What is the Difference Between Asian & African Elephant Ivory?

There are many differences between Asian and African elephants. Those differences include size, skin and weight, to name a few. This article will discuss the differences between the Asian and African elephant ivory.

Asian

Among Asian elephants, also known as Elephas maximus, some males have ivory tusks.

African

Among African elephants--Loxodonta africana--some males and some females have ivory tusks.

Size

Usually the ivory tusks of African elephants are bigger than those of Asian elephants. About half of all female Asian elephants and a smaller percentage of males have tusks called tushes, which are small and are like teeth. A small number of male Asian elephants, but not all of them, have tusks.

Ivory Poaching

Because only some males grow ivory tusks in Asia, ivory poaching there is not as significant a problem as it is in Africa.

Endangered Animals

While there is less poaching of ivory in Asia, the elephants of Asia are threatened by shrinking habitat. According to the World Wildlife Fund, African elephants also are in danger because of the loss or possible loss of habitat.

References

• World Wildlife Fund: African Elephants
• The Elephant Sanctuary

Resources

• World Wildlife Fund: Asian Elephants
• Differences Between African and Asian Elephants
• UPAIL: Differences between African and Asian elephants