Keystone Species Profile: African Elephants

Common name: African elephant
Scientific name: Loxodonta africana

The world's largest terrestrial animal plays a vital role in maintaining grasslands in Africa and their survival is critical for many other species. This iconic mammal needs our help to keep its population from dwindling into extinction.

Role in ecosystem:

• They eat small trees adn break up thorny bushes which open up grasslands for other animals
• They dig waterholes in dry riverbeds that other animals can utilize as a water source
• Their dung is picked through by baboons and birds for undigested seeds and dung beetles reproduce in the droppings - their nutrient rich poo also refreshes depleted soils
• The trails they make serve as fire breakers and water run offs 

Threats to their survival:

• Habitat destruction
• Human encroachment on their land which is then converted to cropland, logged or used to maintain livestock
• Poaching - they are hunted and killed for their ivory or "white gold"

What you can do to help them:

• Learn about the species by going to your local zoo or browsing the internet...then tell your friends!
• Tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serve that you support the protection of wild elephants
• Adopt an animal through the WWF as a symbol for your donation
• Participate in ecotourism activities in Africa that fund the continuation of wildlife preserves and this vital species

Sources

SOS Elephants

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)