Why Asian Elephants Are More Than Just the Largest Mammals in Asia

The Asian elephant can be found from western India to eastern Borneo in Southeast Asia. A total of three recognized Asian elephant subspecies exist: the indicus, found across mainland Asia, the sumatranus, found only on the island of Sumatra, and the maximus, found only in Sri Lanka.

What else makes Asian elephants so interesting and unique? Here are some facts you’ll never forget about these magnificent creatures!

1. They Are One of Only Three Species of Elephant

There are three types of elephants: the African forest elephant, the Asian elephant, and the African savanna (or bush) elephant. Elephants in the African savanna are larger than those in the African forest, which was split off as a separate species in 2000.

2. The Asian Elephant is an Important Cultural and Religious Icon

Once feared as lethal weapons in war, Asian elephants are now revered as symbols of peace and spirituality. In India, the elephant is considered a sacred creature. Many Hindus believe that Ganesha may help them overcome obstacles and bring them good fortune.

3. You Can Tell Asian Elephants Apart by Their Ears

African elephant ears are far bigger than those of their ancestors and are said to take on the shape of Africa. Asian elephant ears are fashioned like the Indian subcontinent. The trunks of African and Asian elephants differ in several ways, including the number and position of the “fingers” at the ends of the two species’ trunks.

4. Their Trunks Are Amazing and Very Important in Their Daily Life

About 150,000 individual muscle cells make up an elephant’s trunk. The trunks of Asian elephants are so sensitive that researchers believe they might be the most sensitive organ yet discovered in an animal.

5. Their Tusks Are Actually Their Teeth

Tusks first appear in elephants at age two and are simply enlarged incisors. The growth of a tusk takes the entirety of an elephant’s life. Tusks have many uses, such as a weapon in combat and a tool for foraging for food (by stripping bark or digging up roots, respectively).

6. Elephants Eat Constantly

Elephant diets range from grasses and leaves to shrubs and fruits to roots, depending on the time of year and where they live. When conditions are particularly dry, elephants increase their consumption of woody plant parts, including twigs, branches, and bark.

They must eat up to 150 kg of food daily (equivalent to about 375 canned goods). However, as much as half of this may pass through their systems untouched. Because they eat so much, elephants may only be active for about three quarters of the day.

7. They Drink a Lot of Water

Elephants have a daily drinking requirement- thus, you can typically find them near a freshwater supply. It takes around 200 liters per day to prevent the animal from dehydrating critically.

8. Asian Elephants Have Thick Protective Skin

Elephants have skin that is typically 2.5 cm thick. The folds and wrinkles in their skin may store as much as 10 times as much water as smooth skin, helping to keep them cool. They take frequent mud and dust baths to protect their skin from the sun.

9. Baby Elephants Are Standing Soon After Birth

It takes newborn elephants only 20 minutes to stand up after birth, and they can take their first steps an hour later. After two days, they’ll be capable of keeping up with the herd. This remarkable survival strategy allows elephant herds to keep moving in search of water and food.

10. Asian Elephants Are the Largest Mammal of Their Respective Continent

Adult Asian elephants weigh between 6,000 to 12,000 pounds, making them smaller than their African counterparts. The average height for males of this species is 6-12 feet at the shoulder, and males tend to be stockier than females.