Today is World Elephant Day, so take some time to learn about these beautiful creatures and the elephant poaching crisis. An estimated 40,000 elephants a year are killed by poachers and, according to some estimates, since the 60’s the population has been dwindled down from 3.5 million to less than 400,000.
1. Elephants are known to mourn their dead
Sometimes the animal kingdom seems harsh and cold, but elephants may have a particular connection with the human race. Elephants are known to mourn their loved ones when they pass. Dr. Kate Evans, of the Elephants For Africa research foundation, has witnessed mourning among wild elephants that she knew well. On one occasion, she explained to Dailymail UK, a young elephant came across three skulls. He ignored the first two, but paid particular attention to the third skull, from an elephant he had been friendly with. “He seemed to know who the skull belonged to,” Dr. Evans explains. Perhaps explaining the elephant cogito is because elephants spend their lives together in herds and can live up to 70 years. They lived together, they breed together, and they eat together which causes them to form a tight bond amongst their herd. This is why when one of them passes away they mourn together.
2. Elephants are vital to the African ecosystem
The beauty of these animals are not the only thing they contribute to the ecosystem. According to SOS Elephants, they pull down trees and break up thorny bushes helping to create grasslands for other animals to survive. They use their size and trunks to dig waterholes in dry riverbeds exposing underground water. Even their gigantic foot prints cause holes to form in the ground where water can collect. After, other animals can use as a water source. When the herd travels, they create trails that act as fire breakers and water run offs.
Elephant manure is important to the environment as well. Baboons and birds are known to pick through dung for undigested seeds and nuts, and dung beetles reproduce in these deposits. In fact, some seeds will not germinate unless they have passed through an elephant’s digestive system. The nutrient-rich manure also replenishes the earth which aids humans when we farm in the nutrient rich soil.
Considering all of this, it is no wonder why elephants are bestowed with the nickname “The Megagardeners of the Forest.”
3. Elephants are the largest terrestrial animal
Elephants can grow up to 13 feet and weigh up to 15,000 pounds. Despite their gigantic frame, the elephant is no match for poachers and need our help to fight for their survival. The size of an elephant can even astound some of Earth’s largest men, like NFL star defensive tackle Vince Wilfork who stands 6’ 2” and weighs 325 pounds.
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Sadly, poachers are so out for their tusks!