The Importance of Elders in Wildlife Conservation

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

Recent studies emphasize the detrimental impact of human-induced factors such as climate extremes, habitat destruction, and overexploitation on the elders of various species. The loss of these experienced individuals disrupts population stability and poses severe challenges to biodiversity conservation.

Key Points:

Elder animals, such as elephant matriarchs and shark grandmothers, accumulate invaluable knowledge over their lifetimes. They guide their groups in foraging, migration, and survival during adverse conditions.
Older individuals often hold dominant positions in social hierarchies, stabilizing group dynamics and preventing conflicts.
Elephants: Matriarchs lead defensive formations against predators.
Orcas: Older females guide younger generations to food sources and protect calves, often ceasing reproduction to focus on caregiving (Grandmother Hypothesis).
Fish and Reptiles: Larger, older individuals produce more resilient offspring, better equipped for environmental fluctuations.
Threats to Elder Animals:
- Habitat loss, climate change, and hunting significantly hasten the disappearance of elder animals.
- For example, young elephants without matriarchs exhibit increased stress and vulnerability to predators.
- Loss of elders disrupts social learning, migration patterns, and reproductive success.
- Younger animals struggle to survive without the guidance of experienced leaders.

Elephants:

Asian Elephants: Found in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia.
African Elephants: Native to sub-Saharan Africa, found in savannahs, forests, and deserts.
Asian Elephant: Endangered (IUCN Red List).

Special Features:

Largest land mammal.
Known for their intelligence, memory, and strong social bonds.
Matriarchal Society: Herds are led by the oldest and most experienced female (matriarch).
Key ecological role as “ecosystem engineers” (seed dispersers, creating waterholes).
Unique communication through low-frequency rumbles and seismic signals.
Project Elephant (1992): A Government of India initiative for elephant conservation and welfare.
Elephant Reserves: 30+ reserves across India, including Mysuru, Nilgiri, and Kameng.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Elephants are listed under Schedule I.

About Orcas (Killer Whales):

Found in all oceans, from the Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas.
Prefer colder coastal waters but are highly adaptable to various marine environments.
Data Deficient (IUCN Red List): Due to a lack of global population data. Specific populations, such as the Southern Resident Orcas, are critically endangered.

Special Features:

Apex predators with no natural enemies.
Complex social structures, often living in pods led by females.
Known for their intelligence, hunting techniques, and use of echolocation for communication.
Female orcas undergo menopause (rare in animals) and play a “grandmother role” in helping rear calves.

Major Places Found Globally:

Arctic and Antarctic Waters: High concentrations near Norway, Canada, and Antarctica.
Pacific Northwest (USA): Especially Puget Sound and surrounding areas.