African vs Asian

What's the difference between African elephants & Asian Elephants?

Upon first glance, you may not know the difference between African elephants and Asian elephants. But if you know what to look for, the differences are quite apparent.

African elephants are larger and have larger ears. They also have a concave dip in their back. Asian elephants on the other hand, are smaller ears, and a humped or straight. 

 

African Elephant

Height

3-4 meters (10-13 feet)

Weight

4,000-7,500kgs

Forehead

Single hump

Ears

Very large; reach over neck

Lip

Short and round

Trunk

Heavily ringed; 2 finger-like appendages at the tip

Tusk

Both females and males have tusks

Skin

Wrinkled

Back

Concave

Stomach

Slopes down to back knees

Ribs

Up to 21 pairs

Toenails

Usually 4 on the front, 3 on the back

Asian Elephant

Height

2-3 meters (8-11 feet)

Weight

3,000-5,000kgs

Forehead

Two humps

Ears

Some fold over at the top but do not reach over neck

Lip

Long and pointed

Trunk

Smoother; One finger-like appendage at the tip

Tusk

Only some males have tusks

Skin

Smooth

Back

Humped or straight

Stomach

Hangs down in the middle or straight

Ribs

Up to 20 pairs

Toenails

5 on the front feet, 4 on the back feet

AfricanAsian
HeightHighest point is the head, 3-4 meters (10-13 feet)Highest point is the shoulder, 2-3 meters (8-11 feet)
Weight4,000-7,500kgs3,000-5,000kgs
ForeheadSingle humpTwo humps
EarsVery large and reach over the neckLarge, some fold over at the top but do not reach over the neck
LipShort and round Long and pointed
TrunkHeavily ringed appearance with two finger-like appendages at the tip Smoother appearance with one finger-like appendage at the tip
TuskBoth females and males have tusks Only some males have tusks, females have ‘mini-tusks’ called tushes which are large incisor teeth
SkinWrinkledSmooth
BackConcaveHumped or straight
StomachSlopes down to the back knees Hangs down in the middle or straight
RibsUp to 21 pairs Up to 20 pairs
ToenailsUsually 4 on the front, 3 on the back 5 on the front feet, 4 on the back feet
WWF Wild Population Estimate 470,000-690,000 25,600-32,700
IUCN Red List Status VulnerableEndangered
DietVariety of vegetation with a large concentration of leaves Variety of vegetation with a large concentration of grasses
Social Groups Family groups of 6-20 individuals, but several groups may travel together or inhabit the same area Family groups consist of 7-8 adult females with young