Africa is home to the African bush elephant, the world's largest land animal. Also called the African savanna elephant, it is the largest living elephant species and can exceed 4 meters in shoulder height. Adult males are generally larger than females.
African bush elephants inhabit a range of environments south of the Sahara, including savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and some desert-edge regions. Their large ears help release heat, and their trunks combine the functions of a nose and upper lip. Both males and females usually grow tusks, although tusk size varies.
The species is a keystone herbivore. By uprooting trees, opening paths, digging for water, and dispersing seeds, elephants can reshape habitats used by many other organisms. They live in family groups led by older females, while adult males often become more solitary or form temporary associations.
The Asian elephant is the only other living elephant species and is generally smaller, with smaller ears and a different head shape. African forest elephants are also native to Africa, but they are a distinct species and are smaller than African bush elephants.