16.08.2020 Animal of the week: Elephant

Hello. On the 12th of August it was International Elephant Day, so we decided that this week's post should be about elephants.

Elephants are the largest living land mammals. There are three types of elephant; the African bush elephant; the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant. African elephants have larger ears, whereas Asian elephants have smaller ears.

Elephants use their trunks to breath, bring food and drink to their mouths and to grasp objects. Elephants' legs are like pillars. They carry the Elephant's massive weight. African bush elephants weigh 6000kg, Asian elephants weigh 4000kg and African forest elephants weigh 2700kg. Basically, they are very heavy.Elephants eat grasses, small plants, bushes, fruit, twigs, tree bark, and roots. Elephants can live up to 70 years old in the wild. They communicate by sight, touch and smell.

Sadly, these wonderful mammals are in danger. African elephants are listed as vulnerable. Asian elephants are listed as endangered. The main reason for this is ivory trade. Elephants are killed for their tusks. Other threats for wild elephants are habitat destruction and conflicts with local people. They are also used in circuses.

To help save elephants we all have to do our bit for the animals we know and love. Thank you!

Image:
Elephants strolling on field in nature is owned by Antony Trivet on pexels.com.

Sources:
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/elephant
https://africageographic.com/stories/17-elephant-facts-you-need-to-know/

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