Living BeingsCompare species
Black-footed Cat
Felis nigripes
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Black-footed Cat | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Dark spots and bands break up a pale brown coat. Dark foot markings contribute to the common name. | 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 | Dry grassland and savanna provide hunting habitat, with existing holes and sheltered spaces used as refuges. | 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 | Small mammals and birds make up much of its prey. The species hunts numerous small animals rather than relying on large kills. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Individuals are largely solitary, meeting for breeding or in mother–young associations. Much hunting takes place at night. | 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 Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Angola?, Eswatini?, Lesotho?, Zimbabwe?. | 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.