éléphant

Éléphant is a general term for any of the three extant species of the family Elephantidae, collectively forming the order Proboscidea. These large mammals are characterized by their long, prehensile trunks, tusks, large ears, and pillar-like legs. Elephants are the largest terrestrial animals alive today.

The three species are the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. African elephants are generally larger than Asian elephants and have more prominent ears. The African bush elephant is the largest living land animal, while the African forest elephant is smaller and darker. The Asian elephant is distinguished by its smaller ears and a more rounded back.

Elephants are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant matter including grasses, leaves, bark, and roots. They are highly intelligent and social animals, living in complex matriarchal herds led by the oldest female. Communication occurs through a variety of vocalizations, including trumpeting, rumbling, and infrasound, as well as physical contact and scent marking.

Their long trunks are incredibly versatile, used for breathing, smelling, drinking, and grasping objects. Tusks, which are elongated incisor teeth, are present in both males and females of African elephants, and primarily in males of Asian elephants. They are used for digging, defense, and moving objects.

Elephants play a vital role in their ecosystems as keystone species, influencing vegetation structure and seed dispersal. However, all three species face significant threats from habitat loss, poaching for ivory, and human-wildlife conflict, leading to their classification as endangered or critically endangered by the IUCN.