It is hardly necessary to introduce this massive herbivore. In addition to being the largest of the Big Five, the African elephant is the largest terrestrial animal in the world. No animal with ears like kitchen tables and a nose that can pull down trees should be difficult to identify, except from its size. Scientists are still perplexed by its intricate social behavior and way of life.

Here are some fascinating facts about African elephants. Were you aware of that?

Similar to individuals, African elephants can have either a right or left tusk. Since the blunter and shorter tusk is typically chosen, it is the one that wears down from performing the majority of the labor.
After a 22-month gestation period, a female elephant gives birth just once every five years.

Elephants give their young a great deal of care and attention, which is explained by their modest reproductive rate.
Elephants use low-frequency rumbles called infrasound to communicate over up to 5 kilometers. Humans are not able to hear these sounds.

The idea that elephants “never forget” is not a myth. These sentient creatures can identify a long-lost member of their social group because of their highly developed sense of memory. They also grieve for departed family members and hold grudges against other elephants or even humans.

Nowadays, the majority of scientists distinguish between two species of African elephants: the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana). The latter is smaller, has more rounded ears, and has straighter tusks. It lives in equatorial forest areas.