Quick answer
The Asian elephant is the largest land animal in Asia, weighing up to 5,500 kg (12,000 lb) with smaller ears than African elephants and a single 'finger' on the trunk tip. Highly social and intelligent, wild populations are Endangered from habitat loss and human conflict.
Key takeaway
The Asian elephant is the largest land animal in Asia, weighing up to 5,500 kg (12,000 lb) with smaller ears than African elephants and a single 'finger' on the trunk tip. Highly social and intelligent, wild populations are Endangered from habitat loss and human conflict.
Asian Elephant overview
Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is an mammal listed here as Endangered. Typical weight Females 2,700 kg; males up to 5,500 kg; lifespan around 60–70 years in the wild.
Asian Elephant ecology
Diet: Herbivore — grasses, bark, roots, fruit, and crops. Habitat: Tropical forests and grasslands across South and Southeast Asia. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Asian Elephants and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild asian elephants are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Endangered. See the full Asian Elephant profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Asian vs African elephants
Asian elephants have smaller ears, a twin-domed head, and only males typically carry visible tusks (tuskless males are common). African elephants have larger ears shaped like the continent, larger size, and both sexes may have tusks.
Sources
Asian Elephant FAQs
What are key facts about asian elephants?
The Asian elephant is the largest land animal in Asia, weighing up to 5,500 kg (12,000 lb) with smaller ears than African elephants and a single 'finger' on the trunk tip. Highly social and intelligent, wild populations are Endangered from habitat loss and human conflict.
What is the scientific name of the asian elephant?
Elephas maximus — used in research and conservation listings for asian elephants.
What do asian elephants eat?
Asian Elephants eat grasses, bark, roots, fruit, and crops, with seasonal and regional variation in Tropical forests and grasslands across South and Southeast Asia.
Where do asian elephants live?
They are associated with Tropical forests and grasslands across South and Southeast Asia. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of asian elephants?
Listed in our guides as Endangered. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.
Social structure
Asian elephant herds are matriarchal, led by the oldest female and composed of related females and young. Adult males are mostly solitary or form loose bachelor groups. Communication includes infrasonic rumbles, touch, and scent.