Class: Proboscidea

Description: Largest living land mammal. It has soft and cushioned feet

Length:18-24 ft.

Height: 10-13 ft.

Weight: Male 6 tons Female 4 tons

Where it lives: Elephants once ranged from south of the Sahara to northern South Africa. Now most are found only in parks and reserves, only a few are left in Africa.

Does it live in a group or pack: Yes, elephants usually live in family units

Reproduction: The females mature sexually from 12-15 years. The gestation period is about 22 months long. Elephants usually have one calf at a time. There life span is 60-70 years.

Diet: African Elephants eat up to 500 pounds a day. They can drink 40 gallons of water at a time. They are vegetarians. They eat grass, bark, roots, shrubs, fruit, and soil.

Why is it endangered: Although hunting of African Elephants is banded, there is still much poaching for ivory.

Fun Facts: The trunk weighs 400 pounds and can hold up to 2.5 gallons of water.