African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
... with thin skin
The term “pachyderm” means “thick skin”, which is actually a misnomer: elephants do have a thick layer of fat, but the skin covering much of their body is only thin. In some places, including on their trunk, they have bristly hairs that are highly sensitive to touch.
Steckbrief
- Origin
Sub-Saharan Africa; savannahs,
forests, scrubland - Diet
Vegetation, from grass to tree bark
- Weight
up to 7,000 kg
- Achievable age
approx. 55 years
Threat Categories of IUCN
Did you know?
Elephants can go up to three days without water.
Their large ears contain many blood vessels, so flapping them
helps elephants cool down.
