The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), sometimes known by the name of its nominate subspecies (the Indian Elephant), is one of the three living species of elephant, and the only living species of the genus Elephas. The species is found primarily in large parts of India, Sri Lanka, Indochina peninsula and parts of Indonesia. It is smaller than its African relatives, and the easiest way to distinguish the two is the smaller ears of the Asian Elephant. The Asian Elephant tends to grow to around two to four meters (7-12 feet) in height and 3,000-5,000 kilograms (6,500-11,000 pounds) in weight.
The Asian Elephant has other differences from its African relatives, including a more arched back than the African, one semi-prehensile "finger" at the tip of its trunk as opposed to two, 4 nails on each hind foot instead of three, and 19 pairs of ribs instead of 21. Also, unlike female African elephants, the female Asian Elephant lacks tusks. The forehead has two hemispherical bulges unlike the flat front of the African. Some males may also lack tusks and they are termed as makhnas. The population in Sri Lanka has a greater number of makhnas.
The Asian Elephant is endangered, there is website that has a pre-written forms that can be sent to 51 recipients asking for;
1) Establish a single lead agency with sufficient power and responsibility to command and coordinate the conservation effort.
2) Immediately secure the known elephant corridors in the area around Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu.
3) Raise the standard of protection in all reserved forests that contain viable elephant habitat.
4) A permanent moratorium on any further road development in the Sigur reserved forest.
5) Immediate instigation of initiatives for cattle-tenders and tribals to encourage wildlife-congruous livelihood activities.
I don't know whether this kind of thing actually works but it's always worth a try, this is the form.
18/10/06 @ 22:54