Asian elephants - Ecology & Habitat

Introducing the 'matriarchal' system

Asian elephants are found in scrub forest and they favour areas with grass, low woody plants and trees.

Social Structure
Asian elephants are extremely sociable, forming groups of 6 to 7 related females that are led by the oldest female, the 'matriarch'. Like African elephants, these groups occasionally join others to form herds, although these associations are relatively transient.

Life Cycle
Young Asian elephants are reported to stand soon after birth and can follow their mother in her daily routine after a few days. After several months, the calf begins to eat grass and foliage although it may nurse occasionally for about 18 months. It stays under supervision of its mother for several years, but begins making independent movements at 4 years.

By 7-8 years of age, the young may form subgroups or associate briefly with older bulls. Growth slows in females at 10-12 years, in males at 15 years, and full size is attained at about 17 years.

Both sexes may become sexually mature at as early as 9 years, but males usually do not reach sexual activity until 14-15 years, and even then they are not capable of the social dominance that usually is necessary for successful reproductive activity. There have been some reports of elephants living over 100 years.

Breeding
When the habitat conditions are favourable, female elephants may give birth to a calf every 2.5-4 years, otherwise every 5-8 years. Asian elephants give birth to one calf weighing 50-150 kg.

Diet
More than two thirds of the day may be spent feeding on grasses, but large amounts of tree bark, roots, leaves and small stems are also eaten. Cultivated crops such as bananas, rice and sugarcane are favoured foods. Because they need to drink at least once a day, the species are always close to a source of fresh water.

Usually, elephants do not feed for more than a few days in a given location. Adults eat approximately 150 kg net weight per day.