The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) is One of the three subspecies of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) that exist today. Elephants are fascinating animals, not only because of their size and strength, but also because they are among the most intelligent mammals, which have a great memory capacity, hence the saying of having an "elephant memory". In addition, they have a social structure in their clans, establish emotional ties, feel compassion and mourn the death of a close member.
But precisely because of these physical traits that elephants possess, they have been a group terribly affected by humans, generating dramatic exploitation over these animals, which have been used for actions such as war, cargo and construction, as well as for improper entertainment in circuses or zoos, where they are cruelly treated. On our site, we invite you to continue reading this fact sheet about the Indian elephant
Origin of the Indian Elephant
In the past, the Indian elephant had a wider range, considerably transcending the borders of India. However, today it has become extinct from many of those areas. The main populations are found in areas of India, specifically in the northeast, stretching from the eastern border of Nepal to western Assam. On the other hand, there are widespread populations in eastern Arunachal Pradesh and the hills of Nagaland. Other groups are from the plains of Brahmaputra and the Karbi Plateau to the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. In addition, Rather fragmented populations have been identified in central India, southern Bengal, at the foot of the Himalayas and in the Yamuna River.
As for southern India, they are found in Uttara Kannada, in the Dandeli forests, as well as on the Malnad plateau. Also in the reserve complex Nagarahole, Bandipur, Wyanad and Mudumalai, where there is a significant population densityThey are also found in the Biligirirangans and in the mountainous stretch along the Cauvery River. Likewise, there are scattered groups in isolated hills to the east of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; Similarly, they have a presence in the landscape made up of Anamalai – Nelliyampathy – High Ranges. We also find the Indian elephant in the forests of Kothamangalam, in the Periyar National Park and in the mountainous area of Agasthyamalain, places that constitute an extremely important habitat for these animals.
Characteristics of the Indian Elephant
The Indian elephant is the most abundant subspecies of the genus Elephas. It has an intermediate size between the other two subspecies of Asian elephants, reaching an average length of 6 meters and up to more than 3 meters in height. Although it is less heavy than other species, it can reach between 2 and 5 tons
It has a prominent head, with a broad skull and trunk, relatively small ears and a long trunk, as well as a long tail, which stands out for this reason. In addition, the tail has hairs on the lower end. They usually have fangs, although they may be absent in some females.
The Indian elephant is dark gray to brown in color and generally shows depigmented areasthat can turn pink, giving the appearance of spots.
However, some people confuse Asian elephants with African ones, so if this is your case, we encourage you to read this other article on Differences between the African and Asian elephants.
Indian Elephant Habitat
The main habitat of this elephant is found in diverse ecosystems in India consisting of grasslands, tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, both wet and dry deciduous forests, as well as dry thorny ones. They may also be present in cultivated areas
On the other hand, the Indian elephant, although to a much lesser extent, also inhabits some regions outside the Indian borders, such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, among others.
Additionally, it can be located from sea level to 3,000 m.a.s.l., such as around the Himalayas. Due to the various alterations that the natural habitats of elephants have, it is difficult to know exactly which are the most optimal ecosystems for these animals.
Customs of the Indian Elephant
The Indian elephant shares some behavioral traits with the other subspecies of Asian elephant. In this sense, they are highly sociable animals that establish a group structure led by the oldest female, so they are matriarchal. Also the herd or clan has the presence of an elderly male and other youngsters. Once the males become sexually mature, they are pressured to leave the group and lead a solitary life.
Indian elephants are generally diurnal, however, at night some may be alert to watch out for any possible danger, which many Sometimes it is caused by humans. In addition, these elephants can travel great distances in search of food and bodies of water when either of these two aspects is scarce. Scientists have identified that among Indian elephants, females tend to roam larger areas than males, roughly 550-700km, while males roam 188-407km.
In male Indian elephants, an occasional behavior occurs known in India as musth, which is quite aggressive, rejecting the proximity of others, even attacking them when they are close. It has been shown that during this behavior his sexual appetite increases considerably The musth usually lasts between a few weeks and a month.
Indian Elephant Feeding
Elephants have relatively low digestive efficiency, so an Indian elephant can spend up to c about 20 hours a day feeding in order to meet the nutritional requirements of their large bodies.
Its diet is herbivorous and generalist, that is, it includes a wide variety of plants or parts thereof. The Indian elephant feeds mainly on browsing or grass, in a way that includes:
- Branches.
- Sheets.
- Seeds.
- Barks.
- Woody plants.
- Herbs.
He is also attracted to certain cultivated plants, such as rice, bananas, and sugar cane. Its trunk plays an essential role in its feeding.
On the other hand, elephants generally need to drink water daily, so they stay close to sources of this liquid. For more information, you can read this other article on What do elephants eat?
Indian Elephant Reproduction
When the female is ready for the reproduction process, she emits chemical and auditory signals that make the males approach the herd. In this way, confrontations can occur between the males to copulate with the female, and she will only do so with one, generally the one that has won the confrontations.
The females gestate for 22 months, they have a single calf that at birth weighs about 100 kilos and will be suckled until it is 5 years, although small elephants can consume plants.
When the population rate is stable, females wait up to 6 years or more to breed again. The matriarchal structure of the clan means that the young are cared for by several females in the group.
Conservation Status of the Indian Elephant
Estimates establish that in India the total population of this elephant amounts to 29,964 individuals, which is why it has been declared inDanger of extinction . In addition, its population rate continues to decline.
Among the causes of this unfortunate impact are indiscriminate hunting, illegal trade and the loss and fragmentation of its habitat. Due to the impact that is constantly generated in the ecosystems where these elephants live, they are pressured to move towards human populations, which ends up generating unfavorable situations for these animals.
Currently, various conservation and protection measures are being developed for the species that are carried out by local and international actions. The measures include conservation of ecosystems, as well as security in the corridors used by these animals, management of conflicts that occur between elephants and humans, as well as control of hunting and illegal trade.
