African+Elephant

=__ African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) __ = =__ Phys ical description __  - Large size, big ears, and trun k  = =__Behavior__- Bull elephants (males) use their tusks to fight for domanancy. = =__Diet__- Mainly tree bark, leaves, and roots = =__Reproduction__- Cows (females) have a genstation period of 22 months. That is practically 2 years of being pregnant. They have an average of one offspring per pregnancy. = =__Range__- African Savanna = =__Habitat__- High grasses and scattered trees = = = =media type="custom" key="3719561"Why kill for ivory? Wear diamonds instead.= 

Elephants were added to the Endangered Species List in 1996. Their estimated population is 10,000. They became endangered because they were killed by poachers. Poachers killed them for the ivory in their tusks. They take off the heads and feet for the ivory. The ivory is then used as jewelry. In 1979 the AEAP (African Elephant Action Plan) was formed to protect elephants. The AESR (African Elephant Status Report) was formed in 2007 to also help the elephants; the WWF has helped elephants, too. All three of these organizations are fighting to put poachers behind bars.

__** The Endangered Species Act **__
The Endangered Species Act was created in 1973 to protect endangered and threatened plants and animals. For over 30 years, many organizations such as the WWF have fought for animal rights. They have succeeded and helped make people aware of endangered animals. __

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