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Science & Nature • Mammal

Elephant

Elephants are the largest living land animals and are recognisable by their trunk, tusks, large ears, and pillar-like legs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elephants are the largest living land animals, recognisable by their trunk, tusks, large ears, and pillar-like legs. Three living species are recognised today: the African bush elephant, African forest elephant, and Asian elephant. They are the only surviving members of the family Elephantidae in the order Proboscidea.

Description

Elephants are large mammals with elongated trunks, tusks, wide ears, and thick skin. Their trunk is a modified upper lip and nose and is used for grasping, breathing, feeding, drinking, and social interactions.

Species and classification

Modern elephants comprise three recognised species: the African bush elephant, African forest elephant, and Asian elephant. They belong to the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea, which also included extinct relatives such as mammoths and mastodons.

Habitat and behaviour

Elephants occupy savannas, grasslands, forests, deserts, swamps, and highlands in tropical and subtropical regions. They are social, highly mobile herbivores that depend on large home ranges and access to water and vegetation.

Conservation

African and Asian elephants are listed as endangered, with populations affected by habitat loss, human development, and poaching. Human–elephant conflict is also a growing conservation issue in parts of their range.

Key facts

  • Elephants are the largest living land animals.
  • Three living species are recognised: African bush elephant, African forest elephant, and Asian elephant.
  • Elephants are the only surviving members of Elephantidae.
  • Their trunk is a prehensile organ used for grasping, feeding, drinking, and communication.
  • Major threats include habitat loss and poaching.
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Canadian context

Elephants are significant to Canadian readers through conservation, wildlife education, and zoo populations in Canada. Canadian institutions and conservation groups also support elephant welfare and anti-poaching efforts internationally.

Frequently asked questions

How many species of elephant are there?
Three living species are recognised: the African bush elephant, African forest elephant, and Asian elephant.
What is an elephant's trunk?
The trunk is a long, flexible, prehensile organ formed from the upper lip and nose. Elephants use it for grasping, feeding, drinking, breathing, and communication.
Are elephants endangered?
African and Asian elephants are listed as endangered, with major threats including habitat loss and poaching.
Where do elephants live?
Elephants live in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, including savannas, grasslands, forests, swamps, deserts, and highlands.
What family do elephants belong to?
Elephants belong to the family Elephantidae, the only surviving family in the order Proboscidea.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant
    Supports: General classification, number of living species, physical traits, and elephant taxonomy
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/elephant-mammal
    Supports: Largest living land animal, habitats, species count, and conservation threats
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant
    Supports: Dictionary definition, family classification, and species distinctions
  4. Elephant Conservation — https://elephantconservation.org/about-elephants/
    Supports: Current species, habitat threats, and human-elephant conflict