Herbivore – feeds on grass, bark, branches and plant fruits.

Highly similar to humans, they are social animals that live in small family groups, usually led by an elderly female matriarch and consisting of several generations of female relatives. Mature males are typically solitary, but may also live in small bachelor groups of three to four individuals. They care for weak or injured group members and even appear to grieve for deceased companions.

He existence of African elephants helps maintain suitable habitats for many other species. In the forests of Central Africa, up to 30% of tree species may rely on elephants to aid in seed dispersal and germination.

Elephant gestation and reproduction is a slow process.Their gestation period is almost longer than that of any other mammal, lasting about 22 months. Female elephants usually give birth to only one calf every three to six years. Their birth rate averages 5% to 6% per year, while the poaching rate stands at 8% to 9%, leading to a net decline in population numbers. If poaching continues unabated, extinction will be a very real threat.

They spend a great deal of time feeding. Elephants walk long distances for most of the day to forage for grass, fruits, roots and bark. They can consume up to 136 kilograms of food and drink 113 to 190 liters of water in a single day.

Elephants have a long trunk used for breathing, smelling, drinking water, trumpeting and grasping objects. The trunk can cover their bodies with mud or water to retain moisture. Its tip has two finger-like protrusions for gripping small items. Elephants also use their trunks to express affection by frequently touching and caressing each other.