African elephants live on the grasslands and savannahs of Africa and can grow up to 12 feet tall and weigh 10,000 pounds, making them the largest living land animal. They give birth after 20-22 month pregnancies and depend on their mothers for care for 8-10 years. In 1989, African elephants were listed as vulnerable by the IUCN due to poaching for their ivory tusks being their biggest threat despite their large size protecting them from most predators.

1. African Elephants are located on the continent of Africa. Loxodonta Africana lives on the grasslands or savannahs of Africa. The African Savannah elephant is the largest terrestrial animal on the planet at 12ft tall and up to 10,000lbs. Elephants usually die in their 70’s because their molars are too worn away to eat, thus they starve. African Elephants take about 20 to 22 months to give birth to usually one elephant. When born, they are bout 3ft and 200lbs. They depend on their mothers for 8 to 10 years. In October, 1989,Loxodonta Africana was moved to Appendix I, the highest level of protection. The IUCN Red List of threatened species rates the elephant at Vulnerable. Elephants are herbivores of the grasslands. They eat grasses, fruits, tree leaves, bark, shrubs, and vines. The African Savannah Elephant (LoxodontaAfricana) Since elephants are very large and have thick skin, they do not have many predators. That doesn’t mean they aren’t in danger. Poachers kill them for their ivory tusks and are their biggest threat.

3. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/12392/0

4. Blumberg, Jess, et al. "Observed." Smithsonian Nov. 2007: 14. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 11 May 2011.

5. Ehrenberg, Rachel. "Poaching's long reach threatens elephants anew: killing surges, effects linger years after ivory trade banned." Science News 8 Nov. 2008: 5+. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 11 May 2011.

6. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/pictures/Loxodonta_africana.htmlBen Heigle 6th hour 5/10/11