In the past three generations, the Asian elephant population has declined by 50%, leaving only around 20,000 to 40,000 left in the wild (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Staff). Despite Asian elephants unique characteristics, some people see them just as money. They’re willing to take away Asian elephants’ habitats and even their lives just for a profit. Many countries are working on changing this and hopefully conserving the Asian elephants we have left. Asian elephants have many different qualities making them very special animals, however, these qualities make them targets for hunters and victims of habitat loss; but, luckily there are different projects countries are doing to help these innocent elephants. According to Smithsonian 's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute Staff, the characteristics of the Asian elephant, including their diet, body structure, and trunks, is what makes them a very special and unique animal. Asian elephants are classified as herbivores. They eat things including bark, roots, grass, and fruit. They can eat anywhere around 165 - 330 pounds of food a day, and drink 50 gallons of water. Asian elephants weigh around 6,000 to 12,000 pounds and stand 6 - 12 feet. They have six pairs of teeth which are made up of molars. They have unique straight, vertical legs that help them support their heavy bodies. They also have pads on the bottom of their feet that help absorb the shock of the weight while they walk. Asian elephants usually walk one to