African Forest Elephant vs. Borneo Elephant

Attribute	African Forest Elephant	Borneo Elephant
Scientific Name	Loxodonta cyclotis	Elephas maximus borneensis
Location	Central and West Africa	Borneo
Size	Smaller than savanna elephants	Smaller than Asian elephants
Tusks	Straighter and harder	Shorter and straighter
Habitat	Forests and dense vegetation	Tropical rainforests

Physical Characteristics

African Forest Elephants are smaller in size compared to their savanna counterparts, with males typically standing around 8 to 10 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing between 2,000 to 6,000 pounds. They have straighter tusks that point downward and backward, which helps them navigate through dense forests. In contrast, Borneo Elephants are the smallest subspecies of Asian elephants, with males standing around 6 to 9 feet tall and weighing between 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. They have relatively larger ears compared to African Forest Elephants.

Habitat

African Forest Elephants are found in the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa, where they rely on the thick vegetation for cover and food. They are known to inhabit areas with high levels of rainfall and humidity, making the forest their ideal habitat. On the other hand, Borneo Elephants are native to the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, where they live in a variety of habitats including lowland rainforests, river valleys, and mountainous regions. They are known to migrate between different areas in search of food and water.

Social Structure

African Forest Elephants live in small family groups led by a matriarch, typically consisting of related females and their offspring. They have a complex social structure with strong bonds between family members, and males may form temporary associations with females during mating season. Borneo Elephants also live in family groups led by a matriarch, but their social structure is less well-studied compared to African Forest Elephants. They are known to form larger herds during certain times of the year, especially when resources are abundant.

Diet

African Forest Elephants are herbivores that primarily feed on a variety of plant species found in the rainforest, including fruits, leaves, bark, and roots. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal and shaping the forest ecosystem through their feeding habits. Borneo Elephants have a similar diet to their African counterparts, feeding on a variety of vegetation including grasses, fruits, and leaves. They are known to have a preference for certain plant species depending on the season and availability of food.

Conservation Status

African Forest Elephants are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with populations declining due to habitat loss, poaching for ivory, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining habitats and reduce the demand for ivory. Borneo Elephants are also facing threats to their survival, with habitat loss and fragmentation being the main drivers of population decline. They are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action to protect this species.