A Day with Nandu
Explore the Life of a Young Elephant and Elephant Behavior
Follow Nandu, a young Asian elephant, through his daily life. Learn about elephant habitats, social structures, behavior, and the challenges they face in the wild.
How to Use This Demo
- Select a concept from the options below
- Learn about elephant habitats and behavior
- Explore Nandu's daily routine
- Discover elephant social structures
- Classify elephant behaviors and adaptations
- Test your knowledge with fun quizzes
Observation:
Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals with complex behaviors and strong family bonds. Young elephants like Nandu learn from their elders and develop important survival skills.
Elephant Life and Behavior
Key Concepts:
Elephants are remarkable creatures with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their environments.
| Elephant Type | Habitat | Distinct Features |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Elephant | Forests and grasslands of Asia | Smaller ears, rounded back, only males have large tusks |
| African Elephant | Savannas and forests of Africa | Larger ears, sloping back, both males and females have tusks |
Elephant Habitats:
Elephants live in diverse habitats across Africa and Asia:
- Forests: Dense tropical forests provide cover and a variety of food sources
- Savannas: Open grasslands with scattered trees, ideal for African elephants
- Grasslands: Open areas with abundant grasses and other vegetation
- Swamps: Wetland areas that provide water and cooling opportunities
- Mountains: Some elephant populations live in mountainous regions
Elephant Social Structure:
Elephants have complex social lives:
- Matriarchal Society: Herds are led by the oldest and most experienced female
- Family Units: Basic social unit consisting of related females and their young
- Bond Groups: Multiple family units that regularly associate with each other
- Clans: Larger groupings of bond groups within a specific area
- Bull Groups: Adult males typically live separately or in small bachelor groups
- Communication: Elephants use vocalizations, body language, and infrasound to communicate
Elephant Behavior:
Elephants display a wide range of fascinating behaviors:
- Tool Use: Elephants use branches to swat flies or scratch themselves
- Mud Bathing: Covering themselves in mud protects from sun and insects
- Play Behavior: Young elephants engage in play to develop physical and social skills
- Memory: Elephants have remarkable long-term memory
- Problem Solving: They demonstrate intelligence in overcoming obstacles
- Mourning Rituals: Elephants show interest in the bones of deceased herd members
Elephant Diet and Feeding:
Elephants are herbivores with specific feeding behaviors:
- Varied Diet: Elephants eat grasses, leaves, bamboo, bark, roots, and fruits
- Daily Consumption: An adult elephant eats 100-300 kg of food daily
- Water Requirements: Elephants drink 100-200 liters of water per day
- Feeding Time: They spend 12-18 hours each day feeding
- Migration: Some elephant populations migrate seasonally in search of food and water
