One Of Nature’s Great Ecosystem Engineers: e A ican Elephant

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

These enormous animals roaming the plains of Africa are the largest mammal on land in the world. They are key to the survival of Africa’s ecosystem. They spread the seeds of trees and create water holes for other animals.

Most of us will never have the privilege of occupying the same space these magnificent creatures live in. It’s hard to imagine living in the suburban areas here in the United States, what life is like communing with animals like the elephant, rhinoceros, wild dogs, and giraffes, to name a few.

The African elephant carries a trunk which it uses for breathing, smelling, drinking, eating, wrestling, communicating, snorkeling, touching, feeling, holding, pulling, and grabbing. In comparing those skills to a human, the closest comparison would be that we use our tongue. Elephants must learn how to use their trunks as they age. They will show a preference utilizing their left or right side when reaching for objects. A clear indicator of right or left side dominance is that the tusk on the dominant side will be shorter.

The only way an elephant can transport itself is by walking, very slowly. As they approach riverbeds, they will create holes in the dry areas to allow access to deeper water which other wildlife can utilize. Their weight is anywhere from 4 to 7 tons and their height is just short of the giraffe. The matriarchs (older females) will lead the herds, where the old bulls will separate from the herd, only to return when the cows (breeding females) come into season.

Female elephants start breeding between 12 and 14 years, having the longest gestation period of all mammals, 22 months. When an elephant dies, the grieving herd will visit the carcasses to linger, touching and picking up bones of the deceased. They show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

Each day an average of 96 elephants are poached. Ninety-six! It would be tragic to lose them. How would those so dependent upon them survive?

Information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

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