African elephants are two species of elephant.

Males of the African bush elephant can grow to 3.64 meters tall at the shoulder and weigh 5455 kg. It is the largest living elephant. Females may reach 3 meters and weigh 3636 kg to 4545 kg.

Poaching (illegal hunting) greatly reduced the population of elephants in Africa in the 20th century. In the eastern region of Chad, elephant groups were substantial as recently as 1970, with an estimated population of 400,000. However, by 2006 the number had dropped to about 10,000. Although the African elephant has governmental protection, poaching is still a serious issue. 

People moving into or near areas where elephants occur naturally is a problem. There is research into methods of safely driving groups of elephants away from humans. Playing recorded sounds of angry honey bees is remarkably effective at prompting elephants to move to a different area.