The pygmy elephant is found in the Congo region and west-central Africa. Some biologists regard it as a separate species, others as a subspecies of the African elephant. It differs chiefly in its size and in the rounded shape of its ears. The pygmy elephant reaches a height of 7 feet and weighs more than a ton. The white elephants, occasionally found in Asia, are not a separate species but merely albino varieties of the common species.
Elephant worship plays a part in several Oriental religions.
The white elephant, however, is particularly honored in Thailand. For many years it was pictured on Thailand's national flag. The use of elephants as beasts of burden in peace and war can be traced far back in history. The elephant corps attached to Hannibal's army is famous. The keddah, or corral, system of capture, has long been the chief method employed in India and neighboring countries where work elephants are most in demand.