Gentle giants: Exploring elephant behaviour and their harmonious coexistence with humans

In the heart of Africa's wild landscapes, a delicate harmony unfolds between two remarkable species: elephants and humans.

These colossal creatures, with their intricate behaviours and profound social structures, share a unique relationship with communities.

As we celebrate World Elephant Day, with the theme ‘Safeguarding Elephant Habitats for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ it is imperative to understand elephant behaviour, shedding light on what allows them to coexist seamlessly with human beings.

The Enigma of Elephant Behaviour

Elephants, often described as the gentle giants of the animal kingdom, exhibit behaviours that echo their emotional intelligence and social complexity.

Within tightly-knit family units led by matriarchs, elephants nurture strong bonds, communicate through vocalizations and body language, and display compassion for one another.

The strong family bonds within elephant herds prevent straying into human settlements. Matriarchs guide their families to safe zones, avoiding interactions with humans and minimizing potential conflicts.

According to the Chief Executive Officer for ‘Save the Elephants’, Frank Pope, elephants are incredible survivors and highly adaptable creatures.

“One of the incredible characteristics of elephants is that they are highly adaptable creatures. They can survive in a huge range of habitats, from near desert conditions in places like Mali to high-altitude places like Mount Kenya. The only thing they are unable to adapt to is poaching due to their high-demand tusks,” he said.

Elephants are not solitary wanderers; they are matriarchal species with a deeply ingrained sense of family and community.

In the vast landscapes of their habitats, these gentle giants form intricate bonds that shape their behaviours and interactions. Family groups, led by experienced matriarchs, create a web of support and protection.

“Elephants are matriarchal species led by the females. The main groups are female groups as the centrepiece in their social structure. The females are the matriarchs and their sisters and offspring,” stated Mr. Pope.

“If the offspring is male, they will stay in the herd until they become sexually mature and then the females kick them out and they trail as outcasts and make their own way and form groups of bachelors.”

Keys to peaceful coexistence

What sets elephants apart is their ability to adapt to their environment and coexist harmoniously with humans. Communities living adjacent to elephant habitats have developed an unwritten code of conduct that minimizes conflicts. This understanding includes giving elephants space, not provoking them, and using natural barriers to safeguard crops.

“The challenge with coexistence is humans are a very dominant species and push out into new areas, which pushes the elephants eventually. If we are to coexist we need to understand what elephants need to survive and understand what human beings need to survive alongside elephants.

Social Structure and Communication

Elephants' intricate social structure and communication systems help them avoid conflicts with humans. The guidance of experienced matriarchs ensures that herds make informed decisions, steering them away from areas with potential human presence.

“We need to understand how elephants use landscapes, their nutrition and what barriers exist along areas in which humans have settled. The core of what we need for harmonious coexistence is empathy for these creatures,” said Mr. Pope.

“We need to give the people living alongside elephants the tools they need to be able to coexist peacefully with elephants. We need to help people see elephants in a different image and help them develop empathy towards these creatures and not kill and harm them because elephants can be intimidating creatures and conflict may arise.”

A Call for Sustainable Balance

Conservationists and wildlife advocates emphasize the need for responsible development that takes into account the intricate dynamics of coexistence.

According to Mr. Pope, elephants move from habitat to habitat, and therefore developing strategies like elevated railway tracks or wildlife corridors can mitigate the impact on elephant habitats.

“Where we need corridors is in places where the ability of elephants to move from habitat to habitat is threatened. As habitat changes and weather changes elephants need to move, and if people get in the way conflict may arise,” he stated.

“Underpasses and corridors and overpasses can be built as solutions to aid elephants’ movement and minimize the interaction between humans and elephants.”

The harmonious coexistence of elephants and humans stands as a testament to the intricate bonds that can form between species. As we marvel at the behaviours that allow elephants to share their space with us, we are reminded of the vital role they play in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

As development advances, the challenge lies in preserving this dance, ensuring that the legacy of coexistence continues to be celebrated for generations to come.