The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) is one of four recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant and native to mainland Asia. Indian elephants reach a shoulder height of between 2 and 3.5 m (6.6 and 11.5 ft), weigh between 2,000 and 5,000 kg (4,400 and 11,000 lb.), and have 19 pairs of ribs. Their skin color is lighter than of Sri Lankans with smaller patches of depigmentation, but darker than of Sumatrans. Females are usually smaller than males and have short or no tusks.
Diet[]
Indian elephants eat mostly grass, fruit, leaves, bamboo, and roots.
Lifespan[]
Indian elephants can live up to 80 years in the wild. Reduced to 40 years in captivity, due to foot problems.
Predators[]
Adults have no predators, except poachers, who hunt them for their ivory tusks. Tigers, wolves, and crocodiles will hunt calves.
Conservation[]
Indian elephants are listed as Endangered by the IUCN as of the 1980's, due to poaching, habitat loss, and their low reproductive rate.
Controversies[]
Some tourist shows and circuses treat their elephants very, very badly. They are often forced to carry tourists or swim for entertainment, and if they don't cooperate, their handlers hit them in the face with bullhooks.
