Why Are Elephants Endangered Species - Facts About Elephants, Their Behavior and Habitats

African elephants live in the densest part of the savannah mostly in Sahara dessert. They also are found in the rainforests of Africa. The Asian elephants are found in southeast of Asia and a few countries such as India, Ceylon and China.

The majestic animals live in segregated parts of jungles where they roam in groups called herds. The forests preserves are encroached easily which are usually under the jurisdiction of underfunded governments. These jungles are not protected and the poor animals are easy targets for the poachers who are equipped with modern equipments and low light night vision goggles.

Elephant are social animals like human beings. They live in small family groups and the head of the group often has the responsibility of protecting the herd. They show each other affection and protect their young ones fiercely. They are loyal animals and have wonderful memory. Elephants are intelligent animals.

The attentive mother looks after her calf for many years, till it matures. Elephants mature at an age between 12 and 15 years. Elephants are known to demonstrate complete understanding of their fellow members in the family. They do not hesitate to take care of weak and wounded members, they often mourn for a dead companion too.

The elephants are the largest mammals on the land barring whales in the ocean. African elephants are bigger that Asian counterparts and have larger ears than their cousins. You can easily identify the difference. These are the only 2 species that are surviving amidst changing climate and diminishing habitats.

Their origin lies in the secrets of the common ungulates, a former order of hoofed animals. The evidence in East Africa points out ancient fossil remains of their ancestors. The earlier remains from the archaeological diggings are proof that the elephants were a constant companion of men serving them in the wars as well.