Posted by sharad on 17th July, 2016.
Indian elephant is a sub-species of Asian elephants. The scientific name awarded to this specie of mammal is Elephas Maximus Indicus. They are herbivores in diet, approximately weigh 3,000 to 5,000 kgs and still manage to look adorable. Their height varies from 7ft. to 10ft. They have a life span of 55-70 years but sadly they are put under the category of endangered species, because of the rate at which there numbers have been deteriorating.
Indian elephants are found all over south- east Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and many other countries, the population of wild Indian Elephants is thought just to be around 20,000 individuals.
Indian Elephants have been domesticated for over hundreds of years for various activities like foresting and sometimes even battles. All Asian Elephants are known for their immense strength and friendliness towards humans. The history books give us accounts of the battles where Elephants were used as foot soldiers. However, today most domesticated elephants are used as rides for the tourists or in circus shows.
Elephants like to travel in herds, protecting each other and their own families. The Indian Elephants are also very strict about the paths they follow while migrating, which is determined by the monsoon season. The migration usually takes place in between the dry lands and wet lands. There were a few problems faced when, humans built farms along the migrating routes of the elephants. The herd remained rigid on the routes they wanted to follow, and a fair amount of destruction came under the accounts of the farmers.
Female Elephants are generally able to breed when they are 10 years old and their gestation period is of 22 months. The new born baby elephant generally weighs 100kgs at birth, and is cared for not only the mother but enjoys the love and care of all the female elephants in the herd. Baby elephant stays with its mother until it is 5 years old and gains independence. While males usually leave the herd, females choose to stay.
Unfortunately, Indian elephants are in immediate danger of becoming extinct as their population is decreasing rapidly. The primary reason analyzed behind the suffering of this species is the loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation and hunting for their tusks by human poachers.