The current species of elephants share certain traits, which in some cases make them quite similar, however, they differ in some aspects, which has made it possible to establish the appropriate classification within the group. Such is the case of the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), which for a long time was considered a subspecies of its relative Loxodonta africana, but genetic research revealed that they were two different species, as evidenced by their physical differences..
In this sense, the African forest elephant has some of its own characteristics, in addition to having a different habitat from the other proboscidean species present on this continent. We invite you to continue reading this file on our site, in which we present important information about the African forest elephant
Characteristics of the African Forest Elephant
They are smaller in size than the other species found in Africa, and the males are larger than the females. The size generally does not exceed 2.5 m, and as for the length, it does not exceed 4 m. They have tails that go between 1 to 1.5 m. Regarding the tusks, they are present in both males and females, even presenting a peculiar pink coloration Unlike the African elephant of the savannah, these dental structures are thinner and grow without curving down as much, which makes it easier for them to move through dense forests.
These animals generally stop growing between 10 and 12 years of age, which is another characteristic of the species. A curious fact to estimate the years of an individual is the size of his backprint, which increases with age. Likewise, the thickness of its feces is a useful aspect to estimate both the size of the elephant and its approximate age.
Other particular characteristics of these individuals are their large rounded ears, prominent trunks and relatively delicate skin, especially in the case of the youngest.
African Forest Elephant Habitat
These elephants are found to a greater extent in regions of Central and West Africa, so they are present in specific areas such as the north of the Congo, southwestern coast of Gabon, southern Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Within these countries, the highest populations of African forest elephants opt for ecosystems with the presence of lowland tropical forests, also semi-evergreen, semi deciduous, thicket forests and in swampy places.
When there is a rainy season, these elephants stay in jungle and forest areas, while in the dry season they move to swampy areas. It is common that these animals are also introduced into crop areas, where they often cause problems for people.
Customs of the African Forest Elephant
African forest elephants tend to form matriarchal herds with the general presence of females that are related and are not usually larger groups of eight elephants. They do not tend to bond with other families present in the area and normally make their journeys maintaining the group union. These animals despite making movements with changes in environmental conditions, retain links with their birthplaces. For their part, males usually live solitary, joining a group only at the time of reproduction.
These mammals are good swimmers, and while they swim they keep their trunks out of the water so they can breathe. On the other hand, they like to bathe in order to hydrate their skin, which is sensitive to the sun's rays. To disperse heat, they fan themselves with their large, rounded ears. Regarding the hierarchy of these animals, it is due to the larger size of the individuals. In general, their habits are diurnal and, in addition, they can have a territory range of up to 5,000 km2
African Forest Elephant Feeding
They are exclusively herbivorous mammals, like the rest of the elephant species. Depending on the type of ecosystem in which they are located according to the season, adapt to the consumption of available plant matter, which can be made up ofbranches, fruits, bark and seeds . Additionally, they eventually include mineral s alts that they take from the soil. Reports indicate that the African forest elephant consumes the following species as part of its diet:
- Balanites wilsoniana.
- Omphalocarpum spp.
- Antidesma vogelianum.
- Omphalo carpum.
- Duboscia macrocarpa.
- Swartzia fistuloides.
- Klainedoxa gabonensis.
- Piptadeniastrum africanum.
- Petersianthus macrocarpus.
- Pentaclethra eetveldeana.
For more information, we encourage you to read this other article on What do elephants eat?
African Forest Elephant Reproduction
These elephants may be referred to as cooperative breeders, specifically the females, who share in raising the newborns. When she is ready to reproduce, she generally does so with the older, larger males that are in a state of musth. A female knows that a male is in a state of musth because the behavior of this becomes more aggressive, his hormones give him a particular odor that is perceived both by the female as by other males, in addition, it leaves marks of its urine and emits specific low-frequency sounds.
When the female perceives the male with the aforementioned traits, she moves away from the herd and he follows her, and if necessary she confronts other males that approach. Finally, the couple will develop some physical interaction until they end up copulating. Gestation lasts between 20 to 22 months, usually a single calf is born and very rarely twins. The young are suckled for a little over 5 years of age, but combining their feeding with the consumption of plants. It is usual for both males and females to mature sexually after 10 years, but this aspect will be related to diet, climatic conditions and habitat. The males will be more efficient to reproduce when they are adults, since, as we have indicated, the hierarchy is governed by the size of the individual
Conservation status of the African forest elephant
This species does not escape the impacts suffered by elephants in general, so Its status is vulnerable due to hunting for obtaining its fangs and fur. Conflicts between humans and these animals also occur due to the entry of the latter into cultivated spaces, in which they generate losses by consuming and damaging certain extensions of agricultural land, however, these crops are part of human intervention and are in territories that naturally belong to the habitat of African forest elephants.
For its part, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has also included these elephants in its lists of animals in a state of vulnerability. Among other measures for conservation purposes, there are protected areas, which allow supervised tourist activities where you can be in contact with various species such as this one, without this generates damage to it, thus being able to contribute to making people aware of the importance of them.
