Maternal Instincts and Matriarchal Society of Elephants
Elephants have a complex matriarchal social structure. Let's touch upon some of the peculiarities of it.
Elephants are the largest mammals on earth. There are majorly two species of elephants, namely the African elephants and their Asian counterparts. They display complex emotions and have very thriving internal relationships within their herds. The most fascinating thing about these gentle giants is that their herds are matriarchal with the females taking the lead.
These matriarchal families usually consist of three to twenty-five members at a given point of time. These families are female-dominated in population and power. Young adult males tend to leave the family to either lead solitary lives or form small, temporary groups with the other males. Once a male elephant reaches the age of 12-15 years of age, his need for freedom takes over his need to be with his family, and he tends to break away from the main family to roam alone or join another group of bachelor males. The main herd is called the breeding herd, which is led by the matriarch, the oldest female in the herd. She is the decision-maker of the family and decides what is best for everyone. She demands respect based on her age and experience.
An average female elephant will give birth to one calf every two to four years. Birthing an elephant is an affair of immense commitment as the pregnancy is almost 22 months long. Unlike most other animals, elephants care for their young for as long as 12 years of age and female calves live with the herd for almost all of their life.
The social behaviour of these females is also very complex. They care for each other’s offspring and all young females are trained in the art of mothering in this social structure where the entire herd as a unit takes care of the young. Instances have been recorded where related females also fed each other’s calves at times and if a calf is seen in trouble, all the females rush to save it. These close-knit families show organised behaviour and have relationships with other elephant families that help them survive.
Elephants display complex social behaviour such as some have good leadership skills, others may be popular or be more loved by the herd, still others display either introvert or extrovert personality traits. Usually, the leader is a very visible choice as it is based on the age of the female elephant. The matriarch might have proven herself worthy of leadership by showing her problem-solving skills and her dedication to the herd over the past many years.
Elephants are very dedicated mothers and that is what makes them such effective matriarchs. The way they care for their young ones for so many years makes sure that the species survives. The entire species is in danger as the population is constantly declining due to poaching and their biggest enemy, lions, preying on the young defenceless offspring.
Elephants are considered emotionally developed animals as they have exhibited behaviour such as mourning stillborn calves or greeting each other with enthusiasm when meeting a member of their family after a long time. They are also believed to have friendships for life and are considered very loyal to each other.
Elephants are very peaceful animals in general, but when under threat these gentle giants can get very aggressive, mainly if the threat is to the young ones. Female elephants are known to show aggression chiefly only when the young are seen to be in trouble. These loyal and caring females unleash their fury when the well-being of their calves is under threat. Young females are thus taught to be strong matriarchs through example when the other females show them how important it is for the females to save all the young ones, yours or someone else’s as long as they are a part of the family.
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