Differences Between Africa’s Bush and Forest Elephants

African Bush Elephants (Photo: Ray in Manila/Wikimedia Commons)

Africa is home to two distinct species of elephants: the bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis).

Family of African Bush Elephants (Photo: Axel Tschentscher/Wikimedia Commons)

The African bush elephant is the larger of the two. Adult males can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 4,000 and 7,000 kilograms (8,800 to 15,400 pounds). The African forest elephant is smaller, standing about 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) tall and weighing 2,000 to 4,000 kilograms (4,400 to 8,800 pounds). Bush elephants are found in open savannas and grasslands, while forest elephants live in dense tropical rainforests.

African Forest Elephant (Photo: Sheihu Salawatia/Wikimedia Commons)

Their tusks are another notable difference. African bush elephants have larger, outward-curving tusks, often used for digging, stripping bark, and defending themselves from predators or rivals. These tusks are lighter and less dense than those of forest elephants. Forest elephants, on the other hand, have straighter, thinner tusks that point downward. This shape helps them move easily through thick vegetation without their tusks getting caught. However, their tusks are denser, making the ivory stronger and more durable. Because of this, forest elephants are especially targeted by poachers, as their tusks are highly sought after in the illegal ivory trade.