The Indian elephant is endangered because the loss of habitat and poaching for ivory tusks. This has killed hundreds, even thousands, of elephants. They have thick, gray, wrinkled skin with large ears and a long, flexible trunk. Also, they have huge curved tusks. There are finger like projections at the end of their trunk used for grasping food and carrying it to their mouth. Elephants are herbivorous because of their big size. They are also the largest land animal. Foods that interest elephants are leaves, shoots, bamboo, reeds, grass, fruits, and, when possible, cultivated crops, such as maize and bananas. The herds contain 20 to 40 females (cows), led by a mature, experienced cow. They live alone or in small groups. The elephants usually weigh 4 tons. Their actual size is about 9 feet long. These elephants live to be about 60 years old, but in captivity they live about 65 years, or even older. After the calf is born it takes 10 to 15 years for them to mature fully.