The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by the IUCN. Asian elephants are threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have the highest body point on the head. Indian elephants reach a shoulder height of between 6.6 and 11.5 feet and weigh between 4,400 and 11,000 pounds. Females are usually smaller than males, and have short or no tusks. Elephants are classified as megaherbivores and consume up to 330 pounds of plant matter per day. Poaching of elephants for ivory is a serious threat in some parts of Asia. Taken from "Dictionnaire universel d'histoire naturelle" by Charles Dessalines Orbigny, published 1847-1849.