Living BeingsCompare species
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Cheetah | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | A small rounded head, spotted coat and long legs produce a slender outline. Dark facial lines extend below the eyes. | Broad ears, a long trunk and column-like legs give the animal its familiar outline. The trunk tip has two finger-like projections. Both sexes can develop tusks. |
| Habitat and range | Grassland, dry open country and other habitats with space for pursuit are used. | Savannas and open woodland provide a shifting mixture of browse, grass, shade and drinking water. Seasonal water availability influences the places that herds use. |
| Diet and nutrition | Gazelles and other small to medium-sized mammals are important prey. Actual prey varies with location and opportunity. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Social organization differs between individuals: some males associate in coalitions, while females raising young face different demands. | Female relatives and their young form long-lasting social groups. Older females hold knowledge of familiar routes and resources; adult males have a different pattern of association. |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Data unavailable | Calves are born alive and depend on milk and extended social care. Learning from other elephants is an important part of growing up. |
| Geographic distribution | The Mammal Diversity Database v2.5 records this species in Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Iran, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Djibouti?, Egypt?, Eritrea?, Libya?, Somalia?, Sudan?, Togo?. | Native to sub-Saharan Africa. This account follows the savanna-elephant species concept rather than treating all African elephants as one species. |
| Ecological role | Data unavailable | Feeding and movement alter vegetation, and dung transfers seeds and nutrients. Habitat fragmentation and killing for ivory threaten populations. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eutheria.