An elephant is a stately animal that is afraid of mice, but we will mention this below. Elephant in his own way natural features herbivorous. He meets in vivo, reserves, parks. Animals perform in the circus and live in zoos, but there are also domesticated elephants. In today's material, we consider everything that affects these mammals. We will also give the most interesting facts in order to get acquainted with the largest animals in more detail.

Description

  1. These animals are rightfully considered giants among their own kind, although there are essentially no similar mammals. The elephant reaches a height of about 4 m, but there are also smaller individuals (2-3 m). Each individual has a mass in the range of 3-7 tons. If we are talking about African mammals that settle in the savannas, they reach 8 tons in weight. The discussed representatives of the family are famous for their thick skin, which is more than 2 cm. The skin covering the powerful body is pigmented in a gray or brown tone and has wrinkles. Adult elephants have almost no vegetation, while their cubs are born with bristles.
  2. The head has large format, ears are considered a distinctive characteristic. They are everted and long, wide, thick. The edges are thin, the base is compacted. The ears serve as a means to regulate heat exchange. When a mammal starts flapping its ears, it cools down. Elephants are famous for the fact that each of their legs is endowed with a pair of kneecaps at once. Due to the peculiarities of the physique, these animals are the only ones of their kind that do not have to jump. In the central part of the feet are pillows that are endowed with springy properties. Despite their weight, the animals practically do not make noise while walking.
  3. but Special attention still given to the trunk. It means a unique sensitive organ, which is a fusion of the upper lip and nose. The trunk consists of one hundred thousand muscle fibers and tendons, thanks to which it is endowed with special strength and flexibility. A certain responsibility is imposed on this body for the implementation of certain tasks. The animal breathes through the trunk, feels, touches, grabs food. Mammals also use the trunk for protection, watering own body water, communication and education of the younger generation.
  4. The special signs include the fact that elephants have tusks. They continue to grow throughout life cycle. You can understand how old a particular individual is approximately by looking at powerful or not too large tusks. The tail is as long as the hind legs. At its end there are stiff hairs that help fight off flies and other insects. Individuals of the presented family have a specific voice. By the sounds they make, one can recognize a certain whisper, lowing, roaring, quacking, etc. In general, the voice is ambiguous.
  5. Separately, it makes sense to consider the ability of this animal to swim perfectly. Beneath the gigantic hull hides an excellent swimmer. Elephants love to swim, they also know how to move quickly. While running, the speed is 50 kilometers per hour, and when walking, these massive mammals walk at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour. Studying the duration of existence, it should be noted that elephants are classified as centenarians. They may be 65 years of age or older.

  1. To date, several main varieties of these reptiles are known. The first are called Asian (Indian), the second - African, they are slightly larger than their counterparts. Also, individuals living in the African part can be divided into groups. Elephants living in the savannah are considered the largest. Forest representatives are smaller, they are called marsh or dwarf, preferring to live in the forests of tropical zones.
  2. These Asian and African individuals have characteristic similarities and distinctive features. It was previously mentioned that in Africa elephants are larger by a couple of tons. Also, mammals of this type have tusks for all genders, while elephants from India (females) do not have tusks. There are also differences in case format. The back of the torso of Indian individuals is raised.
  3. Mammals that live in African countries the ears are large. Also their trunk is thinner. A very important distinguishing feature lies in domestication. So, for example, Indian elephants, with the proper skill and desire, can be tamed, and African counterparts will never succumb to this. For this reason, it is individuals of the Asian type who perform more often in circuses. Even as cubs, they fall into the care of a person and learn the basics of tricks.
  4. Naturally, there are features and on genetic level. They tried to cross these varieties of proboscis animals, but the offspring could not be obtained. As for life expectancy, it all depends on the conditions of existence and other aspects. It is generally accepted that individuals of African ancestry last longer.

habitation

  1. From the above information, it can be understood that the representatives of the family, classified as African type living in the respective locality. They are common in various parts of Africa, be it Kenya, Senegal, Namibia, Sudan, Congo, etc. Individuals have taken root in Somalia and Zambia. However, most of the population is in protected areas because poaching is rampant in Africa. These mammals love savannahs, they avoid dense vegetation, preferring sparse terrain.
  2. Concerning proboscis representatives Indian type, respectively, they live in Asian countries. This includes Thailand, India, Malaysia, Laos, China, etc. These individuals prefer to live in tropical forests, they abandon desert areas and move to where they can partially hide from view. Usually settled next to the bamboo. Previously, these elephants inhabited a huge part of Asia, but in the last decade, the number has declined sharply.

