"How much does an elephant weigh?"
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Elephant weight varies widely by species and sex, with adult African bush males reaching up to ~6,800 kg (≈15,000 lb), making them the heaviest land mammals.
Quick Facts
- African bush elephants are the largest, males 4,500‑6,800 kg.
- African forest and Asian elephants are smaller, with males ~2,000‑5,000 kg.
- Females weigh 20‑40% less than males of the same species.
- Calves weigh under 100 kg at birth.
- Age, diet, and health also affect individual weights.
AI Consensus
Models Agreed
- Weight varies by species, with African bush elephants being the heaviest.
- Males are heavier than females across all elephant species.
- Adult weight ranges are given in kilograms and pounds for clarity.
Points of Debate
- Exact upper limits differ: one source cites up to 14,000 lb (≈6,350 kg) while another cites up to 15,000 lb (≈6,800 kg); the synthesized answer adopts the broader, widely‑reported range.
How Much Does an Elephant Weigh?
Elephants are the largest land mammals, and their weight depends on species, sex, and age. Below are typical weight ranges for fully mature adults.
| Species (Sex) | Typical Adult Male Weight | Typical Adult Female Weight |
|---|---|---|
| African bush (savanna) elephant Loxodonta africana | 4,500 – 6,800 kg (≈10,000 – 15,000 lb) | 2,700 – 3,600 kg (≈6,000 – 8,000 lb) |
| African forest elephant Loxodonta cyclotis | 2,000 – 4,500 kg (≈4,400 – 9,900 lb) | 1,800 – 3,500 kg (≈4,000 – 7,700 lb) |
| Asian elephant Elephas maximus | 3,000 – 5,000 kg (≈6,600 – 11,000 lb) | 2,200 – 3,500 kg (≈4,900 – 7,700 lb) |
Key Points
- Species matters: African bush elephants are the biggest; forest and Asian elephants are smaller.
- Sex matters: Males are typically 20‑40 % heavier than females of the same species.
- Age matters: These ranges refer to fully mature adults. Newborn calves weigh under 100 kg (≈220 lb).
- Other factors: Diet, health, and individual genetics can cause weights to fall outside typical ranges.
Why the Numbers Differ Slightly Across Sources
The two AI responses quoted slightly different upper limits (e.g., 14,000 lb vs 15,000 lb for African bush males). The higher end of ≈15,000 lb aligns with data from National Geographic and the Smithsonian, which include the largest recorded individuals. The lower figures still represent the common range for most adult males.
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