Elephant, Asian
The Asian elephant is classified as Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population has declined by an estimated 50 percent over the past 75 years, and there are an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 Asian elephants left in the wild. The Asian Elephant (Elephas Maximus), is found primarily in large parts of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Indochina and parts of Indonesia. Asian elephants belong to the family of elephants (Elephantidae), which is included in the mammal order ‘Proboscidea’. The Asian elephant was formerly called the Indian elephant.
The Asian elephant has a large domed head with relatively small ears, an arched back and a single prehensile finger that is located at the tip of the trunk. A A large male Asian elephant can typically weigh 6 tons and measure 10 feet in height at the shoulder. The male Asian elephants have tusks and the females have ‘tushes’, which are short second incisors that just stick out beyond the upper lip.
Placement of this geocache has been approved by Rob Rossmanith, Park Biologist. Please remember, all wheels off the paved road when parking. Do not block any gates or trailheads and follow the posted speed limits.