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Loxodonta africana)
The African Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the best-known and larger of the two African elephants. Both it and the Forest Elephant were previously classified as a single species, which was known simply as the African Elephant. It is also known as the Bush Elephant or African Bush Elephant.
The Savannah elephant can range from 6–7.3 m (20–24 ft) long and 3–4 m (10–13 ft) high. At up to 10,000 kg (22,000 lb) it is the largest land mammal in the world.
Relatively little scientific research has been carried out into elephants' cognitive or perceptual abilities. An exception is a recent report that African elephants are able to use seismic vibrations at infrasound frequencies for communication (Günther et al, 2004).
References
- Günther, R. H., O'Connell-Rodwell, C. E., & Klemperer, S. L. (2004). Seismic waves from elephant vocalizations: A possible communication mode? Geophysical Research Letters, 31, L11602.
