Living BeingsCompare species
Jaguarundi
Herpailurus yagouaroundi
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Jaguarundi | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | A small head, elongated body and relatively short legs produce a low outline. Coat color varies between darker and reddish forms. | 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 | Scrub, woodland, grassland edges and forested habitats can be used where adequate cover exists. | 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, birds, reptiles and other small animals are hunted. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Observations include solitary animals and pairs. Limited encounters should not be turned into a rigid claim that every jaguarundi follows the same social routine. | 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 Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, United States?, Uruguay?. | 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.