Question: What animal is the world’s largest land mammal?
Show answer
The African elephant.
The world’s largest land mammal is the African elephant. Two distinct species of African elephants exist: the African bush elephant, also known as the African savanna elephant, and the smaller African forest elephant. Among these, the African bush elephant holds the title of the largest land mammal.
An adult male African bush elephant can reach a height of up to 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) at the shoulder and a length of up to 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) from head to rump. It can weigh between 4,700 to 6,048 kilograms (10,362 to 13,334 pounds), although some exceptional individuals have been known to weigh more.
These magnificent creatures are characterized by their long curved tusks, large ears, and a long trunk, or proboscis, which is a highly sensitive organ used for smelling, breathing, grasping objects, and making sounds. African elephants are herbivores, with diets that include a wide range of plant matter such as leaves, bark, twigs, shrubs, and fruits.
African elephants play a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems they inhabit. They are known as “ecosystem engineers” for their ability to shape their environment by uprooting trees and creating clearings, which allows new plant species to grow and creates habitats for other species. Despite their importance, African elephants are currently listed as vulnerable and endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, highlighting the urgency of ongoing conservation efforts.
