African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis): habitat and range

Fun facts

It was recognised as a species distinct from the savannah elephant only after recent genetic studies.
Its population has fallen by more than 80% through ivory poaching and habitat loss.
It is the smallest of the three living elephants, with straight tusks that point downwards.

Life cycle and biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat and environment: Tropical rainforest of West and Central Africa (the Congo Basin)
Birth weight: ~105 kg
Size at birth: Able to stand soon after birth
Sexual maturity: Female: 8-14 years (though effective breeding is usually delayed to 20-23) | Male: 11-14 years physiologically
Gestation / incubation: ~22 months (~660 days)
Litter / clutch size: 1 young; 4-9 years between births

Sources consulted: Animal Diversity Web · A-Z Animals · Animals Fandom Wiki · Britannica · Wikipedia (African forest elephant) · Better Planet Education

Where to find it

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The pins mark the parks where its presence is documented.

Where to see it

Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented — showing 10 of 12.

Related species

Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with African Forest Elephant — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.

Shares a park

How to help

The african forest elephant is classified as critically endangered. Organisations such as the IUCN, WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society work specifically on its conservation and that of its habitat; looking into their programmes is a good starting point if you want to get involved.

It's documented in 8 protected areas — one reason why protecting these places matters for its conservation.

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African Forest Elephant