Older elephants have a calming effect on younger ones

A 3-year study in Botswana shows that male elephants are more aggressive when only a few older bull elephants are nearby.

Older bulls apparently reduce the perceived threat felt by younger males and provide social orientation. As a result, these become calmer and thus pose less risk to humans.

Social dynamics in elephant groups

With this project, the research group wanted to draw attention to a rarely analysed area of behavioural research, namely relationships within all-male elephant groups. «It appears that the presence of experienced, older elephants within the groups plays a key role in keeping the younger, less experienced males calm,» says biologist Connie Allen, the study's lead author.

The survey showed that when few old bulls were nearby, the elephants displayed more aggressive behaviour, at least towards anything that was not an elephant. The research team included vehicles and other animal species in this category.

Trophy hunting destroys the balance

Since both trophy hunters and poachers specifically target the «mightiest» elephants, this study also disproves the greenwashing marketing strategy of «sustainable hunting» promoted by militant hunting associations. Instead, it is increasingly endangering local people and their livelihoods. This is one of many reasons to finally ban the import of hunting trophies of protected species.

Aggression as a result of missing older bulls

Understanding elephant aggression is crucial for protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people who live alongside this species. The aggressive behaviours observed in elephants can also occur in areas with greater human presence, including where people move about without the protection of vehicles.

Elephants are responsible worldwide for a considerable proportion of injuries and deaths caused to humans by large mammals. Previous research has already shown that physiologically stressed elephants are more prone to aggressive encounters with humans.

The findings suggest that wildlife managers should ensure that numerous mature bulls are present within elephant populations, as their greater presence was associated with reduced aggression among male elephants towards non-elephant targets.

Male elephants in puberty who are socially isolated, or elephants of any age who are unable to associate with mature males, may be more susceptible to aggressive behaviour and pose a greater threat to humans and livestock. Further information on animal welfare problem of recreational hunting can be found in the Wild beim Wild dossiers.