The largest land animal is the African elephant, specifically the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana). Adult males can weigh between 12,000 to 14,000 pounds and can stand up to 13 feet tall at the shoulder, making them the largest land mammals on Earth. Known for their remarkable intelligence, social structures, and complex communication skills, African elephants live in matriarchal herds consisting of related females and their offspring. Elephants play essential roles in their ecosystems, such as shaping habitats and dispersing seeds. Unfortunately, they face significant threats from habitat loss and poaching for their tusks.