Photo: JosepMGracia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rainforest · Loxodonta cyclotis

African forest elephant

A smaller, rainforest elephant with straight tusks.

IUCN statusCritically Endangered
Best timeVaries
Our guides1 destinations

Forest elephants were recognised as a separate species from savanna elephants. They are vital gardeners of the rainforest, spreading seeds.

Best places to see it

Where to see it

  • Loango, Gabon
  • Dzanga-Sangha, Central African Republic (check travel advice)
  • Odzala-Kokoua, Republic of the Congo

Our destination guides: Loango National Park

Best time

Varies.

Tips

  • Forest viewing usually happens at clearings called bais.

Did you know?

  • Forest elephants have straighter, downward-pointing tusks than savanna elephants.

Conservation status: Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to see the african forest elephant in Africa?

Loango, Gabon; Dzanga-Sangha, Central African Republic (check travel advice); Odzala-Kokoua, Republic of the Congo.

Is the african forest elephant endangered?

It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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