March 5th 2024.
It's no secret that elephants are incredible creatures – not only are they known for their intelligence and emotional depth, but it seems they also have a deep understanding of death and loss. Recently, researchers in India's Bengal region made a fascinating discovery – five instances of Asian elephants displaying what can only be described as mourning behavior.
In each case, the herd came together to bury a deceased calf, with the help of their trunks and legs. The team observed that the calves were buried on their backs, with their legs facing upwards, in what the researchers called an "abnormal recumbent style." In one particular case, the herd even made loud noises, almost as if they were holding a funeral for the calf.
The researchers, Parveen Kaswan and Akashdeep Roy, were able to gather evidence through digital photography, field notes, and postmortem examination reports. They concluded that the calves were buried regardless of the reason for their death, as they were simply unable to move or bury adult elephants.
It's a well-known fact that elephants live in close-knit herds, and this study only further highlights their strong bonds and emotions. However, it's worth noting that the observed "funerals" were only for calves, as it is impossible for the herd to move or bury larger elephants.
What's even more intriguing is that there was no human intervention in any of the calf deaths. The calves all passed away due to multiple organ failure, between the ages of three and 12 months. The burials took place in irrigation canals on tea estates, far away from any human settlements. The herd would quickly leave the site within 40 minutes of the burial, and would even change their migration route to avoid returning to the area.
Sadly, Asian elephants are an endangered species, with only around 50,000 left in the wild. Their population has been greatly affected by habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal trade of individuals. In fact, they are classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
It's worth noting that the behavior observed in these Asian elephants may not be the same in other herds in Africa and Asia. It's been reported that elephants in different regions have varying reactions to death and have been known to visit bodies at different stages of composition.
Asian elephants can be found in forests and grasslands across Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, and Malaysia. Unfortunately, they are no longer found in Pakistan.
The study, which has been published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, sheds light on the incredible emotional depth and intelligence of these magnificent creatures. It's a reminder of just how precious and valuable they are, and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect their future.
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