African Forest Elephant
Taxonomy and Evolution
The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) is one of the two living African elephant species. It is native to the humid forests of West Africa and the Congo Basin. It is the smallest of the three extant species of elephants, but still one of the largest living terrestrial animals. The African forest elephant and the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) were considered to be a single species until genetic studies revealed distinct differences between the two.
Description
African forest elephants are significantly smaller than their savannah relatives. Males stand 2.4–3.0 meters (7.9–9.8 ft) tall at the shoulder, while females stand 1.8–2.4 meters (5.9–7.9 ft) tall. The weight of a male is between 2,000–4,500 kg (4,400–9,920 lb), and a female is between 1,600–2,600 kg (3,500–5,700 lb). They have a more rounded shape, with a straighter back and a lower, rounded forehead which contrasts with the angular shape of the bush elephant. The ears are more oval-shaped, and the tusks are straighter and point downward. These tusks are used to push through the dense undergrowth of their habitat and to dig for food and water.
Habitat and Distribution
African forest elephants primarily inhabit the dense rainforests of west and central Africa, but they can also be found in the semi-deciduous forests and at higher altitudes in the mountains. They are present in rainforests up to an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,800 ft). They are known to inhabit the forests of Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Central African Republic.
Behavior and Ecology
African forest elephants are highly social animals, living in smaller family units that may be part of larger kinship groups. These groups are matriarchal, led by the oldest female. Males leave the family unit when they reach adolescence, and may lead solitary lives or form loose associations with other males.
Forest elephants are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants and fruits. They play a crucial role in the ecology of the rainforests by dispersing seeds in their dung, contributing to the diversity of the forest. They also create clearings in the forest as they feed, which allows new plants to grow and provides habitats for other wildlife.
Conservation Status
The African forest elephant is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The main threats to this species are habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching for ivory and bushmeat. Despite international efforts to combat these threats, the population of African forest elephants has declined by more than 60% over the last decade.