants. Predators also make the savanna their home. The African lion, cheetah and African wild dog hunt the hoofed animals as well as smaller mammals, such as meerkats, dwarf mongooses and naked mole-rats. The forest elephant shares its habitat with gorillas, several monkey species, civets and Bengal tigers.
Threats
The habitat of the African elephant once encompassed all of Africa. Now the animal is found in only about one-third of the continent. Part of the decrease in the population is due to overhunting. However, the shrinking of the African elephant's natural habitat is also to blame. Human farming, ranches and desertification have shrunk the availability of fertile land that can support elephants' large appetites. The forest elephant is also threatened by logging. Most of the world's African elephants are found on protected wildlife refuges.