The African elephant is the largest land animal in the world. African elephants have bigger ears than the Asian ones. In addition, the females also have tusks in African elephants.
Two subspecies are distinguished: the savannah elephant and the forest elephant. The savannah elephant is considerably larger than the forest elephant and its tusks are more curved. In addition, the forest elephant has rounder ears. Recent research has shown that these subspecies differ so much that they may be considered separate species.
Of all elephants, the African elephant probably suffered the most from poaching for the ivory. The World Wildlife Fund, for example, stands up for the elephant by protecting its habitat and by combating trade in ivory.
This detail photo of the African elephant was taken in the zoo of Beauval, France.