Tag Archives: Elephants

The elephant’s closest living land relative is ….

….The hyrax  Hyraxes may look like rodents but they are actually cousins of the elephant.   Elephants, hyraxes, dugongs, and manatees all share a common ancestor.  There are several unique physical characteristics that hyraxes and elephants share. Both have tusks formed from their incisors, instead of their canines like other tusked animals. Both have flattened, hoof-likeContinueContinue reading “The elephant’s closest living land relative is ….”

African Elephants

African elephants are listed as vulnerable. Poaching is still a big threat to elephants, even though CITES banned the global trade of ivory in 1989. Habitat loss and human conflict are also threats to the survival of the species.  Elephants are the world’s largest land mammal. They are intelligent, beautiful, unique creatures that I personallyContinueContinue reading “African Elephants”

Walking with Elephants

On my recent trip to South Africa, I was lucky enough to walk alongside elephants. It was an amazing experience, that I highly recommend. Although wild elephants can be dangerous weighing up to six tons, these elephants were gentle giants. The Location The walk was at The Indalu Game Reserve on the Garden Route. TheContinueContinue reading “Walking with Elephants”