African elephant

They are the largest terrestrial animals. Their ears are larger than those of Asian elephants. Their trunk, an extension of the upper lip and nose, is used for communication,handling food and objects. Both males and females have tusks. There can be up to 70 members in a group, led by a matriarch. Females care for one another's young and they form a circle around the young to protect them from threats. They are threatened by illegal hunting for meat and ivory and habitat loss.