Are both browsers (feeding on shrubs and trees) and grazers (feeding on grass)
Can consume many species of plants, as well as twigs and bark but usually only a few plant taxa
Strategies for obtaining grass include
Usually do not feed for more than a few days in one place
Drink every day when available; stay close to a source of fresh water
Anecdotal evidence reports elephants fond of alcohol; reports of raiding illicit liquor stores in the forest (Sukamar 89)
Adults eat approx. 150kg (330 lbs) daily; approximately 1.5 – 2% (dry weight) of body weight
Salt needed in diet; migrate to deposits regularly and excavate with tusks if necessary
Asian Elephant Mary (left) eating from a tree with African Elephant Mila (right)
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
Poole (1996)
Santiapelli & Suprahman (1986)
Sukumar (1989, 1994)