Living BeingsCompare species
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Tiger
Panthera tigris
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | African Savanna Elephant | Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | Data unavailable | Carnivorous Source ↗ |
| Social organization | Data unavailable | Generally solitary Source ↗ |
| Physical traits | 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. | Dark stripes break up the tiger’s outline. Stripe patterns vary from one individual to another. |
| Habitat and range | Savannas and open woodland provide a shifting mixture of browse, grass, shade and drinking water. Seasonal water availability influences the places that herds use. | Tigers live in varied habitats, including tropical forests, mangrove swamps and temperate forest. |
| Diet and nutrition | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. | Tigers mainly hunt large mammals, including deer and wild pigs. |
| Behavior and activity | 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. | A tiger usually hunts by stalking its prey and attacking at close range. |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Calves are born alive and depend on milk and extended social care. Learning from other elephants is an important part of growing up. | Data unavailable |
| Geographic distribution | Native to sub-Saharan Africa. This account follows the savanna-elephant species concept rather than treating all African elephants as one species. | Data unavailable |
| Ecological role | Feeding and movement alter vegetation, and dung transfers seeds and nutrients. Habitat fragmentation and killing for ivory threaten populations. | Data unavailable |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eutheria.