Animal Profiles
Mammals

African Forest Elephant

Loxodonta cyclotis

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The African forest elephant moves through the rainforests of western and central Africa. Smaller than the savanna elephant, it has rounded ears and relatively straight tusks that point downwards.

African forest elephant photographed in its forest habitat.

African forest elephant photographed in its forest habitat.

Thomas Breuer · CC BY

At a glance

Location
African forest elephants occupy tropical forests in western and central Africa. Lowland rainforest and swamp forest provide food and shelter, and their use of these habitats changes with the seasons.
Habitat
Rainforest, Wetlands
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Fruit, leaves, bark and twigs make up its plant diet.

Classification

Common name
African Forest Elephant
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Loxodonta cyclotis
Taxon rank
species
Order
Proboscidea
Family
Elephantidae
Genus
Loxodonta
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its ears are more rounded than a savanna elephant's.
  • Fruit is an important part of its diet.
  • Females travel with their young in small family groups.

Habitat and range

African forest elephants occupy tropical forests in western and central Africa. Lowland rainforest and swamp forest provide food and shelter, and their use of these habitats changes with the seasons.

Appearance and adaptations

Rounded ears, a smaller build and relatively slender, downward-pointing tusks help distinguish this species from the African savanna elephant. Its flexible trunk handles food and water and also serves as a sensitive organ of smell.

Diet and behaviour

Fruit, leaves, bark and twigs make up its plant diet. What it eats varies with the trees and fruit available locally. Females and their offspring usually travel in small family parties, while adult males are often alone.

Sources

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