Elephants are among the most remarkable animals on Earth, known for their immense size and intelligent minds.

While we are familiar with the basics about elephants, their world is filled with many fascinating details that are lesser-known.

Here is some information about elephants that not only surprises but also deepens our understanding of these magnificent creatures.

1. Exceptional Memory

Elephants' memory is considered extraordinary in the animal kingdom.

Research shows that older female elephants can remember events decades ago, especially those related to water sources and dangers. This memory is crucial for their survival, as they can lead their herd to water sources that haven't been used for a long time during droughts.

2. Tool Use

Elephants are not only intelligent but also use tools. They use branches to swat flies, leaves to wipe their skin, and even trunks and rocks to help them obtain food or water. This tool-using behavior is rare in the animal world and demonstrates the high intelligence of elephants.

3. "Sound Spectrum" of Elephants

Elephants have a very complex vocal communication system, not limited to the trumpeting and roaring sounds we hear.

They also communicate through infrasound, which has frequencies below the human hearing range and can travel several kilometers. This method of communication is particularly effective in dense forests and open savannas, helping elephant herds stay in touch over long distances.

4. Thinner Skin Than You Think

Despite the thick appearance of an elephant's skin, some parts are susceptible, with a thickness of about 2.5 centimeters.

The grooves and wrinkles on their skin help retain moisture and prevent cracking while providing some defense. However, these sensitive areas make elephants susceptible to parasites, so they often take mud baths to protect their skin.

5. Excellent Swimmers

Elephants can weigh up to 5 tons, but they are excellent swimmers. They can use their strong legs to propel themselves in water and float for long periods. Their trunks can act as snorkels, allowing them to swim in deep water. Swimming helps elephants not only to cool off but also to relieve joint pressure.

6. Mourning Their Companions

Elephants are among the few animals that exhibit mourning behavior.

When a companion dies, they show clear signs of grief, such as staying around the body, gently touching it, covering it with branches, and even making sorrowful sounds. This behavior indicates that elephants have high emotional complexity and social bonds.

7. 22-Month Gestation Period

Elephants have the longest gestation period of any land animal, lasting up to 22 months. This long gestation period ensures that the calves are highly capable of survival at birth. A newborn elephant can weigh up to 100 kilograms and relies on the care of its mother and herd to quickly learn survival skills.

8. Teeth Grow Throughout Life

Elephants replace their molars six times throughout their lives, with each set lasting about ten years.

When the front set of molars wears down, new ones from the back replace them. In old age, when all molars are worn out and no new ones grow, elephants often face difficulties in eating, leading to eventual decline and death.

9. Environmental Protection Role

Elephants play a crucial role in ecosystems, earning them the title "ecosystem engineers." Through their feeding and activities, they modify and maintain their habitats. By destroying old vegetation, they create space for new growth, and their dung acts as a seed disperser, promoting plant diversity and reproduction.

Conclusion

Elephants are not only massive and awe-inspiring animals, but their rich behaviors and complex social structures also make them vital subjects for studying nature. Understanding these facts enhances our appreciation for elephants and inspires efforts to protect this precious species.

Through continuous efforts, we can better ensure the future of elephants, allowing them to continue playing their irreplaceable roles in the natural world.