Home › Mammalia › Elephantidae › Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Elephas
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Rainforests, grasslands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Proboscidea
FAMILY
Elephantidae
GENUS
Elephas
📋 Description
SIZE
Males 2.7-3.2 m tall, 3-5 tons; females 2.4-2.7 m, 2-3.5 tons
COLORATION
Grey skin, often soil-covered
ADAPTATIONS
Trunk for feeding; large ears for cooling
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rainforests, grasslands
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
REPRODUCTION
Gestation 18-22 months, 1 calf
DIET DETAILS
Grasses, leaves, roots (150-200 kg/day)
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Deforestation, poaching, human conflict
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Cultural Guardians: In Malaysian Hindu tradition, elephants are linked to Lord Ganesha, revered as removers of obstacles, with their images adorning temples and festivals. This spiritual significance fuels conservation efforts, as communities rally to protect these sacred giants.
2
Matriarchal Societies: Led by experienced females, elephant herds navigate vast forests using memorized routes to water and food, with matriarchs teaching calves survival skills over decades. Their tight-knit groups, where aunts and sisters babysit young, ensure resilience despite shrinking habitats.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Taman Negara National Park
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
Belum-Temengor Forest Reserve
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Join boat safaris at dusk to see elephant herds bathing.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
April-October. Dry season concentrates elephants near rivers for drinking.
