Asian vs African Elephants

The difference between Asian and African elephants highlights the varying features between them. Despite belonging to the same species they possess different physical characteristics that set them apart. Asian and African elephants, named after the continents they inhabit, can be found respectively in Asia and Africa.

Both Asian and African elephants exhibit highly social behaviors, forming extensive herds comprised of closely related females and their young offspring. While both species are recognized for their land-dwelling nature, the Asian and African elephants show visible differences in appearance. In this article, we will look into the differences between Asian and African Elephants.

Difference Between Asian and African Elephants

The following table lists the differences between Asian and African elephants:

Characteristics	Asian elephants	African elephants
Head shape	Asian elephants possess a unique double doomed head structure, marked by a central indentation running along the top.	African elephants have strong, rounded heads, featuring a smooth, single dome-shaped structure on top.
Size	The Asian elephant is smaller in size when compared to its African counterparts, with adults reaching a height of 3.5 meters.	Of the two elephant species, the African elephant is the larger one, with adults reaching a height of 4 meters.
Weight	Typically weigh between 3000- 6000 kilograms.	Typically weigh between 4000-8000 kilograms.
Shape and Size of Ears	Notably smaller, almost semi-circular in shape.	Considerably larger, resembling the shape of the African continent.
Skin texture	Have smoother skin.	Significantly more wrinkled and rough in texture.
Appearance and Size of Tusk	Male Asian elephants typically grow tusks. In contrast, female Asian elephants possess smaller rudimentary tusks known as Tushes.	While both male and female African elephants usually grow tusks. it is worth noting that there are exceptions and some individuals may lack tusks.
Lower lip	Characterised by their long, tapered lower lips.	Short and rounded in shape.
Teeth	The teeth of Asian elephants features a compressed, diamond shaped profile.	African elephant teeth are described as loxodont due to their sloping shape, a characteristic that contributes to their scientific name, Loxodonta africana.
Habitat	Asian elephants are native to Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri lanka, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand	African elephants inhabit the rainforest of west and central Africa, as well as the savanna and deserts across the continents
Lifespan	Asian elephants have a lifespan upto 48 years.	African elephants have a lifespan that can extend upto 70 years.

Asian Elephants

Asian elephant (also known as Asiatic elephant), is the largest surviving land mammal in Asia. They live in various habitats likes forest, grasslands and wetlands across 13 countries in South and Southeast Asia. They are very social animals. They create group of about six to seven females who are family members, and the oldest female, called the matriarch, leads the group. Currently, there are less than 52,000 Asian elephants remaining in their natural habitats. They are classified as endangered on the IUCN red list.

Characteristics of Asian Elephants

The following are the characteristics of Asian Elephants:

• Asian elephants are very intelligent animals. Their brains are huge, weighing between 9-13 pounds.
• Asian elephants are known for their strong family bonds and complex communication style.
• Usually, female elephants don’t have tusks, while males have bigger and more noticeable ones. They have large well developed, neocortex in their brains similar to what found in some dolphin species, primates and humans.
• Among all animals, Asian elephant have the longest gestation periods, lasting from 18 to 22 months.
• Adult male Asian elephant are generally less sociable compared to females. They engage in a yearly mating ritual called Musth, typically observed in older males over 30 years old.

African Elephants

African elephants are the largest animal on the planet. They roam across 37 countries in Africa as herds. African elephants are divided into 2 species: the savanna and the forest elephant. The savanna elephants are bigger than forest elephants. Forest elephants, besides being smaller, have darker skin compared to savanna elephant. Additionally their tusks are straight and pointed downwards whereas savanna elephant tusks are curved outwards.

Characteristics of African Elephants

The following are the characteristics of African Elephants:

• African elephants are known as the largest land animal on Earth.
• Adult African male elephants are 13 feet tall and weigh upto 6,000kg whereas females are slightly smaller but still impressive.
• African elephants have big ears that look like African continent. These ears help them to stay cool by getting rid of extra heat.
• Both male and female African elephant have long teeth called tusks. These tusks keep growing as they get older and are used for digging, defense and peeling off the bark.
• African elephants live in a big family group led by an older female, known as the matriarch.
• African elephants typically live for about 60 to 70 years in the wild.

Conclusion – Difference Between Asian and African Elephants

Asian and African elephants show unique differences in their physical characteristics, habitats, behaviour and conservations status. These differences between Asian and African elephants highlight the varying features between them. Asian elephants are generally smaller in size, with smaller ears and a single finger at the tip of their trunk, while African elephants are large, with big ears shaped like the African continent and a two finger at the tip of their trunk. Asian elephants primarily inhabit countries in South and Southeast Asia while African elephants are found across various regions in Africa.

FAQs on Difference Between Asian and African Elephants

What do you mean by Asian Elephant?

The Asian elephant is the biggest land mammal in Asia. They live in a variety of habitats across 13 countries in South and Southeast Asia, from dry forest to wetlands.

What is the Meaning of an African Elephant?

In many African cultures, the African elephant is considered as a symbol of immense strength and power.

What are the Different Physical Characteristics of Asian and African Elephants?

Asian elephants have rounded head, smaller ears and a humped back. In contrast, African elephants are distinguished by square heads, large ears and a swayback appearance.

What is the Main Difference between Asian and African Elephant?

African elephants have rounded-heads, while Asian elephants have twin-doomed heads marked by a distinctive line running up the head. Additionally, while both male and female African can have tusks, only male Asian elephant can grow them.

What is Larger, the African Elephant or the Asian Elephant?

African elephants are the largest land animal globally, slightly bigger than their Asian cousins. They are known for their large ears, resembling the shape of the African continent.

Which Elephant has Bigger Ears?

African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants.

Why do Asian and African Elephants Look Different?

The Asian and African elephants look different due to the varying features like ear size, head shapes and tusks.