Elephants are magnificent creatures that have long intrigued people with their strength and intelligence. This book brings to life the story of their earliest origins on the plains of northern Africa more than 50 million years ago to the precarious future they face today. Starting with the life of a giant woolly mammoth, the book features elephant anatomy in close-up and explains the social structure of the herd, what happens when a bull elephant is in `musth`, and how females protect their young. Learn about the relationship between elephants and humans in India, where they are used for transport and haulage. Discover the cruelty of the ivory trade, and what you can do to help elephants from becoming extinct. Full of amazing facts and exceptional original photography, Elephant is a unique and absorbing introduction to the complex life of the world`s largest living land mammal. - A spectacular and informative guide to the fascinating world of elephants - Superb colour photographs of Asian and African elephants, their living relatives, and reconstructions of their ancestors, offer a unique `eyewitness` view of these remarkable animals, their natural history and relationship with people - See the adult `tusker`; inside an elephant`s mouth; a baby elephant suckling; an elephant in threatening posture; elephants at work; an elephant painting a picture - Learn how to tell an African from an Asian elephant; why elephants are worshipped; how long an elephant`s tusks can grow; how elephants `talk` to each other; why the future of elephants is threatened - Discover why elephants walk on their tiptoes; how much food an adult elephant eats in a day; the cruelty of the ivory trade; why elephants flap their ears; how intelligent elephants are; and much, much more