Elephant herds have a complex social structure. In this social hierarchy, elephant bulls will compete for dominance.
The dominant male bulls are those that win contests of strength, granting them the right to mate with more females
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These bulls are also usually the ones with the most testosterone, and when in musth, they stay on it for a longer period. “Musth” occurs in male elephants each year for two to three months.
During this period, a hormone-rich substance called temporin is secreted. This causes the bulls to become sexually driven and aggressive. During this time, they will also attempt to show their dominance over the other bulls.
A Casual Drink By The Waterhole Becomes A Contest For Strength
In this instance, a herd of elephants was walking alongside a waterhole when two of the male elephants started to show conflict towards one another.
Tusks and trunks intertwined as the elephant bulls battled it out. Neither of the elephants showed any signs of backing down… not until a victor emerged in this showdown for dominance.
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Male elephants can weigh between 1,800 and 6,300 kg. This was a heavyweight confrontation as the bulls battled it out to see which male would prove to be the strongest.
One of the elephants pushed the other away from the water. They stood forehead to forehead, majestic creatures with sheer strength and power on display.
At this point, the confrontation seemed like nothing unusual. It appeared the two bulls were having a go at each other, and indulging in the typical male revelry which characterises many animal species.
Male animals often put their strength on display and will compete for the position of the dominant male.
In bachelor groups, which are groups of elephant bulls, dominance is determined by showing strength through behaviors like posing, mock charges, and occasionally actual fights. Older and bigger bulls usually hold higher status, though the ranking system can shift over time.
Male Elephant Mounts Bull
The confrontation took a strange turn when one of the bulls mounted the other. He stood on his hind legs and displayed the same behaviour a male elephant would in mounting a female elephant.
Without understanding the context of this mounting behaviour, it is easy to make assumptions. However, these were two testosterone-charged males vying for dominance. In this light, the mounting could be a show of virility and power.
This overt display of sexuality was more than likely the way the male elephant in question was showing forth his masculine prowess. The dominant males in the herd are the ones who mate with the most females.
A third elephant appeared to get involved for a moment, while the aggressive male continued to mount the other elephant bull.
This contest of strength was nothing unusual as far as elephants are concerned. However, to the spectator, the behaviour might have appeared a curious anomaly.
This is why it is important to learn about the behaviour of animals before going on a game drive, as understanding what is behind their behaviour can make viewing even more exciting.