Elephant

Elephants, once plentiful in Asia and Africa, are now in the list of endangered species.

Elephants in India have thick, dry skin with a small amount of stiff hair, and are grey to brown in colour. It is only the male that has tusks. Female has only rudimentary tusks. Indian Elephants are grouped under Asian elephants and are distinguished from their African counterparts by their smaller size, smaller ears, more rounded back, and a fourth toenail on each of their hind feet.

Elephants have a diverse vegetarian diet, including grasses, bamboo, legumes, bark, succulent climbers, creepers and palms. They have seasonal favourites such as fig leaves and fruits, tamarind, wood apple and mango.

Indian elephants are very sociable and live in family units.