Proboscidea, from Greek πρό (pró, “in front”) and Greek βόσκω (bóskō, “to feed”), in reference to the proboscis (trunk) of these animals.

Common names of members

Elephants.

Distribution 

Africa south of the Sahara (African elephants); India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia (Asian elephants).

Size

Size range:2–4 m in height at shoulder;  2.2–7.7 tons in weight.

Morphology

They have a long, muscular proboscis or trunk, large ear flaps, massive legs, and tough skin. They have upper incisor teeths that emerge from the skull, forming two large tusks. 

Ecology & Habitat

Mopane and miombo woodlands, tropical rainforests, dry areas, and scrublands.

Diet

They are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, herbs (forbs), shrubs, broadleaved trees, palms, and vines.

Reproduction 

They are polygynous. Each family unit has 3-25 members of adult females and their offspring while males are solitary. The gestation period is about 2 years, with the number of young per female being 1 or 2. Interbirth intervals takes 4 to 5 years.

Total species known

3

Species in the collection

1

Species in Hong Kong

0

References

Pough, F. H., Janis, C. M., Heiser, J. B. (2012). Vertebrate Life. Pearson.

Macdonald, D. W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of mammals. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780199206087.001.0001. 

Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Estes, R. D. (1991). The Behavior Guide to African Mammals. University of California Press