Part 5/9:
Despite their grandeur, elephants are not exempt from the harsh realities of nature. During prolonged dry spells, the competition for resources becomes fierce and can lead to heartbreaking separations and tragic outcomes for the herd. Injured or weak individuals may struggle to keep pace, and the unity of the group is critical for underlying survival strategies.
There are also significant threats posed by human activities, such as poaching and habitat destruction, which add to the mortality rates among these gentle giants. Notably, poaching has altered the physical characteristics of the population, leading to an increase in elephants with smaller, less functional tusks.