Elephants need extensive land areas to survive and meet their ecological needs, which includes food, water and space. On average, an elephant can feed up to 18 hours and consume hundreds of pounds of plant matter in a single day. They have many adaptations that allow them to thrive in their warm habitats. Their big ears and wrinkly skin help them stay cool. They also have tusks made of ivory that can help them eat and protect themselves. In their habitats, elephants play the role of keystone species and ecosystem engineers because they reshape the environment, uprooting vegetation while they forage and creating new waterholes as they dig for water.
As sad as this is, poachers are constantly finding news ways to gain daily access to national parks in hopes of getting to rhinos, pangolins and other exotic animals. Poachers are kept in business because some Asian cultures claim that certain parts of these animals have traditional medicinal benefits. These claims are all unproven. Elephants ivory tusks are also in demand, which is why some parks and zoos across the world decide to shave down the elephant's tusks, although this does not happen in Southern Africa. You can do your part in supporting the wellbeing of elephants by not buying ivory products and choosing to visit elephants in national parks, and not contributing financially to zoos or sanctuaries that offer interactive experiences. There are so many incredible national parks throughout Central and Southern Africa.