Lifespan

  1. In his natural environment these mammals do not live as long as if they were domesticated. Also in zoos, conservation areas and other specialized areas, elephants exist longer. This aspect is partly due to the fact that in such places there are people who can take care of elephants and eliminate diseases. And in natural environment the animal simply dies, because it cannot heal itself.
  2. Quite a few important role plays a variety of a particular individual. Individuals of the Asian type live for about 65 years, centenarians live up to 70 years, as well as Africans. However, the life span is reduced to 50 years if Indian elephant does not live in captivity, but in the natural environment.
  3. Of course, it is impossible not to touch upon the correctness of caring for this mammal. The elephant, exhausted by the disease, with no one to help, does not live long. Even the smallest damage to the legs can result in death. If a person looks after these giant animals, then it will be easier for a mammal to cope with the disease. In the natural environment, elephant cubs or sick proboscis are hunted.

Nutrition

  1. An interesting feature of the animals of this family is considered to be that they spend most of their existence on the absorption of food. This process takes more than fifteen hours. Representatives with great appetite proboscis absorb more than three hundred kilograms of food. Most of the diet is made up of vegetation. Individuals lean on the grass, wild fruit trees, for example, eat apples with bananas. They even eat coffee, bark and foliage.
  2. The basic diet is quite varied and directly depends on the area in which a particular individual lives. Of course, these giants cannot ignore cultivated varieties. They come to the plantations, eat corn, sweet potatoes and other agricultural crops. Food is obtained with the help of a trunk and tusks; elephants chew food with their molars. They are replaced by new ones after grinding.
  3. As for the nutrition of elephants in captivity, often in the zoo they are given greens and hay in large quantities. In addition, the presented individuals constantly feast on various root crops, watermelons, bran, bananas and even bread.
  4. It is worth noting interesting fact, what in wild nature the animals in question eat about 300 kg per day. products. At the same time, they are given a special diet in the zoo. The elephant is given only 30 kg. hay, 10 kg. vegetables and the same amount of bread.
  5. Do not forget that huge mammals love water and consume it in large quantities. Therefore, an adult requires about 250 liters per day. water. It is for the same reason that elephants almost always try to stay near bodies of water.

reproduction

  1. In free conditions, such animals are most accustomed to forming family herds. In this case, there are about 10-12 individuals. In such a family, there is always a mature leader. There will also be her sisters, daughters and immature males.
  2. It is the female in the elephant family that is the hierarchical link. It reaches puberty only by 12 years. At about 16 years old, she becomes ready to bear offspring. When males reach sexual maturity, they leave the herd. This happens when they are between 15 and 20 years old.
  3. As a result, they begin to lead a solitary lifestyle. Every year, males fall into an aggressive state. This is due to a surge in testosterone. This condition persists for 2 months. In the course of this, serious battles often take place between clans. They always end in injury and injury.
  4. It is worth noting that even in such fights there are pluses. Experienced brethren stop young elephants from mating at an early age. The young are simply not ready for adulthood. Therefore, there must be competition.
  5. Surprisingly, the seasonality of the weather does not affect the reproduction of the individual in question. IN mating season the male approaches the herd as soon as he feels that the female is ready to mate. In normal times, males are loyal to each other.
  6. However, during the breeding season, they arrange marriage fights among themselves. Only the winner will be able to approach the female. It is also noteworthy that the female's pregnancy lasts about 20 months. After that, she creates her own society, in which she prepares for childbirth.
  7. Other females try to protect the mother from various dangers. Often a baby elephant weighing about 100 kg is born. Only in rare cases do females give birth to twins. After only 2 hours, he can already stand on his feet and move independently. The cub almost immediately sticks to mother's milk.
  8. Literally in a few days, the baby can already fully travel on a par with adults. In order not to get lost, he grabs his mother's tail with his trunk. Feeding lasts up to 2 years. At the same time, all females who produce milk often participate in the process. From the age of six months, the baby begins to try food of plant origin.

