Umbrella species are those that require large areas of habitat that also support many other species. By protecting the habitat of umbrella species, we can indirectly protect many other species that rely on the same habitat. African elephants are umbrella species as they require vast areas of land for grazing and movement, and their habitat also supports numerous other species, such as lions, leopards, zebras, and wildebeest.
Keystone species are those that have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. African elephants are also considered keystone species due to their role in shaping the African savanna ecosystem. They are important agents of seed dispersal and habitat modification, influencing plant communities and providing resources for other species. For instance, elephants create clearings in the forest, which promotes the growth of grasslands, benefiting grazing herbivores. They also dig water holes during the dry season, providing access to water for other animals.
Therefore, the African elephant serves as both an umbrella and a keystone species, highlighting its ecological significance and the importance of its conservation for maintaining biodiversity in the African savanna ecosystem.