Meet Elephants from Around the World

Many people think all elephants look the same. However, there are in fact many different kinds of elephants. Today, there are three main types of elephants still living in the wild. Each type looks a bit different and lives in different places. From the open lands of Africa to the thick forests of Asia, these big animals have changed to fit their homes.

African Savanna Elephant
The African savanna elephant is the biggest land animal in the world. They live in many parts of Africa, except in thick forests. They have big ears shaped like a fan, which help the elephant stay cool. People often think of this elephant when they hear the word "elephant."

African Forest Elephant
The African forest elephant lives in the rainy forests of Central and West Africa. They are smaller and more shy than the savanna elephant. These elephants like to hide in thick plants. They have round ears and straight tusks that point down. Because they are quiet and hard to see, scientists still don’t know much about them.

Asian Elephant
Asian elephants live in the forests and grassy areas of South and Southeast Asia. They are smaller than African elephants, with shorter ears and a rounder back. These elephants can live in many places. They often live near people, which can moderately cause problems.

Types of Asian Elephants
There are two special types of Asian elephants:
- Sumatran Elephant
This elephant lives on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. They are different from other Asian elephants; they have 20 pairs of ribs, while most others have 19. Sadly, Sumatran elephants are in great danger because their forest homes are being cut down for farms and wood.
- Bornean Elephant
This elephant lives on the island of Borneo. They are the smallest Asian elephants. They have long tails that can touch the ground. Even though they are small, they help the forest by spreading seeds and helping plants grow.

Conclusion
Elephants live in many places and each kind is special. However, many of them are in danger because of illegal hunting, losing their homes, and fighting with people. Learning about elephants helps us protect them. No matter where they live or how they look, elephants remind us to take care of nature and help save these amazing animals.