Secret world of elephants

This post was written by ScIU Undergraduate Intern Jada Harris.

For millions of years, proboscideans — a group that includes mammoths, mastodons, and elephants — traversed diverse landscapes, shaping ecosystems as they went. However, around 11,700 years ago, human hunting and the waning ice age drastically reduced their numbers to just three species — the Asian elephant, the African forest elephant, and the African savanna elephant. These giants are now endangered, and the impact of losing them extends far beyond what meets the eye. The American Museum of Natural History in New York City has opened its doors to a fascinating exhibit that delves into the profound impact of these gentle giants on the environment and human culture. This immersive experience unveils the hidden wonders of elephants through cutting-edge science and captivating displays. Modern science reveals that elephants are not merely creatures of grandeur but vital ecosystem engineers.

Why are African elephants important?

Elephants play a crucial role in transforming their environments. Elephants are among the largest land animals, requiring substantial amounts of food to sustain themselves. An adult elephant can consume hundreds of pounds of vegetation per day, leading to extensive grazing (an essential ecological process that influences plant growth, community structure, and nutrient cycling in ecosystems). Elephants feed on grasses, herbs, shrubs, and occasionally tree foliage, using their trunk, tusks, or specialized teeth to grasp and tear off vegetation. They also engage in other foraging activities like browsing, rooting, etc. Their feeding habits can shape vegetation patterns and even influence a wide range of forest habitats, including tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, savannas with scattered trees, and montane forests.

Since elephants are nomadic creatures, they are constantly on the move in search of food and water. Their extensive travel patterns not only allow them to access different food sources but also contribute to the dispersal of seeds over vast distances. This movement plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by spreading plant species to new areas. As elephants consume a variety of plants and fruits, they naturally ingest seeds, which later pass through their digestive system and are excreted as waste. These seeds are often deposited in nutrient-rich feces, facilitating germination and the establishment of new plant communities.

Elephants’ sheer size and weight can have a transformative effect on their surroundings. Their tendency to trample vegetation and create pathways through dense vegetation opens up habitats for other species, including smaller herbivores and birds. In addition to their size, they have incredibly durable and multi-purposed tusks that they use for defense, digging, lifting objects, and collecting food (although there are some Asian male elephants that are tuskless and given the name muknas). Additionally, tusks safeguard the sensitive trunk, which is often tucked between them during charges and during droughts. Elephants also utilize their tusks, feet, and trunks to excavate water holes in parched riverbeds, providing water to many animals during droughts.

The decline of elephants from certain ecosystems, as observed with mammoths and mastodons in North American grasslands, can have profound effects on biodiversity. An example of this can be seen pre and post North American grasslands demonstrating that the extinction of these large animals occurred prior to the significant alterations in plant communities offering scientists valuable new perspectives on the processes of extinction and its profound impact on a particular landscape. Mammoths and mastodons, like modern-day elephants, are members of the order Proboscidea, which encompasses large, herbivorous mammals characterized by their long, flexible trunks or proboscises. Despite some anatomical differences, such as the shape and size of their tusks and teeth, these creatures share several key similarities with elephants. One key similarity is that mammoths, mastodons, and elephants are all herbivores, meaning they primarily feed on vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, leaves, and tree bark. Their large size and energy requirements involve a diet rich in plant material, and they play important roles in shaping their ecosystems through their grazing and browsing activities. Without the ecological processes facilitated by elephants, ecosystems may experience changes in species composition and overall biodiversity.

 

Human Activity/interactions

The loss of elephants carries significant cultural weight, as these animals have played a profound role in human history and culture. Throughout time, they have been subjects of artistic expression, depicted in cave paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual art. These representations not only showcase humans’ fascination with elephants’ unique physical characteristics but also reflect cultural beliefs, mythologies, and spiritual connections to these animals.

Elephants hold symbolic importance in many religious and cultural traditions around the world. Some of these religions are Hinduism and Buddhism, in which Elephants are considered sacred animals that can symbolize various aspects such as power, wisdom, strength, and so much more! In Hindu mythology, the elephant is considered to be a living incarnation of Ganesh (elephant-headed God), son of Shiva and Parvati, whose head was cut off as a child during a misunderstanding between his parents but later reincarnated as an elephant. For Buddhists, the lighter-skinned “white elephant” has historically been regarded as the sacred possession of their monarchs, symbolizing a disciplined and cultivated intellect. In various religious artworks, elephants are depicted either as objects of worship themselves or alongside revered deities. In India and Sri Lanka, the significance of elephant worship and reverence persists strongly. Wherever worship and festivities occur, elephants and depictions of elephant deities are prominently featured. Today, both tourists and locals come together during the festival season to partake in celebrations alongside these extraordinary creatures, continuing a tradition that spans thousands of years.

