With regard to the number of toenails : the African Bush Elephant normally has 4 toenails on the front foot and 3 on the hind foot , the African Forest Elephant normally has 5 toenails on the front foot and 4 on the hind foot ( like the Asian elephant ) , but hybrids between the two species commonly occur . With regard to the number of toenails : the African bush elephant normally has four toenails on the front foot and three on the hind feet , the African forest elephant normally has five toenails on the front foot and four on the hind foot ( like the Asian elephant ) , but hybrids between the two species commonly occur .