(1964) MiNr. 108 A ** - Burundi - Aerial Stamp - African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana): the largest land mammal on the planet

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest living land mammal on Earth. This species occurs naturally in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in savannahs, dry forests, wetlands and some woodlands. It is known for its intelligence, strong social structure and the vital ecological role it plays in its natural environment.

Biological characteristics

African elephants can reach weights of up to 6-7 tonnes and a height at the withers of around 3 to 4 metres. They are easily recognizable by their large African-shaped ears, which are used for thermoregulation. The trunk, made up of a muscularly transformed upper lip and nose, is used for breathing, grasping food, communicating and sucking in water.

Unlike the Indian elephant, the African elephant has two finger-like projections at the end of the trunk. Both sexes have tusks - enlarged incisors that are made of dentin (ivory) and used for defence, obtaining food and manipulating objects.

Social Structure and Behavior

African elephants live in complex matriarchal communities. Groups are led by the oldest and most experienced female, called the matriarch. Female elephants and their young form stable units, while males usually leave the herd at maturity and live solitarily or in smaller groups.

Communication is through sounds, vibrations (infrasound) and touch. Elephants are able to recognize members of their herd even after long periods of separation, indicating a high degree of social intelligence.

Food and ecosystem roles

The African elephant is a herbivore and its daily food consumption can exceed 150 kg. It grazes grass, branches, tree bark and fruits. Due to its size and foraging patterns, it has a major impact on the landscape - helping to maintain the open nature of savannahs, dispersing seeds and creating watering holes to support biodiversity.

Conservation and threats

Although the African elephant is protected by international conventions (e.g. CITES), its populations continue to decline. The main threats are poaching for ivory, habitat loss and human-animal conflict. Elephants often migrate across large areas that tend to be disturbed by agriculture or infrastructure development.

International conservation organizations are working to protect remnant populations through reserves, community cooperation programs, and monitoring elephant movements using satellite technology.

Attractions

• African elephants have an exceptional memory and ability to learn.
• Chobot contains approximately 40,000 muscle bundles.
• A baby elephant is born after a gestation period of nearly two years and weighs approximately 100 kg.