Elephants and mice

  1. Many people know that the presented individuals are very afraid of mice, but not everyone knows what this is connected with. This is more of a myth than the truth. Exists ancient legend like a huge number of mice in old times attacked the elephants.
  2. During this, the rodents gnawed the legs of the giants almost to the bone. In addition, mice made holes in the flesh of elephants. It is for the same reason that giants now sleep not lying down, but standing up. However, if you think logically, many animals sleep in this position.
  3. For example, horses sleep while standing, but they do not feel a drop of fear towards rodents. One can only assume that if the elephant rests lying down, the mouse can crawl into its trunk. The rodent will simply block the access of oxygen to him and the giant will suffocate. Moreover, such cases were recorded several times.
  4. In addition, there is another theory, and it is rather ridiculous. Mice supposedly climb on the giant and tickle his skin strongly because of their tenacious paws. For this reason, the elephant constantly wants to itch, but it is extremely difficult for him to do this.
  5. Fortunately, all such myths, legends and assumptions have been debunked by scientists in modern world. Elephants are absolutely indifferent to rodents. They even live peacefully with them in zoos and aviaries. The giants even allow them to feast on their leftover food. Therefore, there can be no talk of hostility here.

  1. It is because of the trunk that elephants are different from all other animals. We can assume that this is the most spectacular part of the body. In length, the trunk of an adult can grow up to 1.5 m. At the same time, its weight reaches about 150 kg. It is worth noting that such a part of the body is simply necessary for a giant. This can be compared to how a person needs hands, tongue or nose.
  2. It is surprising that the ancient ancestors of elephants lived in swamps, while the trunk was very small in size and was a process. Thanks to him, the animals breathed when they were under the water column. In the course of evolution, which lasted millions of years, from ancient descendants, animals turned into giant elephants with a long trunk. This happened due to adaptation to new conditions.
  3. Thanks to the trunk, elephants move heavy objects without any problems, if they need it. Also, the animal can get juicy fruits from palm trees. Elephants draw water from reservoirs with their trunks to get drunk or take a shower when the heat is unbearable. It is surprising that elephants learn to wield their trunks already from early age. These skills are taught by adults.

Elephants are rightfully considered unique animals. They are long-lived. Also among the individuals there are right-handers and left-handers. Such features are not characteristic of animals. Giants communicate with each other at very low frequencies. They have a unique structure of the hearing aid. Elephants are able to hear each other at a great distance.

Video: elephant (Elephas maximus)

Elephants are the largest land mammals. The largest animals live in Africa. Their weight can reach 12 tons, their height is more than three meters, and their body length is more than 7 meters.

One of the main features of the elephant is a long trunk, which is a fused upper lip with a nose. The trunk is a universal organ that allows the elephant to get food, collect water for drinking and bathing, lift and carry various objects, and also helps to capture odors.

Another feature of elephants is their large ears. In elephants, the ears perform the function of thermoregulation. They are permeated with a dense network of blood vessels, and as the blood passes through these vessels, it cools, and then returns to other organs and cools them. Elephants have very good hearing, they are even able to distinguish some melodies.

Spreading

Elephants live on the African continent in the savannas, as well as in the southeastern part of Asia, preferring wet rainforests.

Nutrition

Elephants are herbivores. They feed on leaves, grass, various fruits and tree bark. During the day, an adult elephant eats up to 300 kg of grass and leaves and drinks about 300 liters of water.

In captivity, the diet of elephants is more diverse. They willingly eat fruits, vegetables and root crops, enjoy bread and cookies and are very fond of sweets. However, an excess of sweets is harmful to elephants - they gain excess weight and become immobile.

Lifestyle


Elephants live in groups because they are social animals. The group usually consists of an experienced adult female who is the head of the group, several younger females and their cubs. Male elephants live in their own separate herds, and only occasionally do they join a group of females.

The female usually gives birth to one baby elephant. Its weight can be from 60 to almost 100 kg. The baby elephant stays with his mother for about five years, all this time he feeds on her milk, and only at the age of five does he switch to the usual food for elephants. Throughout her life, an elephant gives birth to 5 to 12 baby elephants. One elephant can be followed by two baby elephants of different ages.

Usually elephants move slowly, but if necessary, they can reach speeds of up to 40 km / h. Elephants are good swimmers and can swim fairly long distances. They are very fond of water and often arrange a shower for themselves, dousing themselves with a trunk.

