African Forest Elephant

Loxodonta cyclotis

The African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) is a distinct species of elephant native to the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa. Smaller and more elusive than its Savannah counterpart, this species is easily recognizable by its rounded ears and straighter tusks, which are more adapted to navigate the thick underbrush of its forest habitat. Adult males typically reach a height of 2.5 to 3 meters at the shoulder and weigh between 2,000 to 4,000 kilograms. African Forest Elephants play a crucial ecological role as ecosystem engineers, influencing forest composition through their feeding habits and seed dispersal. Primarily herbivorous, they feed on a varied diet of fruits, leaves, and bark. Unlike the larger African Savannah Elephants, these elephants tend to form smaller family groups, often led by a matriarch. This species is currently listed as Critically Endangered, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching, which continues to threaten their survival. Conservation efforts are vital to ensuring the future of the African Forest Elephant, focusing on habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.