Elephants possess a vast array of unique anatomical features, many of which we explore in our weekly articles—from their distinctive trunks to their large ears. This week, however, we’re focusing on their skin, specifically addressing the question: why do elephants have wrinkled skin?
The purpose behind the wrinkles
Much like the rest of elephant’s weird and wonderful anatomical features, elephant’s skin is not wrinkled as a result of chance, but actually gives the elephant significant survival advantages. The many folds and creases in their skin help retain moisture, which is essential for staying cool in the hot African sun. When elephants wallow in mud or bathe in waterholes, their wrinkled skin traps water and mud in the folds, allowing them to keep cool for longer periods. This is crucial in regions like Tsavo, where temperatures can soar during the dry season.
Interestingly, microscopic analysis of elephant skin reveals that the larger folds we see with the naked eye are mirrored by micrometre-wide crevices in the skin. These tiny crevices, embedded deep within the dermal layer, enhance the elephant’s ability to retain moisture and mud, extending their cooling period after a bath. The combination of larger visible wrinkles and microscopic ones makes elephant skin uniquely suited to dealing with extreme heat.
Loose and baggy: Evolutionary adaptation
If you’ve ever seen an elephant up close, you’ll notice that their skin appears loose and baggy, particularly around joints. This is a deliberate evolutionary adaptation. Unlike other mammals, elephants do not have sebaceous glands that produce sebum—a natural oil that helps keep the skin supple and flexible. In the absence of this, elephants’ skin is at greater risk of splitting or damage due to its unsupple nature.
However, the loose skin allows for internal movement without causing damage, acting almost like a flexible outer shield. This extra space in the skin prevents splitting as the elephant moves, especially around areas like the knees and elbows, where movement is most frequent.
Elephants’ large size and constant movement create significant pressure on their skin. In place of the lubrication provided by sebum in other mammals, these adaptations protect their skin, making sure it remains intact and functional throughout their long lives.
Protection from the sun and parasites
Another reason for their wrinkled skin is protection. The cracks and crevices help shield elephants from harmful UV rays. By coating themselves in mud, elephants create a natural sunblock that sticks in the wrinkles, offering prolonged protection against the sun.
Additionally, the mud that collects in these skin folds serves another purpose: it protects elephants from parasites. Elephants are susceptible to insect bites and ticks, and the mud acts as a protective barrier, preventing parasites from embedding themselves in the skin. At Tsavo Trust, we often observe elephants engaging in their daily mud baths, using the environment to their advantage to stay cool and parasite-free.
Tsavo’s red elephants and Namibia’s white
In Tsavo, elephants are renowned for their characteristic red appearance. This iconic look comes from the iron-rich soil found in the area. When elephants bathe in the mud, the fine soil particles settle in their skin’s wrinkles and give them their reddish hue, a hallmark of the Tsavo elephants that we proudly monitor at Tsavo Trust.
Meanwhile, the elephants of Etosha National Park in Namibia are a striking contrast. The name “Etosha” means “great white place,” a reference to the white clay that covers the vast expanse of the Etosha Pan. Elephants in this region coat themselves in white clay and calcite sand, which dries in the sun and gives them a white appearance. This adaptation provides them with camouflage and protection from the harsh desert sun.
An evolutionary marvel
Elephants’ wrinkled skin is an extraordinary example of evolution at work. Over millions of years, these incredible creatures have developed complex adaptations that allow them to survive in some of Africa’s harshest environments. From moisture retention to sun protection and parasite defense, their skin plays a vital role in their day-to-day survival.
At Tsavo Trust, we have the privilege of seeing these remarkable adaptations firsthand. We continue to study and protect these giants, ensuring that future generations will also witness the wonder of elephants roaming free in Tsavo’s vast landscapes.
Curious to learn more about elephant biology, behavior, and conservation? Visit the “News” section on our website for more insights and updates from the field.