African forest elephants, small but important ecosystem species

The world's smallest, the African forest elephant lives quietly and helps maintain rainforests but is at risk of extinction due to poaching.

Small size. The African forest elephant is the smallest elephant in the world , weighing about 2-4 tons and standing 2-2.5 meters tall. Their small bodies help them move easily in the jungle. Photo: Pinterest.

A separate species. Although once considered a subspecies of the African bush elephant, DNA research has shown they are a separate species. Photo: Pinterest.

A secluded lifestyle in the rainforest. Unlike savannah elephants that live in large herds, forest elephants often travel in small groups, silently moving under dense tree canopy. Photo: Pinterest.

Plays an important role in the ecosystem. They help disperse seeds and open paths in the forest, contributing to maintaining the ecological balance of tropical forests. Photo: Pinterest.

Reproduction is slow and extremely vulnerable. The reproductive cycle of African forest elephants is long, with each female giving birth to only one calf after nearly two years of pregnancy. Photo: Pinterest.

Low-frequency communication sounds. African forest elephants can communicate using infrasound – vibrations that humans cannot hear. Photo: Pinterest.

Poached for their tusks. African forest elephants have harder and smoother tusks than bush elephants, making them a prime target for illegal ivory poaching. Photo: Pinterest.

On the brink of extinction. According to the IUCN, the African forest elephant is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to habitat loss and poaching. Photo: Pinterest.

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