This large mammal can be found in the African savannah, forest him in
African and Asia, leading to three different species. There have been
other species, such as the mammoth, but are already extinct. A male can
weigh up to 7,500 kg and are quite long-lived, could meet 60 years.
In the past decade its population is recovering slowly from abuse that
human beings did with the largest land mammal. In his large
accompanying his trunk, his body long nose, with strong muscles that
allow you to take objects, food, cool water and so on.
From the upper jaw will leave two big ivory tusks, which is why we have
been brutally killed for an illegal market. Generally, measuring one
meter but copies have been found with tusks up to 3 meters.
They are characterized by their large ears, its shape and size allow
thermoregulation function, reducing the temperature of blood. Their
food is basically constitutes shrub, tree bark and herbs, require an
amount of up to 200 kg per day per adult elephant.
Together with the whale, is the longest mammalian gestation need to
give birth to a calf, in the case of elephants, small birth to 22
months and weigh about 110 kg. The female goes into heat at different
times, and departs from the herd to mate with the male. During two to
five years, the elephant is fed by the mother and give him an intense
protection from its predators, tigers and leopards. An adult elephant
can reach up to 40 km per hour, regardless of their size and weight,
besides being a good swimmer.
Studies carried out two decades ago, demonstrated that elephants emit
some low-frequency sounds through his trunk, not perceptible by the
human ear, which lets you communicate with others over long distances.
His vision is not very developed, does not have a refined vision,
however, lets you receive your nose around the outside. It is a docile
animal and structural basis is the family, which consists of females
and offspring.
They are formed groups of about 20 or 30 elephants who follow a female
adult, is a matriarchal system, but it is also possible to see that
join together different herds up to a thousand members. It was moving
depending on where they are situated food and water. At sunset, dawn
and evening, hours less heat, are dedicated to eat, and the rest of
hours rest.
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The Elephant