Indian Elephants (Elephas Maximus Indicus)
The Indian elephant is a sub-species of Asian elephants. The scientific name awarded to this species of mammal is Elephas Maximus Indicus. They are herbivores in diet, weigh approximately 3,000 to 5,000 kgs and still manage to look adorable. Their height varies from 7ft. to 10ft. Elephants have a life expectancy of 55-70 years. However, their deteriorating rate has put them in the endangered category.
Indian elephants are found all over southeast Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and many other countries, the population of wild Indian Elephants are thought just to be around 20,000 individuals. For activities like foresting and even fights the Indian Elephants have been domesticated for pasts hundreds of years. Asian elephants have immense strength and gentle behavior towards human beings. However, today most domesticated elephants are used as rides for the tourists or in circus shows.
Understanding Elephants Sociology
Elephants like to travel in herds, protecting each other and their families. They are very strict about the path they follow during migration (monsoon). Such migration usually takes place between the drylands and wetlands. Unfortunately, a few problems emerged when humans built farms along the migrating routes of elephants. The herd remained rigid on the routes they wanted to follow, and a fair amount of destruction came under the accounts of farmers.
Female Elephants become ready to mate at the age of 10 years. The gestation period of female is 22 months. A newborn elephant (calf) generally weighs 100kgs after birth. It learns basic survival skills and receives nourishment by its mother in addition to ample care and attention from other female elephants of the herd. A calf’s is dependent on its mother until attaining the age of 5 years. While males usually leave the herd, females choose to stay.
Unfortunately, Indian elephants are in imminent danger of becoming extinct. Their population is decreasing rapidly, primarily because of loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation and hunting for their tusks by poachers.
Enjoy sightseeing the Asiatic elephants and wildlife tiger safari by booking our Tadoba Tigers and Corbett Elephant tour package.
Sharad Vats brings over three decades of rich safari experience across the Indian wilderness, leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable wildlife journeys. With deep knowledge of jungle logistics—ranging from flora and fauna to experienced guides and skilled jeep drivers—he ensures that every safari is thoughtfully curated and effortlessly executed, offering guests an immersive and almost ethereal experience in the wild.
Over the years, Sharad has also spent extensive time assisting guests, curating personalized tours, and leading wildlife expeditions, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of guest expectations.
Beyond tourism, he is an active contributor to the wildlife ecosystem. His initiatives include planting and maintaining thousands of trees, creating safe passages and corridors for tigers, and establishing solar-powered waterholes across Kanha and other national parks. He is equally committed to community development, supporting and adopting schools in nearby villages, reflecting a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.
