Elephants are a non-predatory species. They acquire their nutrition from eating vegetation (up to 375 pounds a day). However, being the largest land animal they are often under predatory attack. Carnivores (meat-eaters) such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles prey upon young, sick, orphaned, or injured elephants.
However, humans are the greatest predatory threat to elephants due to poaching for ivory.
Elephants can defend against predators by using their immense body mass, large strong tusks, and overall brute force. When threatened they often "charge" their attacker usually ramming and stomping upon contact. Research shows the oldest matriarchs and those with most experience often take the role in leading the protection against predators attacking the younger smaller elephants.
Common responses to a threat include an alert posture with the head raised, ears spread, tail raised, and trunk raised or turned to catch scent. Older bulls and matriarchs form a defense ring around the calves. Elephants will often perform a display of aggression in attempts to intimidate or scare of predators to avoid fighting. However if the predator does not back down, the elephant will proceed to perform a defensive attack.
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/03/10/rspb.2011.0168.full
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/elephants/longevity.htm
http://www.nature-wildlife.com/eletxt.htm
Wow! Those first two pictures are incredible! It is so amazing to me that an elephant would be able to be attacked by another animal, such as the lion in the first picture. Even if the elephant was sick or injured, I would think the size of the elephant would be able to protect it from almost any other animal! The second picture of the animal (crocodile?) biting the elephant's trunk seems like a more realistic way to hunt an elephant, because it is a sneak attack and the elephant would be more vulnerable near the water. Very interesting blog! Thanks for the information!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad that other animals prey on the sick and orphaned elephants. It's so different from our society where we try and help those out in need, because other carnivores will take advantage when an elephant is sick. Amazing descriptive photos that elaborated on the text!
ReplyDeleteCallie - it is NOT "so sad". That is simply the way that nature works.
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