Roaming through the arid and harsh wilderness of Tsavo are the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Super Tuskers. These majestic elephants, with tusks so long they nearly touch the ground, are living legends of the African savannah. Their sheer size and beauty inspire awe, but their rarity makes them even more precious. In this article, we explore some of the most frequently asked questions about these incredible creatures, shedding light on their unique characteristics, behaviour, and the vital conservation efforts that ensure their survival.
What is a super tusker?
A Super Tusker is a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 100lbs (45kgs) each. Tusks of that size are usually so long that they scrape along the ground when the elephant walks. Only bulls can be Super Tuskers, but there are female elephants with huge tusks that don’t quite reach 100lbs. We call these Iconic Cows.
How do super tuskers behave?
In Tsavo, super tuskers are typically observed in solitary settings, preferring to wonder and feed by themselves. However, it is not uncommon for them to be seen in bachelor groups, where they play a significant role in mentoring younger bulls. Similar to matriarchs leading family groups, the older super tuskers offer valuable guidance, instructing younger males on navigation, and survival strategies.
During the rainy season, super tuskers are more commonly seen, participating in large gatherings where they socialize, mate, and exchange information—demonstrating the intricate social dynamics of these remarkable animals.
Where can you find super tuskers?
Super tuskers frequently inhabit specific areas known as bull zones, typically situated near permanent water sources with rich vegetation. Wetter regions also provide the softer, aquatic plants preferred by older bulls with more worn out teeth. In order to safeguard these locations from poaching, their exact whereabouts are not disclosed publicly. Tsavo Trust’s teams diligently monitor these areas to ensure the protection and well-being of the elephants.
Interesting observation: Within the confines of Tsavo National Parks, and the protection provided by KWS and Tsavo Trust, the super tuskers act more relaxed, benefiting from the safety provided by these protected environments.
Do super tuskers dominate mating?
From an evolutionary standpoint, female elephants often prefer super tuskers as mates. Their massive tusks are a clear sign of physical fitness and survival prowess, traits that are desirable for passing on to the next generation. However, in the wild, large tusks do not always guarantee dominance during mating fights.
Our Chief Conservation Officer, Joseph Kyalo Kimaile, has witnessed instances where a non-super tusker bull successfully challenged and pushed away one of Tsavo’s large super tuskers. This suggests that the added weight of the tusks might be a disadvantage in physical confrontations. However, according to Kyalo, the success of a bull in a mating fight is not solely determined by the size of its tusks but rather by its stage in the musth cycle. A bull at the peak of its musth cycle is more driven and motivated to mate, giving it a competitive edge over rivals, regardless of tusk size.
How do we protect Tsavo’s super tuskers?
At Tsavo Trust, the protection of super tuskers is our core mission. These elephants are regularly monitored through aerial patrols, ensuring that they remain safe from the threats of poaching and habitat loss.
The presence of super tuskers not only brings attention to Tsavo but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts. By safeguarding these elephants, we ensure that the ecological balance of the region is maintained, and future generations can continue to marvel at these living giants.
Are super tuskers dying out?
The future of Tsavo’s, and the world’s, Super Tusker population is bright, with around 30 emerging super tuskers currently being monitored within Tsavo Conservation Area. These young bulls are on their way to becoming the next generation of Super tuskers, ensuring that the legacy of these giants continues.
How long do Super Tuskers live?
Super tuskers typically live between 50 to 60 years, depending on environmental factors, including access to food and water.
Why do some elephants have smaller tusks?
Tusk size can vary due to genetics, diet, and environmental factors. Not all elephants grow massive tusks like super tuskers, and many bulls have tusks that are far shorter. In some regions, poaching pressure has led to the selective survival of elephants with smaller tusks or no tusks at all, as they were less targeted by ivory hunters.
How are super tuskers identified and monitored?
Super tuskers are identified by their massive tusks and unique physical characteristics, such as ear tears or tusk shape. Tsavo Trust uses aerial patrols, GPS tracking, and photographic evidence to monitor and protect these elephants, ensuring their safety from poaching and other threats.
What challenges do super tuskers face?
Despite the safety provided by Tsavo’s conservation efforts, super tuskers face threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Tsavo Trust and other conservation organizations work tirelessly to mitigate these risks through anti-poaching patrols, community engagement, and habitat preservation initiatives.
How many super tuskers are left in the world?
It is estimated that fewer than 30 super tuskers remain worldwide, with a significant portion of them living in the Tsavo Conservation Area. The rarity of these animals underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
How old are super tuskers?
Most, if not all, super tuskers are over 40 years old. This is because it takes a long time to grow tusks large enough to fall into the super tusker range. It is also because as an elephant gets older their tusks begin to grow faster. For elephant above 40 years old, their tusks grow at a whopping 7 cm per year.
Why are tusks so important to elephants?
Elephants use their tusks for a variety of tasks, such as digging for water, stripping bark from trees, and defending themselves. The tusks of super tuskers are also significant in terms of genetics, as they signal strength and survival skills, traits that females often seek in a mate.
Can females be super tuskers?
While only male elephants are classified as super tuskers, some female elephants grow impressive ivory as well. These females are known as iconic females, and perhaps the most famous of all was the late Dida. Dida, who passed away at the age of 60, left behind a legacy of strength, many offspring, and some truly remarkable ivory. There are five iconic females in Tsavo, but three are most commonly seen, continuing to contribute to the region’s rich biodiversity.
As some of the last remaining giants of their kind, Tsavo’s Super Tuskers are a living testament to the beauty and power of nature. But their survival is not guaranteed. At Tsavo Trust, we are committed to protecting these incredible creatures and ensuring they thrive for generations to come. By supporting our efforts, you can help safeguard the future of these elephants and the delicate ecosystems they call home. Consider donating today to join us in preserving Africa’s wild heritage.