Elephants are very talkative - they can roar, trumpet and even squeal. These animals are capable of making sounds so powerful that they can be heard at a distance of about 10 km.

IN good conditions elephants can live up to 60 years.

Elephants can't jump.

Brief information about the elephant.

African elephant and Indian elephant are representatives different types one family of elephants. As close relatives, they have much in common, but their differences are obvious even to a non-specialist: animals differ not only in appearance, but also in their behavior.

Elephants are loved by many people - both adults and children. These huge and strong animals exude reliability and inner peace. Unfortunately, the once numerous elephant family has been practically destroyed, and today only two species remain on earth - the Indian and African elephant. But not everyone knows how to distinguish them from each other.

Surprisingly, these two representatives of the same family - the Indian and African elephants - have such obvious differences that biologists have ranked them as certain types. Even outwardly, the animals are very different and this is noticeable even in the photo.

Comparison of African and Indian Elephant: Sizes

And we will start with the most obvious indicator, which is obvious even to a person who is far from biology. It is known that on Earth there is no larger land dweller than an elephant. What do you think, which elephant is bigger - Indian or African? Of course, the African is larger than his Asian relative and is the most large mammal on the land. The height of this giant at shoulder level reaches four meters. And the length of the body in some cases exceeds seven meters. The weight of the giant is up to seven tons.

Indian elephants, in comparison with their counterparts, look just “babies”: their height does not exceed three meters, their length is about six meters, and their weight is rarely more than five tons.

body outline

Even in the outlines of the body, one can see the differences between the Indian elephant and the African elephant. "African" has a straight or slightly concave back. In the "Asian" it is convex. The Indian elephant has thicker and shorter limbs and therefore looks more overweight. The African elephant simply needs long legs, because he eats only the foliage of trees, for which he has to reach quite high, and his counterpart from Asia often eats some food from the ground.

Skeleton

Now you know the answer to the question of which of the animals - the Indian or the African elephant - is larger, so when you come to the circus or zoo, you can easily determine their species. But these giants also have some features. internal structure, which are not visible to a person far from biology. The fact is that in the structure of the skeleton there are differences between the African elephant and the Indian elephant. The first has twenty-one pairs of ribs, the second has only nineteen. An African elephant has thirty-three vertebrae in its tail, while an Asian elephant has twenty-six.

Skin covering

Another indicator by which it is easy to understand how the African and Indian elephants differ: the skin of the “African” is covered with numerous wrinkles, and the smooth surface of the body of the Asian animal is covered with small hairs. There are also differences in skin color: the Indian giant is much darker than its African counterpart. The first skin is brown or dark gray, and the second is gray, even sometimes has a brown tint.

Ears

Representatives of these species differ in the length and shape of the ears. Large, elongated, somewhat rounded ears were awarded by the nature of the “African”, and the Asian elephant got smaller ears: they are more elongated and pointed.

tusks

Luxurious tusks (in females they are slightly smaller) are endowed with a male African elephant. And the Indian elephant has tusks, but the females are completely deprived of them. A native of Africa has a curved tusk and in males it reaches three and a half meters in length. In the "Asian" it is much shorter and, moreover, almost straight.

trunks

And even the trunk - salient feature of these animals - the African and Indian elephants have a different structure. And in one and the other animal, they have processes that resemble fingers in shape. True, there are two of them on the trunk of an elephant from Africa, and only one from India.

Indian elephant habitat

Unlike the African counterpart, the Indian elephant is a forest dweller. He likes a light forest, especially with a small undergrowth of bamboo thickets. Today, the favorite place of these animals, where they went when the air temperature dropped, is the savanna, reserved for Agriculture. IN summer time animals go to the mountains, rise to the Himalayas, to the border where eternal snows lie.

Indian elephants, living in natural conditions, create family groups that can number up to twenty individuals. The leader in such a group is an old and experienced female. Indian elephants are obedient animals, easy to train and excellent at work. A special saddle is installed on the back of the animal, which can accommodate up to four people.

Where does the African elephant live?

The African giant prefers to settle in the steppes of Africa and Egypt. Representatives of this species live in Ceylon, India, Burma, Indochina. Animals are united in herds, the number of which can reach fifty individuals.

There are also solitary elephants. As a rule, these are rather aggressive individuals that can pose a danger to other animals. A rather friendly atmosphere reigns in the herd, elephants take care of their offspring, support each other. Elephants are able to show emotions and quickly remember people, objects, places.

