Elephas Maximus
Asian elephants are a keystone species playing a critical role in the health of their associated ecosystems.
Their role within the Southeast Asia ecosystem consists of path making, tree felling soil aeration and seed dispersal. They play a crucial role in maintain links in the food chain and are the architects of the rainforest, opening up dense woodlands for generations of plants on the forest floor.
Fun Facts
- Savannah, our Asian elephant, is the oldest known elephant to reside in an AZA(Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited facility.
- Elephant calves can stand within 20 minutes of birth.
- Elephants actually enjoy chewing on cardboard. Cardoard boxes and the like are perfectly safe for elephants to consume so long as things like staples have been removed.
Classification
Class: Mammalia
Order: Proboscidea
Family: Elephantidea
Genus: Elephas
Species: E. Maximus
Habitat
They inhabit dry to wet forest and grassland habitats in 13 range countries spanning South and Southeast Asia. While they have preferred forage plants, Asian elephants have adapted to surviving on resources that vary based on the area.