In elephants, females and males have different social structures. Females and young form stable social groups based on relatedness, while males are generally solitary but sometimes form transient male-groups. Studies of elephant social structure have largely been limited to African elephants, which have been studied for many decades by scientists such as Ian Douglas Hamilton, Cynthia Moss and Joyce Poole to name a few. No detailed studies have been previously done on Asian elephant social structure. It has generally been assumed that Asian elephants and African elephants have similar social organisations.

However, the work we have done so far suggests that Asian elephant social structure is quite different to that of African savannah elephants. While African elephants live in highly complex social groups with a hierarchy of relationships extending from family groups through bond groups or kin-ship groups to perhaps clans, the social structure we have observed in Asian elephants appears to be limited to one of extended family group at the most complex.

Our research is based on identifying individual animals and building up photo catalogues. Currently, we have catalogued over 200 males and females in Yala National Park, where we are looking at both male and female social organisation, and about 75 males in Udawalawe National Park, where we are concentrating on male behavior and social organization.

Yala provides a unique opportunity to study details of Asian elephant social organisation because of the extensive road network and the presence of habituated groups. Consequently, one can observe elephants at very close quarters for long periods of time without disturbing them, while they go about their daily routine.

Udawalawe is especially interesting to study male behavior as male groups are commonly observed. Large areas of tall grass savannah like habitat and the high density of elephants provide excellent visibility and good opportunities to study behavior.

We are looking for funds and students to continue our research on Asian elephant social organization. We are interested in looking at both female and male social structure among elephants as well as dispersal and the role of musth in males.

Literature

Fernando P & Lande R (2000) Molecular genetic and behavioral analyses of social organization in the Asian elephant. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 48:84-91.

Females and calves in Udawalawe National Park

Family group in Yala National Park

Males on the garbage dump