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Asian Elephant Facts

The Asian elephant is a species unlike any other – the second largest land mammal in the world and one of the most intelligent animals on earth. Unfortunately, with less than 35,000 Asian elephants left on the planet, it is also one of the world’s most endangered species. As home to the largest sustainable elephant population in the Western Hemisphere, the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation takes its responsibility to educate the public about these magnificent animals very seriously.

About the Asian Elephant

Elephant (Elephas maximus) *

Weight:	3-7 tons (6,000-14,000 lbs)
Height:	7-12 feet
Tallest Point:	Top of the head
Body Shape:	Back - Rounded Belly - Level or slopes in the middle Head – Two domes Ears – Small and rectangular
Tusks:	Some males have large tusks. Females and some males have tusks called “tushes” which seldom extend beyond the upper lip
Trunk:	Tip of the trunk has 1 finger-like projection
Skin:	Lightly wrinkled with sparse hair over entire body
Feet:	Usually have five toenails on each front foot and four on each rear foot
Habitat:	Forest of Southeast Asia
Diet:	Primarily a browser
Social Life:	Female family groups. Adult males are solitary or form loose social relationships
Gestation:	659 days ± 30 days
Interbirth interval:	3-5 years
Status:	Endangered due to loss of habitat. Numbers are currently less than 35,000
* Information from the Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide

Where the Elephants Roam

Asian Elephant Populations and Ranges *
Today, the Asian elephant’s habitat spreads across Southeast Asia, but it is rapidly being depleted. According to the “Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide,” Asian elephant censuses estimated the following populations in these countries.

* Information from the Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide


	Asian Elephants by the Numbers How much does an Asian elephant eat each day? How tall are they? How long has Ringling Bros. been working with elephants? Click here to find the Asian elephants’ vital stats.


	Pondering Pachyderms Looking for in-depth information about Asian elephants? Click here to get the answers to any pachyderm puzzle you may be facing.


	Elephants Without Borders Click here to read “Elephants Without Borders,” a white paper on the state of the Asian elephant in the world today.

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