An African elephant is a type of large mammal and is the largest living terrestrial animal on Earth. Known scientifically as Loxodonta africana, African elephants are characterized by their large ears, which help regulate their body temperature, and their long trunks, which are used for foraging, social interaction, and communication. They inhabit various ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, forests, and deserts. African elephants are social animals, living in family groups led by matriarchs, and they play crucial roles in their environments, such as seed dispersal and habitat creation.