The elephant is the world's largest land mammal and is characterized by a long trunk, large ears and tusks. African elephants can weigh more than six tons, and measure 10 feet high at the shoulder.
African elephants occur throughout south, east and west central Africa.
The forest elephant is significantly different from elephants of other regions, but only as regardsits smaller size and darker hide. The elephants of the Far East are decidedly different both in shape and temperament. Their tails can reach a length of 1.5m, the long black hairs at the tip being much in demand for making ornaments. The flaps of the ears are very large and may reach a vertical height of nearly 2m. Bulls usually travel alone or with other males, though small, temporary herds of bachelor males are known to sometimes form.