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African Elephant vs Asian Elephant

How does the African Elephant compare to the Asian Elephant? They are both members of the Elephantidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

African Elephant
Asian Elephant

Side-by-side comparison

African Elephant
Asian Elephant
Scientific name
Loxodonta africana
Elephas maximus
Classification
Mammal
Mammal
Family
Elephantidae
Elephantidae
Habitat
Savanna and forest
Tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands
Diet
Herbivore
Herbivore
Conservation status
Endangered
Endangered
Lifespan
60-70 years
48–60 years
Weight
2,700–6,000 kg (6,000–13,200 lbs)
2,700–5,400 kg

African Elephant vs Asian Elephant: who would win?

African Elephant

African Elephant

2,700–6,000 kg (6,000–13,200 lbs)

VS
Asian Elephant

Asian Elephant

2,700–5,400 kg

Too close to call speculative confidence

African Elephant and Asian Elephant are closely matched on both size (2,700–6,000 kg (6,000–13,200 lbs) vs 2,700–5,400 kg) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are mammals.
  • Both belong to the Elephantidae family.
  • Both have a herbivore diet.
  • Both are listed as Endangered.

Differences

  • Habitat: Savanna and forest vs Tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands.
  • Weight: 2,700–6,000 kg (6,000–13,200 lbs) vs 2,700–5,400 kg.

African Elephant vs Asian Elephant: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a African Elephant or a Asian Elephant?

Too close to call. African Elephant and Asian Elephant are closely matched on both size (2,700–6,000 kg (6,000–13,200 lbs) vs 2,700–5,400 kg) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a African Elephant and a Asian Elephant?

African Elephant and Asian Elephant differ in several ways — habitat: savanna and forest vs tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands. weight: 2,700–6,000 kg (6,000–13,200 lbs) vs 2,700–5,400 kg.

Do African Elephant and Asian Elephant live in the same habitat?

No — African Elephant lives in savanna and forest, while Asian Elephant is found in tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands.

What do African Elephant and Asian Elephant eat?

Both African Elephant and Asian Elephant have a herbivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the African Elephant or the Asian Elephant?

African Elephant is listed as Endangered, while Asian Elephant is listed as Endangered.

How big are African Elephant and Asian Elephant?

African Elephant weighs around 2,700–6,000 kg (6,000–13,200 lbs), while Asian Elephant weighs around 2,700–5,400 kg.

African Elephant

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African Elephant

Asian Elephant

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Asian Elephant