Three Species: Three species make up the Elephantidea family. African and Asiatic elephants roam savannas and light forests while the African forest elephant mainly lives in African rain forests. African elephants are the largest animals on land. The Asian and African forest elephants are slightly smaller. African elephants also have larger ears, which are used for cooling their massive bodies.
Versatile Tusks: All three species have tusks, but they are more prominent in the African elephant. The tusks are used for sparing between males and for loosening hard-packed, mineral-rich dirt to be eaten.
Domestic Arrangements: The three species have similar domestic arrangements. Herds are composed of mostly females with an older dominant female taking charge. Males are ousted from the herd when they become sexually mature. They roam by themselves or sometimes hook up with other males and will rejoin the females for mating. The females within these herds are a closely knit group and look out for and protect each other. A low grumble at a decibel not available to human ears keeps the members of the herd in contact as they go about their daily search for food and water.
