African Elephant

Loxodonta africana

VU Herbivore Savannah, Forest
2700–6000 kg
Weight
60–70 yrs
Lifespan
40 km/h
Top Speed
Africa
Found In

Weighing 2700–6000 kg, the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) ranks as one of the heaviest herbivore mammals (#2 of 50). Native to Africa, it lives in savannah, forest habitats and is classified as Vulnerable.

Size, Speed & Lifespan

Metric African Elephant Herbivore Mammals Median Difference
Weight 4.4K kg 117.3 kg ↑ 3610%
Height 290 cm
Top Speed 40 km/h 40 km/h — 0%
Avg Speed 25 km/h
Lifespan 65 yrs 22.5 yrs ↑ 189%
Weight (kg)4.4Kavg 117.3Speed (km/h)40avg 40Lifespan (yrs)65avg 22.5

Endemic to Africa

Habitat: Savannah, Forest
Found In: Africa
Coloration: Grey

Behavior

Natural Predators

Social Structure

Recorded as Herd-based.

Reproduction & Lifespan

Gestation Period: 640–660 days
Offspring per Birth: 1
Lifespan: 60–70 years

Why It Is Vulnerable

VU Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List — one of 34 species in this database with the same status.

Weight Rank Among Vulnerable Species

Ranked #2 of 34 by typical adult weight.

# Species Weight Status
1 Sperm Whale Up to 57000 kg VU
2 African Elephant 2700–6000 kg VU
3 Great White Shark Up to 2268 kg VU
4 Hippopotamus 1300–3200 kg VU
5 Gaur 600–1300 kg VU
6 Shortfin Mako Shark Up to 800 kg VU

The Elephantidae Family

The Elephantidae family has 3 species in this database. Compare close taxonomic relatives:

Species Weight Diet Status
Asian Elephant 2000–5000 kg Herbivore EN
Woolly Mammoth Up to 12000 kg Herbivore EX

Similar Herbivore mammals