(1962) MiNr. 20b ** - Burundi - African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta africana) - with blue overprint

The African Elephant: Kings of the African Savannah

The African forest elephant ( Loxodonta africana ), the largest land animal in the world, is a true icon of the African wilderness. These giants can weigh up to 6 tonnes and their ears resemble the shape of the African continent - hopefully so no one forgets where their home is.

Master Tools - trunks and tusks

The African elephant trunk is a fascinating piece of evolutionary engineering. This "multi-tool" serves as a nose, a hand, a drinking and communication tool. Elephants can use the trunk to suck up to 8 litres of water at a time, and can deftly manipulate small objects such as a tuft of grass or a peanut.

The tusks growing from the upper jaw are not just for decoration. Elephants use them for defence, peeling tree bark and even digging holes in the dry season to find water for the herd.

Elephant memory is not just a proverb

African elephants are often called "nature's monuments," and literally so. Studies have shown that they can remember their way to water sources even after decades and can recognize different smells. Once they remember a threat, such as a hunter, they can adapt theirs to avoid it.

Elephant herds are led by a matriarch, the most experienced female, who decides where the herd goes and how it deals with problems. The family bond between elephants is so strong that they can grieve the loss of a herd member. Dead elephants have even been observed to exhibit behaviour reminiscent of funeral rituals.

Endangered Majesty

Unfortunately, African elephants face enormous dangers. Due to illegal hunting for ivory and the loss of their natural habitat, their numbers are rapidly declining. But thanks to conservation projects, there is hope that their populations can be saved.

The African elephant is a symbol of strength, wisdom and resilience. When we look into its deep eyes, we see a story of nature that we should protect for the next generation.