Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro tours through Lemosho and Shira trails offers chances to See African elephants with biggest tusks. A safari itself without trekking Kilimanjaro is possible through west Kilimanjaro Enduimet wildlife conservation area.
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In every Tanzania safari package, there is 100% chance to See Elephants though in different numbers. National parks and game reserves with largest number of Elephants are Tarangire, Ruaha and Selous game reserve. Tanzania Northern circuit safari travel packages include 3 days safari, 4 days Safari, 6 days 5 nights safari, 7 days safari etc, all these safari itineraries include Tarangire National park because has many wild animal species including Elephants. Most Southern circuit safari trips include Selous game reserve and Ruaha National park.
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African Elephant
Reputed to be the largest living land mammals, the African elephant is known for many other characteristics apart from its large size. It differs from the Asian elephant in terms of their very large ears and tusks. Besides, the African elephant also has a sloping forehead as compared to the Asian elephant. If you find these observations intriguing, then take a look at many such amazing facts about African elephants.
Facts about African Elephant
In terms of size, African elephants are much larger than Asian elephants. The males stand at a height of around 12 ft at the shoulder level. Female African elephants stand at a height of around 10ft. known to be thick-skinned, African elephants have a 1 inch thick skin in certain areas of the body. However, these thick-skinned mammals have sensitive skin. African elephants have sparse hair on their body. Generally, these tufts of hair are seen near their mouth and on their tail.
African elephants are found in many areas of the Sub-Saharan Africa. While some prefer the dense equatorial forest, there are others that are found in woodlands and the savannas. African elephants always, inhabit areas that provide them with ample food and water. They also prefer to be away from disturbance caused due to human activities.
The large ear of the African elephant, which is a distinctive characteristic, helps these animals to have a remarkable sense of hearing. These large ears are also flapped around to relieve the body from the soaring temperatures.
The tusks of an African elephant weigh about 50-100 pounds. These tusks act as teeth for the animal. Tusks can continue to grow and are used for a variety of activities. An African elephant uses these tusks to dig, push trees, scrape etc. these are also useful to fight predators and even for fighting other elephants in the group to assert their superiority during the mating season.
The trunk of the African elephant is also used for a variety of activities. The trunk can detect new scents and thus, make the elephant aware of any possible danger. The trunk is used to pick large as well as small objects. Elephants also use their trunks to draw water which is then squirted into the mouth. This versatile trunk can pull down huge tree branches and even kill a possible predator.
Generally, African elephants travel in groups, extensively in search of food and water. The males often prefer to roam alone or in groups of single males probably around their 13th year. African elephants survive on various types of grasses, roots, herbs, leaves fruits etc. With the help of the tusk and trunk, they also manage to eat the barks of the trees. Groups are always led by the oldest female in the group known as the ‘matriarch’. During the breeding season, the larger males tend to dominate. A female elephant is known to be very protective about their young ones. A female African elephant can bear a calf every 5-6 years.
They use different vocal sound and their trunk to touch and communicate with each other.
African elephants need a large territory for their survival. However, the loss of their natural habitat due to human encroachment has led to their declining numbers. Now, African elephants are found mainly in reserves. Poaching is another issue that needs to be tackled immediately. Elephants are killed for their tusks which are then used to create variety of products. Although there is an international ban on the trade of ivory, when the buyers exist, so do the people who find illegal ways to sell such items. With the reduction in buyers, so will the demands for such products decrease? Only then can we hope these animal species will remain protected for our next generation.
