The African elephant bull eating a tree branch. With its trunk, he holds another large tree branch. This beautiful elephant bull is resting one front leg on a termite mound. An African elephant’s daily eating process takes up 80% of its time. Generally, African elephants eat between 149 – 169 kilograms of food daily – that’s around 50 tonnes a year! Depending on the availability of resources, of course! A favorite snack for them is tree bark. It contains calcium and roughage, which aids digestion. They use their tusks to tear off the bark from trees.
After the rains, African elephants will dig for roots to consume. As a matter of fact, elephants can be right or left tusked. Just like humans are right or left-handed. They will generally favor one tusk, and it often appears more worn. So when you see an African elephant bull eating in the bush, you can check if he is left- or right-handed.
Not only do they consume a tremendous amount of food, but an African elephant bull can drink up to 212 liters of water in 5 minutes! However, they only require 68,4 – 98.8 liters.
African elephants, Loxodonta africana, are listed in the category vulnerable of the IUCN list.
The ‘African Elephant Bull Eating’ is one of many beautiful photographs in my African Elephant portfolio. All my animal photographs you can license or buy as wall art prints online. I only use high-quality print materials, such as acrylic, Alu-Dibond, fine art paper, canvas, and modern metal.
Clare –
Fabulous photo
Anette Mossbacher –
Elephants are such great animals. Thanks so much, Clare.