The largest land animal on Earth is the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Males can weigh up to 6 tons and stand over 13 feet tall at the shoulder. African elephants are distinguished by their large ears, which help regulate their body temperature, and their long trunks, which are versatile tools for feeding, drinking, and social interaction. They inhabit various habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, such as savannas, forests, and deserts. African elephants are social creatures, living in family groups led by a matriarch, and they play a crucial role in their ecosystems by helping to maintain the landscape and biodiversity.