Elephants are some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth, continuously surprising us with their intelligence, social complexity, and unique biological traits. Here at Tsavo Trust, we are passionate about uncovering the latest discoveries about these incredible animals and sharing them with you. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most amazing things we’ve learned about African elephants, from their ability to recognize individual names to their surprising resistance to cancer. Join us as we dive into the remarkable world of these gentle giants.
They call each other by name
Researchers recorded natural elephant calls and played them back to see how the animals would react. They found that when a call originally directed at a specific elephant was replayed to that same elephant, it responded more enthusiastically than when hearing calls intended for others. This suggests that elephants may use personalized vocal labels, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of animal communication and social complexity.
They can listen through their feet
We know that elephants have a remarkable sense of hearing, with their large satellite like ears funneling sound into their ear canal. However, scientists have discovered that elephants are able to pick up and interpret seismic waves through their feet.
Their feet contain substantial cartilaginous fat pads that act as seismic sensors. This adaptation is similar to that of whales which use large fat pads in their head to amplify sounds.
While the full implications of this ability remain mysterious, scientists believe it aids elephants in detecting other herds and valuable resources such as water, with some reports suggesting that an elephant can hear a thunderstorm from 100 km away.
Their hot testicles give them cancer resistance
Early studies suggested that larger, long-lived animals like elephants and whales would be more prone to cancer due to having more cells and a longer time for mutations to accumulate. However, this theory, now known as Peto’s paradox, doesn’t hold true as these animals have low cancer rates.
For elephants, scientists believe their resistance to cancer may be due to having 20 copies of the TP53 gene, which helps repair damaged DNA and prevents tumor development.
They can experience trauma
Elephants are highly social and intelligent creatures, but when deprived of key relationships during early development, they can experience trauma that leads to dangerous behaviors, including hyper aggression and abnormal social interactions. Like humans, elephants have a highly developed hippocampus, which may contribute to their complex emotional responses, including PTSD-like symptoms.
The loss of older role models due to poaching and habitat destruction has left lasting scars on elephant populations, leading to tragic incidents like orphaned males killing rhinos due to the absence of proper social guidance. Protecting elephants, particularly key individuals like old bulls and matriarchs, is essential for their emotional well-being.
Conservation efforts, like those in Kenya and the Tsavo Conservation Area, aim to safeguard elephants and their habitats, ensuring a balanced environment that reduces trauma and supports the growth of healthy, socially rich elephant communities.
They can get drunk (again)
The idea that elephants get drunk from eating fermented marula fruits has long been debated, with some believing it’s true and others dismissing it as a myth. While some animals, like dolphins, have been observed using natural substances to achieve a state of euphoria, studies in 2006 suggested that elephants would need to consume an unrealistic amount of marula fruits to get intoxicated.
However, recent research into the ADH7 gene, which helps break down alcohol, shows that elephants lack a mutation found in humans and some primates that makes them more efficient at metabolizing alcohol. This suggests elephants might actually get drunk from much smaller amounts of alcohol than previously thought, reopening the debate on whether the myth is true.
Conservation implications
These remarkable discoveries not only deepen our understanding of elephants but also highlight the intricate ways in which these intelligent creatures interact with their environment and each other. For conservation organizations like Tsavo Trust, such insights are invaluable. Understanding how elephants communicate, navigate, and adapt can inform more effective strategies to protect these animals and their habitats.
By appreciating the complexity of elephant behavior, we can better address the challenges they face, from poaching to habitat loss, ensuring that these majestic beings continue to thrive in the wild. As we uncover more about their unique abilities, it reinforces the importance of safeguarding their future, not just for the elephants themselves, but for the ecosystems they help sustain.