Living BeingsCompare species
Eurasian Lynx
Lynx lynx
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Eurasian Lynx | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Ear tufts, long legs, a short tail and variable coat markings identify the lynx form. | 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 | Forests, mountain woodland and some more open rocky habitats can be used where prey and cover are suitable. | 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 ungulates are important prey in many areas. Diet varies geographically rather than following one fixed prey list. | 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 mainly solitary, with enduring family associations centered on mothers and dependent young. Cover is used for resting and approaching prey. | 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 Afghanistan, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Bhutan?, Greece?, Kosovo?, Moldova?, Montenegro?, Serbia?. | 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.