The largest animal on land is the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). These majestic creatures can weigh up to 12,000 pounds and can stand up to 13 feet tall at the shoulder. Known for their large ears, which help regulate their body temperature, African elephants are social animals that live in herds led by a matriarch. They inhabit a range of environments including savannas, forests, and grasslands across sub-Saharan Africa. Their diet primarily consists of grass, leaves, and fruits, which they forage for using their trunks, a versatile tool they also use for social interactions and communication.