Male Elephants Queue in Dry Times: Hierarchy as a Survival Strategy
Hierarchy in Male Elephant Society
Male elephants are not the solitary creatures they are often portrayed as. In fact, they have a complex social structure that includes forming close bonds with other males. In some populations, male elephants have been observed to form “boys’ clubs” of up to 15 individuals, with a dominant bull and his entourage.
Linear Hierarchy in Dry Times
Researchers have discovered that male elephants form a linear dominance hierarchy during dry times when resources, particularly water, are scarce. This hierarchy helps to reduce aggression and injuries among the elephants as they compete for access to water.
Benefits of Hierarchy for Younger Males
The linear hierarchy provides several benefits for younger male elephants. It moderates aggression among them, allowing them to avoid injuries and conserve energy. Furthermore, younger males seek out the company of older, more experienced males to learn important social behaviors.
Role of Mature Males
Mature males play a critical role in elephant society, particularly during dry times. They provide guidance and protection for younger males, helping them to navigate the challenges of the harsh environment. The presence of mature males also helps to maintain stability and order within the group.
Aggressive Behavior and Dominance
During wet years, when resources are more abundant, aggression tends to increase among subordinate males. This is because they have less to lose and more to gain by challenging the dominant males. However, in dry times, the linear hierarchy prevents subordinate males from challenging the dominant males, reducing the overall level of aggression.
Implications for Other Social Groups
The findings on male elephant hierarchy in dry times have implications for other social groups, including humans. They suggest that a structured hierarchy can provide benefits for younger individuals, particularly in harsh environments where resources are limited.
Ethological Study in Etosha National Park
To test their hypothesis that a linear dominance hierarchy would form in dry times, researchers observed male elephants around a permanent waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia, for four years. They found that during drier years, the males did indeed form a linear hierarchy, and that aggressive acts were less frequent than in wetter years.
Conclusion
The study on male elephant hierarchy in dry times provides valuable insights into the complex social behavior of these animals. It highlights the benefits of a structured hierarchy in reducing aggression and promoting cooperation, particularly among younger individuals. The findings also have implications for other social groups, suggesting that a clear and stable hierarchy can contribute to the well-being and survival of the group as a whole.