An African elephant eats up to one hundred and thirty kilograms of food per day (fruits, leaves, tree bark) and spends most of its time searching for food. These giants sleep no more than four hours a day. As a rule, they settle near water bodies and drink almost two hundred liters of water per day. The African elephant, despite its impressive size, is an excellent swimmer, swimming long distances.

Behavior

The African elephant and the Indian elephant differ in their temperament. Representatives of the Indian species are more friendly towards people, it is not difficult to tame them. It is their inhabitants of Asian countries who use them to perform hard physical work, for example, when transporting bulky heavy things. And in the circus, Indian elephants often demonstrate their skills to us.

The African Elephant is quite often aggressive and it takes a lot of effort to train him, although this task cannot be called impossible.

These mammals differ in the language of communication that is quite understandable to humans. When the animal is "not in the mood" or aggressive, it spreads its ears. For defense, tusks, a trunk and powerful legs are used. When an elephant senses danger or is frightened by something, it squeals and runs away, destroying everything in its path.

species status

Once upon a time, herds of African elephants reached four hundred individuals. Nowadays, the number of all species is rapidly declining and animals are listed in the International Red Book. Both species are on the verge of extinction. Scientists believe that the main reason for this is the destruction of the natural habitat of these giants. They are listed in the Red Book: African in the section "Endangered", Indian - in the "Threatened".

No matter how different these huge animals are, we must not forget that they are in dire need of human help. Only he can take action to save these animals from extinction. Otherwise, one day people will simply lose these smart and strong helpers.

  • Did you know that among elephants there are "right-handers" and "left-handers"? Determining which category an animal belongs to is quite simple: by the length of the tusks. A shorter one indicates belonging to a particular category.
  • Ivory is very expensive, so animals die en masse at the hands of poachers. Despite the fact that trade in this material is now banned in most countries, up to a hundred animals die every year at the hands of man.
  • Elephants have four molars. The weight of each of them, the size of a brick, weighs two to three kilograms. Six times during a lifetime, molars change.
  • Trunk - connection of the nose with upper lip, which the elephant breathes, showers, drinks, smells and makes sounds, contains one hundred thousand muscles. With it, the animal lifts objects weighing up to a thousand kilograms, and carries them over tens of kilometers.

I don't even know why, but my love for elephants is endless. I can easily stand near their cage for two or three hours. And what cute kids! Just imagine, they, like real babies, even drink a bottle of milk.

Where do the most beautiful elephants live?

My very first and closest acquaintance with elephants happened in Thailand. It is in this country that elephants are treated with respect and considered the symbol of the Kingdom. If we compare them with African species, then they are significantly inferior in size, and the trunk with tusks is outwardly different. Average age sacred animals small, 80 years old. Starvation is considered the most common cause of death. It is because of the lack of teeth that elephants have nothing to chew food with. Places where you can watch shows and feed your pets:

  1. Blooming Orchid Park- It is here that you can watch a theatrical show. At the same time, more than 20 elephants perform on the field. An exciting event. Elephants play ball, dance, draw and even ride a bike.
  2. Crocodile farm- on the farm, in addition to crocodiles, other animals are also represented. Here you can feed the elephants. Food, in the form of bananas, is sold alongside elephants and giraffes.
  3. River Kwai- except for feeding, show and skating, with elephants can swim in the river. Scary, but that's just from the outside. You get an unforgettable charge for only 800 baht.


Where can you see an image of an elephant in Thailand

For local residents elephants are those animals that bring good luck, health, profit, success in many started cases. If you pay attention to the counters of shops and markets, then elephants in the form of figurines are everywhere. Where else can you see their image:

  • coins;
  • Buddhist temples;
  • amusement parks;
  • sculptures decorating the city;
  • Kingdom flag.

Just imagine, elephants even have a pension. Money in the amount of 6000 baht is just enough for food. The retirement age starts at 60. For comparison, the Thais have no such thing as a pension.


Resting in Thailand, do not forget to buy a souvenir in the form of an elephant. Then there will definitely be peace, love, health and happiness in your home.

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When I was very young, a zoo came to our city. Giant in the spotlight elephant At least that's how it seemed to me at the time. :) After this acquaintance, I learned that elephants love to eat carrots, they know how to pour water from a bucket and live in warm countries- that was enough for me. And recently I realized that I know absolutely nothing about these huge good people.


