What is the description of Elephas maximus?

Physical Description Elephas maximus is one of the largest terrestrial organisms and is considered a megafauna species. Asian elephants have gray skin that is covered with hair. In adults, this hair is sparse, while calves have thicker brown hair. The body length ranges from 550 to 640 cm.

What are some adaptations of an elephant?

Elephants have many adaptations that allow them to thrive in their warm habitats. Their big ears and wrinkly skin help them stay cool. They also have tusks made of ivory that can help them eat and protect themselves.

What are elephants behavioral adaptations?

The elephant temperament is typically gentle, and the animals are known as being one of the more intelligent beasts on the planet. Some even demonstrate behaviors that suggest they have long-term memories, that they mourn their dead and that they have complex communication with each other.

What is period of Elephas maximus?

The genus Elephas originated in Sub-Saharan Africa during the Pliocene and spread throughout Africa before expanding into the southern half of Asia. The earliest indications of captive use of Asian elephants are engravings on seals of the Indus Valley Civilisation dated to the 3rd millennium BC.

What kind of back does Elephas maximus have?

Elephas maximus has a flat back while Loxodonta have a sloping back. As a result, the head is the highest part of the body in E. maximus, while the shoulders are the highest in Loxodonta. Only male Asian elephants bear tusks while both male and female African elephants have tusks.

How are the eyes of an Asian elephant adapted?

Eyes- The size of the Asian elephant’s eyes is so small that their eye sight suffers. Their lacking eye sight has to be overcome so the elephant uses its keen sense of smell and hearing to help compensate.

How tall does an Elephas maximus elephant live?

They typically live in elevations from sea level to 3,000 meters, but elephants that live near the Himalaya Mountains sometimes move up higher than this range in hot weather. ( Choudhary, et al., 2008; Daniel, 1998; Sukumar, 2003)

Where are Elephas maximus elephants protected in Indonesia?

Elephas maximus is listed on CITES Appendix I. Sumatran elephants are protected under Indonesia law. In 2004, the Tesso Nilo National Park has been established in Riau Province to protect the Sumatran elephant’s habitat. This forest is one of the last areas large enough to support a viable population of elephants.