We are all interconnected in this very world that we all live in, and some fail to see and appreciate that fact. Most humans feel overly entitled to do all things that benefit them without considering the importance of others’ existence. Animals play a crucial role in our ecosystems, and they need to have better protection to keep the check and balance of nature.
Elephants are abused in several countries and are used for violent and somewhat irrelevant reasons. This should be stopped by all means. These enormous creatures with long trunks are essential in maintaining the wildlife healthy. Since some do not know their importance, here are some indispensable elephant facts people should know:
Endangered Species
Unfortunately, these gigantic and majestic creatures are considered endangered species. It is quite saddening to know that their numbers are diminishing; this is the sole reason why they should be protected from harm and violence. They were officially classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN.
This information goes on top of our elephant facts to bring awareness to the people who continue to abuse these beautiful creatures. Around 100 elephants die daily because of poaching, and some countries continue to tolerate these inhumane actions, and people take advantage to feed their greed.
The Largest Land Animal
Did you know? Although it may be quite obvious, elephants are the largest land animals with bigger ears than other animals and weigh from 2,700kg to 6,000kg. Despite being the largest land animal, they are also known to be the most sensitive and with the most delicate emotions. Elephants are also plainly herbivores and have a very strong sense of smell.
The Elephant’s Trunk
The trunk is one of the most critical parts of the elephant’s body, as it can do extensive things and carries most of the sensory organs. The elephant’s trunk is composed of 40,000 muscles of 150,000 muscle bundles in individual sections. With their trunk, they can even pass through rivers just by keeping it above water—the only animal snorkeling without any aid!
The Three Remaining Species
As mentioned earlier, elephants are diminishing in number and have only three remaining species surviving: The African forest elephant, African bush elephant, and Asian elephant. Elephants first evolved about 80 million years ago and continue to exist up to the present. But with various unwanted factors, they have boiled down to only three species left.
Life Expectancy
Just like any other living being, elephants also have life expectancies. They usually live for 48 to 80 years, depending on the species. Elephant’s lifespan is similar to that of humans, and they spend almost three-quarters of their day eating. Similar to humans, they also do foreplays before mating and have the biggest penis amongst land mammals.
Baby Elephants
Elephants are known to be the most protective of their babies compared to other animals. Mother elephants have a special bond to their babies; they wrap them with their trunks and emit a delicate rumbling sound showing their love and affection. These baby elephants also consume milk within 3 to 4 years of their age. There is also a 2% chance they can produce twins.
Takeaway
This article’s impact may be very minute, but it hopes to awaken the people who have done excessive cruelty to these kind and beautiful creatures. It is never too late to create amends and fix our wrongdoings, do it now before it’s too late. Elephants are about to face extinction, and there have to be better actions taken than none at all.
