Elephant reproduction has some unique characteristics. The elephant cow does not show clear signs of estrus like other species. Due to their long urogenital tract, location of the vulva, and small discharge, detection can be difficult. Behaviors like increased clitoris contact, tail flicking, and vocalizations may indicate estrus. Pheromones in urine also communicate estrus. Mating involves older males from 40-50 years courting females starting at 14 with gentle vulva touching. Copulation is brief, around 30-60 seconds to mount and 10-15 seconds for intromission. Babies are well protected in the herd with mothers and others ensuring safety as the herd moves, often with the

1. Presented by:
Facts and figures about reproduction in Elephant

6. Ovarian cycle of elephant

8. Photoperiod
does not
effect the
reproductive
behaviour

9. • The elephant cow does not show clear and distinct morphological
genital changes or obvious behavioral changes characteristic for
estrus as other species.

10. Because
Due to the long urogenital tract,
3 meters from vestibule to ovary
Location of the vulva, which is at the ventral part of the body between two hind legs,
While only a small amount of discharge is expelled

11. Specific behaviours
Increased clitoris-directed
Under-body tail flicking have occasionally been
observed
Low frequency vocalization was higher in the
anovulatory follicular phase than in other
phases of the ovarian cycle

12. Pheromones
Pheromones are secreted
in the urine during the
estrous period, which can
be interpreted as a specific
communication signal.
The major one [(Z)-7-
dodecynyl acetate (Z7-
12:Ac)] is present in urine

13. Oestrus detection
Behavioural observation.
Endocrine monitoring.

14. Combination of laboratory analyses in conjunction with
behavioral observations in elephants.

15. Mating behaviours
The male elephants will fan their ears
plenty of aggression among the males
for the rights to mate
younger ones though are usually no match
for the strength of the older elephants
which is why they don’t get to mate until
they are much older.

17. The older males that are from 40
to 50 years of age are the most
likely to breed with the females.
The females are ready to breed
when they are about 14 years of
age.
Facts

18. Approaching a
selected cow is
followed by the
gently touch the
area of the vulva by
the bull, which
results in urination.

19. During courtship, the bull
touches face, eyes, ears,
hind legs and vulva of
the cow with the trunk
and also raises his head
and trunk to reach over
her shoulder or flank
before trying to mount
and copulate

20. Copulation takes
around 30-60 seconds
for mounting and
10-15 seconds for
intromission.
Semen volume:27ml

21. Facts Baby are well cared
for within the herd of
elephants. Their own
mother as well as the
other females will
ensure the baby is
well protected. The
babies often follow
right behind their
mothers when the
herd is on the move.
To ensure they stay
where they should
their trunk is
wrapped around her
tail.

22. Thank you