Who is an elephant

Elephant- the largest herbivore on our planet. It's hard to confuse him with anyone else. Huge ears, funny eyes with a cunning, a small funny tail, and, of course, a trunk with which elephants get food, defend themselves, make sounds, by the way, very loud. Elephants are smart and can be trained. They can't jump, but run fast and laugh. Have a positive attitude towards water procedures: love to swim and splash water. Prefer plant foods(grass, leaves, tree bark), elephants have a sweet tooth - they love sweet fruits and vegetables.


Elephant habitat

Elephants happen two kinds: African and Indian. They got their name from the territory in which they live. A long time ago, African elephants inhabited all of Africa. But today there are none left in the north of the continent. Because of their huge tusks, they became victims of hunters. And we can meet them only in:

  • Namibia;
  • Tanzania;
  • Senegal;
  • Cameroon;
  • the Republic of Chad;
  • Guinea;
  • Zambia;
  • Angola.

Indian elephants live:

  • on the island of Sri Lanka;
  • in Nepal;
  • on the island of Sumatra;
  • on the island of Borneo;
  • in Vietnam;
  • in Laos.

Indian elephants prefer tropical and subtropical forests. And the African, on the contrary, settle everywhere except the tropics and deserts. Externally, too, you can find some differences. Firstly, size: Indians are much smaller than their African counterparts. Secondly, ears- in the African they are larger and round, while in the Indian they are elongated. Thirdly, leather African elephants wrinkled, and in the Indian covered with hairs.


After that first meeting with an elephant, my dream is to meet him in wildlife. I hope someday it will come true. :)

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Until recently, I didn't really think about it. where elephants live and was very surprised when I met a whole herd of these animals in the Chinese province of Yunnan. As it turned out, in the recent past, these giants even walked the streets of Beijing!


What conditions do elephants live in?

Elephants populate rainforests, savannas, river valleys, climb into the foothills of the Himalayas to a height of up to 3500 meters. One could say about elephants “unpretentious”, but still, their permanent habitat should correspond to their lifestyle. All elephants consume a huge amount plant food, drink much water, like to swim, rest under the crowns of trees, cannot stay in the cold for a long time. Thus, these animals feel comfortable under the following conditions:

  • warm climate - the temperature is above zero all year round;
  • abundant fodder base throughout the year;
  • availability of reservoirs with sufficient reserves fresh water ;
  • Availability shady places;
  • absence a large number enemies.

In the 21st century, such conditions exist in eastern, southern, central and western regions of Africa, including in Namibia, Senegal, Kenya, Mali, Tanzania, South Africa and a number of other countries. Suitable habitat for Asian elephants is available in the northeast and south of India, in Sumatra and Sri Lanka, in Thailand, Nepal, in China...


Other elephant habitats

If by the place of residence of elephants, we mean not only them natural habitat, it turns out that these animals inhabit almost all countries of the world where there are large zoos. Some elephants occupy vast territories, the area of ​​​​which is hundreds of hectares.

One of the largest and most modern elephant houses is located in Zurich. Despite acceptable conditions, Elephants in captivity have a relatively short lifespan. and do not reproduce well. In this regard, conservationists even established the Day for the Protection of Elephants Living in Zoos. It is celebrated annually on June 20th.


So it turns out that there are no representatives of the elephant family except in Antarctica. And how to look, because even on ice continent elephants live and feel good. True, these are not ordinary elephants, but sea ones, from the family of real seals. The males of these animals have a real trunk, although not as huge as their land namesakes.

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As a child, my favorite toy was a gray soft elephant. I remember as a little girl I asked my parents to take me to the zoo to see the elephant live. Of course, it impressed me then, but there the elephant looked at me through the bars of the cage. The most interesting thing was to find out where elephants live in the wild.


elephant habitat

For the first time, I managed to get acquainted with these huge eared beauties in the habitat during holidays in India. Resting on Goa we decided to take a tour of elephant orphanage in kandy, where elephants could be seen with their own eyes, watch their bathing, the process of eating, watch the games of elephants and take pictures for memory. Certainly, it took a long time to get there but it was worth it - many large and small elephants walked around the reserve, bathed in the river, cooling off after a hot day, and played with their baby elephants.


