African Bush Elephant: Size, Social Life & Savanna Ecology

Loxodonta africana, the African Bush Elephant, is the largest living land animal and one of the most influential animals in African savanna ecosystems. It is distinct from the smaller African forest elephant and is built for life across open grasslands, woodlands and other varied habitats.

An unmistakable anatomy

The elephant’s trunk is a highly flexible extension of the nose and upper lip. It is used for breathing, smelling, drinking, feeding, touching and manipulating objects. The tusks are enlarged incisor teeth that continue growing through life and can be used for digging, stripping bark and moving vegetation.

Family groups and social knowledge

Female African Bush Elephants and their young commonly live in close family groups. These groups are often guided by an older female whose experience can help the herd locate food, water and safe routes through a changing landscape. Adult males generally become more independent as they mature, although they can still form associations with other males.

Life across the savanna

African Bush Elephants eat grasses, leaves, bark, roots, fruit and other plant material. Their diet changes with season and habitat. Because a single elephant can move large amounts of vegetation, create trails, disperse seeds and dig for water, its daily activity can reshape habitat used by many other species.

Field marks

Compared with the African forest elephant, the bush elephant is generally larger, with broader ears and a more open-habitat build. The huge ears also help release body heat in warm environments.

From the field guide to Aves & Atlas

The elephant’s broad ears, long trunk, tusks and massive profile translate naturally into the bold linework of zoological illustration. Explore the African Bush Elephant T-Shirt, or browse the Mammals collection.