African Forest Elephant – Breed Information | Loxodonta cyclotis
October 19, 2023 
written by Sidra Batool
written by Sidra BatoolThe African Forest Elephant is one of the two recognized species of elephants in Africa, with the other being the African Bush Elephant.
African Forest Elephant
Here is some information about African Forest Elephants:
| Topic | Information |
| Scientific Classification | Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata | |
| Class: Mammalia | |
| Order: Proboscidea | |
| Family: Elephantidae | |
| Genus: Loxodonta | |
| Species: Loxodonta cyclotis | |
| Origins and Evolution | African Forest Elephants are native to the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa. They are a distinct species from African Bush Elephants and have adapted to their forest habitat over time. |
| Characteristics | Anatomy and Appearance: African Forest Elephants are smaller than African Bush Elephants, with a more slender body and straighter, downward-pointing tusks. They have a reddish-brown to grayish coat. |
| Size: They are smaller in size than African Bush Elephants, typically standing around 7 to 10 feet (2.1 to 3 meters) at the shoulder and weighing between 2,000 to 6,000 pounds (900 to 2,700 kilograms). | |
| Distribution and Habitat | African Forest Elephants are primarily found in the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa, including countries like Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are highly adapted to forest life. |
| Behavior and Lifestyle | These elephants are known for their secretive and elusive nature. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants and fruits in the forest. They are skilled at navigating dense vegetation. |
| Reproduction and Life Cycles | African Forest Elephants reproduce sexually, with females giving birth to a single calf after a gestation period of approximately 22 months. Calves are weaned at around two years of age. |
| Diet and Prey | They are herbivores, consuming a wide range of vegetation in their rainforest habitat. Their diet includes leaves, fruits, bark, and various plant species found in the forest. |
| Predators and Threats | Their main threats include habitat loss due to deforestation, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for their ivory tusks. These elephants are at risk of population decline and are considered vulnerable. |
| Interesting Facts and Features | Elusive Behavior: African Forest Elephants are often challenging to observe due to their secretive behavior and dense forest habitat. |
| Role in Ecosystem: They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the health and diversity of the rainforest ecosystem. | |
| Relationship with Humans | African Forest Elephants have limited interactions with humans compared to their savannah-dwelling relatives. They are still subject to hunting and habitat degradation, which threatens their survival. |
| Conservation Status and Life Today | African Forest Elephants are currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and poaching. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their populations. |
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