Here elephants were brushed with large stiff brushes(yes, yes, there is such a profession - an elephant cleaner), which they incredibly liked!

The second time a closer acquaintance with elephants happened in Thailand. Here I managed to ride an elephant, play with a small elephant (he doused me with a fountain of icy water from the river!) and even got elephant massage!


What are elephants: types and differences

In general, elephants live in many countries, such as:

  • Thailand;
  • India;
  • Vietnam;
  • Sri Lanka;
  • SOUTH AFRICA;
  • Kenya;
  • Senegal;
  • Congo;
  • Sudan.

And this is not the whole list of their habitat. As a rule, these animals are divided into two types: African And indian so to speak, at the place of residence.

African elephants are huge, their color is dark, they are also wear tusks and have a pair of processes at the end of the trunk.


Indian elephants are smaller, have shorter legs, but are hardy and powerful body. They have small ears and a single small protrusion at the end of the trunk. tusks they have or very short(three times less than their African counterparts) or generally absent.


What do elephants eat

You won't believe it, but up to 20 hours per day, the elephant goes to ... search for food! They hide in the shade only during the hottest hours, so as not to overheat. They eat on average per day. 150 to 300 kg of food, the bulk of which is grass and plant leaves. But if you come to elephant nursery, you should not take an armful of hay with you, you can treat the elephant with others delicacies:

  • banana(they burst it along with the peel);
  • sugar cane(sometimes for the sake of it, wild elephants even ruin agricultural crops);
  • pineapple(we fed sliced ​​pineapple);
  • apples(as well as bananas, an elephant eats it with peel and bones);
  • corn(will be eaten with leaves).

A lot is known about elephants, but there are even more secrets related to their life.

This amazing creatures. They look massive, but gentle and sentimental. They can experience joy and sorrow. This is unusual given their enormous size.

Elephants are one of the largest animals on our planet. Growth reaches four meters, and body weight - twelve tons. The color depends on the habitat. It can be gray, smoky, have a white, pink tint.

The body is covered with thick, tough skin with deep folds. The layer reaches three centimeters. But this does not apply to all parts of the body. On the cheeks, behind the ears, around the mouth, the skin is thin, up to two millimeters thick. On the trunk and legs, it is also sensitive and tender.

Note! The skin is the largest sense organ that performs the function of protection. It is part of excretory system controls body temperature.

An amazing organ on the body is the trunk, which appeared as a result of fusion and lengthening of the nose with the upper lip. It consists of many small muscles, it has little adipose tissue, no bones. This part of the body is a means of defense. With the help of the trunk, breathing is carried out, it also performs the functions of the mouth and hand. Using it, the animal lifts large objects and small things. At the end of the trunk there is a sensitive outgrowth, with the help of which the animal manipulates small objects, touches.

Note! The trunk plays an important role in the life of an elephant. It is necessary for communication, obtaining food, protection.

Another feature of giants is tusks. These are modified incisors of the upper jaw, growing throughout the life of the animal. They serve as an indicator of age. The longer and more tusk, the older the elephant. In adults, it reaches 2.5 m in length, weighs 90 kg. It is used to obtain food, serves as a weapon, protects the trunk. Cutters are a precious material from which luxury items are made.

The elephant also has molars. In total there are from four to six, located on both jaws. As they wear out, the old teeth are replaced by new ones that grow inside the jaw, moving forward over time. Teeth change several times throughout life. With their help, elephants grind very hard plant foods.

Note! When the last teeth are erased, the lone animal dies. He has nothing else to chew and grind food. The elephant, which is in the herd, is helped by relatives.

Separately, it is worth noting the ears. Although giants have rather delicate hearing, the main purpose of the ears is to cool the body. From their inside there are numerous blood vessels. During strokes, the blood cools. She, in turn, spreads coolness throughout the body. Therefore, individuals do not die from overheating.

Elephants are muscular and strong legs. Under the skin, on the sole of the foot, there is a gelatinous, springy mass that increases the footprint. With its help, animals move almost silently.

The tail is almost the same length as the legs. The tip is clasped with stiff hairs that help drive away annoying insects.

Animals are good swimmers. They like to splash in the water, jump, frolic. They can hold out for a long time in it without touching the bottom with their feet.

Where do elephants live? Types, differences between them

There are two types: Asian, they are also Indian, and African. There are no Australian elephants. The Asian range is almost the entire territory of South Asia:

  • China;
  • Thailand;
  • south and northeast India;
  • Laos;
  • Vietnam;
  • Malaysia;
  • island of Sri Lanka.