Unfortunately, the connection between humans and elephants has not always been positive. Elephants have been trained and exploited for entertainment purposes, such as circus performances and elephant rides, often subjected to cruel training methods and living conditions. Elephants in zoos typically suffer shortened life expectancies, as well as poor reproductive success, high calf mortality, a variety of physical problems, and a range of behavioral abnormalities. Additionally, elephants have been hunted and poached for their ivory tusks, leading to population declines and conservation concerns.

 

Cognition and Conservation

Elephants’ remarkable cognitive abilities extend beyond their physical appearance. Studies have shown that elephants demonstrate self-awareness by recognizing themselves in mirrors;, a trait previously thought to be unique to humans and a few other highly intelligent species. Additionally, elephants exhibit tool usage; using branches or other objects to scratch themselves, dig for water, or manipulate objects in their environment. A unique aspect of elephant physiology that sets them apart from humans and other animals is their remarkable sense of hearing. They are capable of detecting low-frequency sounds and ground vibrations through their feet, which is crucial for communication and detecting approaching predators or other elephants over long distances. Their sense of smell is also highly developed, surpassing even that of dogs, enabling them to locate food, water, and potential mates over vast distances. A study published in the journal Genome Research found that the African elephant’s genome contains the largest number of olfactory receptor (OR) genes—nearly 2,000 by experimenting comparing elephant olfactory receptor genes to those of 13 other animals, including horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, cows, rodents and chimpanzees.

Elephants are under threat from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching for ivory, and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation organizations and governments are working tirelessly to protect elephant populations and their habitats through initiatives such as anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, community-based conservation projects, wildlife trafficking enforcement. By promoting the incredible intelligence, physiology, and ecological significance of elephants, as well as the conservation challenges they face, it aims to inspire others to take action in support of elephant conservation and the protection of biodiversity worldwide.

 

Preservation of Elephants

In parallel with showcasing the unique characteristics of elephants, it is vital to raise awareness about the challenges they face in the wild and the importance of conservation efforts. The preservation of elephants is crucial for several reasons, both ecological and ethical. Elephants are significant for tourism in many regions, providing economic benefits through wildlife viewing safaris, ecotourism ventures, and cultural experiences centered around these majestic animals. Their presence supports local economies and livelihoods, including those of tour guides, lodge owners, and community members involved in wildlife conservation efforts. Elephants hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for many societies around the world. They are revered in various cultures as symbols of wisdom, strength, and resilience, and feature prominently in religious ceremonies, folklore, and art. Their disappearance would not only represent a loss of biodiversity but also a loss of cultural heritage and identity. As mentioned before, elephants play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Their decline or disappearance could have cascading effects on other species within their habitats, leading to disruptions in food webs, changes in vegetation dynamics, and potential extinctions of dependent species.

Research suggests that if elephants were to disappear, the consequences for ecosystems could be severe. Without their presence, there could be disruptions in plant communities, changes in habitat structure, and declines in species diversity. This could ultimately lead to ecosystem instability, reduced resilience to environmental stressors, and loss of ecosystem services that are vital for human well-being. Therefore, urgent action is needed to address the threats facing elephants, including habitat loss, poaching for ivory and other body parts, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change. Supporting conservation initiatives, implementing anti-poaching measures, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and raising awareness about the importance of elephant conservation are critical steps in ensuring the survival of these iconic animals for future generations. The poignant message is clear: If we don’t act quickly, elephants could be gone before we ever truly get to know them. Take some time out to explore the wonders of the ‘Secret World of Elephants’ museum and get a view of their incredible life-size model showcasing the skeletons and muscles of these fascinating creatures.

In conclusion, the articles mentioned provide insight into the vital role elephants play in ecosystems and human culture. From shaping vegetation patterns to dispersing seeds over vast distances, elephants are essential for maintaining biodiversity. Additionally, their cultural significance spans centuries, with elephants revered in various religious and cultural traditions. However, elephants face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and exploitation for entertainment purposes. Urgent action is needed to protect these iconic animals and ensure their survival for future generations. By supporting conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of elephant conservation, we can help preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage. Let us appreciate the wonders of elephants and work towards their protection and well-being!

 

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to all of the references used for providing helpful resources to complete this ScIU blog!

Edited by Chloe Holden and Komal Kumar