With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (a)        

Explanation:

• The leader of an elephant group is the oldest female. She leads the group in search of food and water. Hence statement 1 is true.
• The gestation period of the breeding pair is nearly 22 months which yields a single baby. During birth, females of the herd surround the mother for her protection. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The average life expectancy of an elephant is 70 years and at the age of 18 years, its adulthood starts. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• South Indian states dominate in having a number of elephants. Among the south Indian states, Karnataka leads the table with 6,049 elephants followed by Kerala. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.