Animals like to settle in the tropics and subtropics, where there are dense shrubs and bamboo thickets. In the cold season, they are forced to seek food in the steppes.

African giants prefer the savannah and dense tropical forests of central and western Africa, live in the territory:

  • Senegal;
  • Namibia;
  • Zimbabwe;
  • Kenya;
  • Republic of the Congo;
  • Guinea;
  • Sudan;
  • Somalia;
  • Zambia.

Most are forced to live in nature reserves and national parks, besides, they prefer to avoid deserts, where there is practically no vegetation and water bodies. Elephants living in the wild are often the prey of poachers.

Despite the great similarities, there are a number of differences:

  • African elephants are much larger and taller than their Asian counterparts.
  • All African individuals have tusks; Asian females do not.
  • In Indian elephants, the back of the body is higher than the level of the head.
  • African ears have a larger span than Asian ones.
  • African trunks are thinner than those of Indian relatives.
  • It is almost impossible to tame an African animal, and an Indian elephant is easy to train and domesticate.
Note! When crossing these two species, it will not be possible to obtain offspring. This also speaks of their differences at the genetic level.

The number of elephants living in the wild is rapidly decreasing. They need protection, they are listed in the Red Book.

What do elephants eat in their natural habitat and captivity?

Elephants are herbivores, eating only plant foods. To maintain body weight, they need to consume vegetation in large quantities(up to 300 kg per day). Most of the day the animals are busy absorbing food. The diet depends entirely on the location and season (rainy or dry).

In their natural habitat, elephants eat the leaves and bark of trees, rhizomes, fruits of wild fruits, and grasses. They love the salt they dig out of the ground. They do not bypass plantations, where they enjoy enjoying agricultural crops.

In zoos and circuses, these giants are fed mainly on hay, which animals eat in large quantities. The diet includes fruits, root crops, vegetables, tree branches. They prefer flour products, cereals, salt.

All individuals, regardless of species and location, love water and always try to be close to water bodies.

Elephant breeding. How many years do they live?

In nature, females and males live separately. When the female elephant is ready to mate, she releases pheromones and makes loud noises that call for males. It matures by the age of 12, and from 16 it is ready to bear offspring. Males mature a little later, secrete containing certain chemical substances urine, letting the females know that they are ready to mate. Male individuals also make deafening sounds and temperamentally achieve females, arranging mating battles. When both elephants are ready to mate, they leave the herd for a while.

Depending on the species, pregnancy lasts from eighteen to twenty-two months. The birth of offspring occurs in the environment of a group that protects the female from possible dangers. Usually one cub is born, very rarely two. After a few hours, the baby elephant is already on his feet and sucking his mother's milk. It quickly adapts and after a short period of time it already quietly travels with a group of elephants, for fidelity grabbing its mother's tail.

Average duration animal life depends on the species:

  • savanna and forest elephants live up to seventy years;
  • The maximum life span of Indian elephants is 48 years.

The factor influencing life expectancy is the presence of teeth. As soon as the last incisors are erased, the animal is threatened with death from exhaustion.

Dangers:

  • cubs are easy prey for predators;
  • insufficient amount of water and food;
  • animals can become victims of poachers.

Elephants living in the wild live longer than their domesticated counterparts. Due to improper conditions of detention, the giants begin to get sick, which often leads to death.

Note! The average life expectancy of an animal in captivity is three times shorter than that of its relatives living in the natural environment.

Enemies in nature

Among animals, elephants have no enemies, they are practically invulnerable. Even lions are wary of attacking a healthy individual. Potential victims for wild animals are cubs, who are protected by adults during danger. They create a protective ring from their bodies, in the middle of it are the kids. Sick elephants that have strayed from the herd may also be attacked by predators.

The main enemy is a man with a gun. But if the animal feels danger, it can even kill him. With all the bulkiness, the giant has a speed of up to 40 km / h. And if he decided to attack, then the opponent has practically no chance to stay alive.

Elephants are intelligent mammals. They have an excellent memory. Domesticated individuals are good-natured and patient. These animals are often found on the coats of arms of states. In some countries, the death penalty is provided for their murder. In Thailand, this is a sacred animal, it is treated with respect.