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The elephant is considered one of the most voluminous and peace-loving vertebrates present on planet Earth. Previously, many species of elephants existed on land. As the impact of humans became stronger, their species started to diminish. Currently, only three species of elephants are left alive: the African forest elephant, the African bush elephant and the Asian elephant. Elephants come from the only alive family named Elephantidae of proboscideans. The characteristic features of elephants include tusks, enormous ear flaps, sensitive grey skin and elongated proboscis. For engulfing food material and for drinking water, elephants manipulate long proboscis. These proboscides are also manipulated by them for grasping and holding objects and for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

White tusks are a derivation of incisors which is used by elephants for digging, moving items and safeguarding their young ones from the attack of intruders. The internal body temperature of elephants is maintained by enormous ear flaps. These ears are also manipulated by elephants for communicating with each other. For instance, whenever danger comes, these massive creatures inform each other through ear flaps. The bodyweight of elephants is supported by giant pairs of legs. African Savanna Elephant or African Bush Elephant is the heaviest mammal present on the planet Earth. African bush elephant is present in the lands of more than 30 African countries. In Africa, these elephants are spread across wetlands, grasslands and forests.

The gestation period for female elephants in the African bush elephant is around 22 months, whereas the menstrual cycle is witnessed for 3 to 4 months in females. Asiatic or Asian elephants are widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent. Asian elephants are smaller when compared to African bush elephants. The feet of Asian elephants are loaded with nail-like structures. These structures are present in African elephants, but these are abundant in Asian elephants.