It is estimated that there were once more than 350 species of elephants in the world. Today we only have two of them left – the Asian and the Africa species. Both of them are at risk of extinction if more intense efforts to protect them aren’t in place. Between illegal hunting of them for ivory as well as the destruction of their natural habitat things are simply closing in on them at an alarming rate.

 

When you compare the two species of elephants you will notice quite a few differences among them. There are some sub species in each of these groups to mention. With the Asian elephants there are the Indian, Sri Lanka, Sumatran, and Borneo which is also called the Pygmy. Researchers are still conducting testing right now but there is a theory that a 5th sub species does exist. Once they complete the investigation the information will be shared with the public.