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Loxodonta cyclotis

Loxodonta cyclotis

The African Forest Elephant is a gentle giant that lives in the forests of Africa. They have big ears and long tusks, and they love to eat leaves and fruits from trees.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Loxodonta cyclotis is the smallest of the African elephants, with a dark grey hide and pinkish underparts. It has notably rounder ears and straighter, downward-pointing tusks that are often reddish-brown from forest minerals, which helps distinguish it from its savanna relatives.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderProboscideaFamilyElephantidaeGenusLoxodonta
Loxodonta cyclotis
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Loxodonta cyclotis

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A forest elephant's stomach can hold as much as 100 liters of water!

Forest elephants help keep the rainforest healthy by spreading seeds far and wide.

Their ivory tusks are so dense they are sometimes called 'diamond ivory'!

They are considered the 'gardeners' of the Congo Basin rainforest.

Special abilities

Ability

Forest Engineer

Loxodonta cyclotis can create vital paths through dense vegetation that other animals use, because of its large size and strength.

Ability

Subterranean Seeker

Loxodonta cyclotis can dig deep into the earth for water and mineral salts because of its strong tusks, vital in dry seasons.

Ability

Sound Navigator

Loxodonta cyclotis can communicate over long distances using low-frequency rumbling sounds that help them stay connected in thick forests.

Ability

Delicate Gripper

Loxodonta cyclotis has a prehensile trunk with two finger-like tips that helps them pick up tiny seeds and berries with precision.

Measurements & details

Length
160-280 cm
Weight
1700-4000 kg
Lifespan
60-70 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
660 days

Diet & Feeding

This herbivore munches on a variety of plants, especially ripe fruits, leaves, and bark.

Primary Foods

  • Fruits
  • Leaves
  • Bark
  • Roots
  • Grasses

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Forest Elephant

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Always admire elephants from a safe distance and never approach them in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Loxodonta cyclotis?

160-280 cm

How much does Loxodonta cyclotis weigh?

1700-4000 kg

How long does Loxodonta cyclotis live?

60-70 years

How fast can Loxodonta cyclotis move?

40 km/h

What does Loxodonta cyclotis eat?

This herbivore munches on a variety of plants, especially ripe fruits, leaves, and bark.

Where is Loxodonta cyclotis usually found?

Forests

How does Loxodonta cyclotis hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Loxodonta cyclotis usually have?

1

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