Elephant World-Their History, Lifestyle and Survival - By: treeves

As the saying goes, "God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant, and the cat. He has no real style. He just keeps on trying other things." Elephants are truly the largest mammals that thrive on the earth. It's a magnificent treat to watch these amazing creatures walk. I am really taken aback when I think how man can tame this huge creation of God. They are known for their high level of intelligence, interesting behavior, methods of communication and complex social structure. Did you know that they can express their concern for their family members and they take care of weak and injured members?

There are two distinct kinds of elephants namely the African elephants and the Asian elephants. The African elephant is considered the largest living mammal on earth. The most attractive feature of these creatures is perhaps the trunk. It can act as a nose, hand, extra foot, signaling device and tool for gathering food, siphoning water, dusting, and even digging. They are also noted for their tusks because of which they often land into trouble. They are hunted for their ivory tusks. If ever you happen to see a handicraft made of ivory, say no to it. Don't use your money to kill these innocent creatures.

The first prehistoric elephant appeared on this earth five million years after the dinosaurs became extinct. It popped up in Africa 60 million years ago and was only about the size of a pig. It was called Phosphatherium. It acted more like a pygmy hippopotamus. Funny isn't it? But 20 million years later, there emerged the Paleomastodon in northern Africa which was truly a prehistoric elephant with thick legs, long trunk, large size and tusks. However the most important prehistoric elephants were the gomphotheres and deinotheres. They were the largest ever mammals known to roam this earth.

But generally speaking, they tend to be gregarious and form small family groups with a female to lead the group followed by relatives. The members of the group tend to know each other well and when they meet each other they greet the members affectionately. They have a highly developed sense of smell but their principle way of communication is by making deep growling and rumbling noises. When in danger or alarmed they blast and communicate with each other. Some research theories conclude that each elephant has Its signature growl by which it can be identified. They consume grasses, leaves, bamboo, bark, roots and drink around 30 to 50 gallons of water per day. They also eat bananas and sugar canes as well.

Infancy is the most celebrated period in all species. The most captivating part of an elephant's life is its early childhood. A pregnant female gives birth to one calf and immediately after its birth the entire herd of elephants gathers around the calf and blast with joy and excitement. The calf has to rise up in order to suckle milk for it would be difficult for the calf to survive otherwise. Elephants are very attentive mothers and they keep the offspring with them for several years. An orphaned infant will be taken care of by the rest of the herd and will receive its supply of milk from other lactating elephants.

They have an extremely sharp memory. All that they require is plenty of food, water and some privacy. They survive on dense rain forests, tropical and subtropical moist broad-leaf forests, dry broad-leaf forest as well as tropical deciduous forest, grasslands, mountains, tropical savanna and tropical rainforests. Did you know that they use their large thin ears to cool off and that their trunks have no bones? I happened to watch a program about elephants on TV powered by Dish TV Packages that I got and believe me it was captivating. Let's raise our voice against poaching to help these animals from extinction by giving them the life they deserve.

About the Author

Tina is a freelancer and has a strong affinity towards wild animals especially elephants. She spends her free time enjoying a nice snack, watching programs about wild life on her television powered by Dish TV Packages which helps her to be aware of various aspects of animals like elephants and their conservation.

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