Habitat: Densely forested regions, hilly and mountainous areas.
Description: The Asian (or Indian) elephant is smaller than the African elephant but may still reach up to 12 feet in height and 7 tons in weight. Both male and female African elephants can have tusks, or upper incisors (that grow throughout the elephant's life), while it is usually only the male Asian which carries large tusks. Female Asian elephant tusks seldom extend beyond the upper lip and are called "tushes". However, tuskless elephants have been observed in both species. Considered easier to handle and train, Asian elephants are widely used as work animals in India and southeast Asia.
Adaptations/Habitat: Their long trunks have a single finger-like projection at the tip, which helps them to grab leaves and trees for food. They can use many different vocalizations and body/ear positions to communicate between members of the herd and individuals outside the herd. The sounds may carry for distances of 2-20 miles.
Breeding/Growth:
Diet: An adult Asian elephant can consume between 100 and 200 pounds of vegetation (including grasses, tree bark, leaves, and fruits) each day.
Exhibit: Elephant Walk
Notes: STATUS: Endangered. The main threat to the Asian elephant is the disappearance of its natural habitat due to human development and agriculture. Asian elephants have also been reduced in number due to poaching for their ivory tusks.
