Elephants are the largest land animals alive today, ranging in size from 2,220 to 6,800 kilograms (6,000 to 15,000 pounds) among three different species. Despite their size, elephants are able to explore even the small details of their environment with their strong, prehensile trunks. Known for their intelligence and exceptional memories, elephants historically inhabited large swaths of both Africa and Asia. However, due to habitat destruction and the threat of poachers, who hunt elephants in order to take their ivory tusks, dwindling elephant populations across both continents remain at risk.