The animal known as the largest land animal is the African elephant. Males can weigh between 10,000 to 14,000 pounds and stand up to 13 feet tall at the shoulder. African elephants are recognized for their large ears, which help regulate body temperature, and their long trunks, which serve multiple purposes, including feeding, drinking, and social interaction. These majestic creatures are social animals that live in tight-knit family groups typically led by a matriarch. Due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks, African elephant populations are declining and are currently considered vulnerable.