Richard Collins: How herds of elephants cope with newborns and their mothers

Researchers from Oxford University have succeeded in discovering how an elephant herd cares for vulnerable members

Led by a matriarch, there are typically about ten members in a herd of elephants.

The African elephant is the largest land animal alive today. Being very big has its advantages; predators, such as lions, can’t challenge you and there is improved heat retention. Large objects take longer to cool down when temperatures drop so big creatures fare better than small ones in adverse weather.

But there is a downside to being jumbo-sized; more food is needed to fuel a huge body. An adult bull may consume up to 170kg of vegetation in a day. He spends most of his time on his own, so there should be sufficient resources fairly locally to sustain him. Female elephants do things differently. They live in herds, with young males and calves. Led by a matriarch, there are typically about ten members. Obtaining food and water for such a large troop can be challenging; resources in the vicinity soon become exhausted. The herd must, therefore, keep moving on to fresh pastures.