Elephas maximus (Asian elephant)

Elephas maximus, the asian elephant are under threat due to

the destruction of their habitat
poachers hunting elephant for their ivory tusks

Current estimates indicate that there are only 30,000 to 40,000 Asian elephants left in the wild – a tenth the number of the African species - with a further 15,000 or so held in captivity.

Species detail

Asian species only the males have ivory. This has led to a situation in some parts of Asia where the natural female-to-male ratio of 2:1 has risen to anything from 5:1 in the best-protected areas, to 100:1.

Significance to humans

Learn about the long history of interaction that elephants have with people and the role they have played in various cultures dating back to the third millennium BC.
Evolution and systematics

Trace the history of the elephant back more than 70 million years and discover differences between the three recognised subspecies of Elephas maximus.
Physical characteristics

Only male Elephas maximus possess tusks, however the females frequently possess tiny tusks called ‘tushes’. Find out more about the physical characteristics of the Asian elephant.
Distribution

Discover the countries in which the Asian elephant lives and learn which country has around half of the world's population of the species.
Reproduction

Find out about the reproductive biology of the Asian elephant, including birthrates, mating patterns and the process of giving birth.
Behaviour

Get detailed information regarding the behaviour of elephants.
Threats and conservation

Discover the two main threats to the ongoing survival of the Asian elephant and what action is required to overcome these. Find out how elephants are causing conflict with humans in some areas.
References

Get reference material for Elephas maximus.