“When the elephant matriarch walk, the forest walks with them."
- Sudha Ramen
Despite progress in gender equality, many societies still undervalue feminine contributions, often relegating women to secondary roles or limiting their potential. This marginalization extends beyond gender, influencing how we interact with nature and each otherIn the heart of Africa's savannas, a remarkable society thrives, led by the wisdom of their matriarchs. Elephant societies, with their complex social structures and empathetic bonds, offer invaluable lessons for human societies. When observing elephant family groups on safari, one can notice they closely follow the matriarch’s lead, pausing to feed when she does and resuming their journey when she moves on. Let's delve into the world of these gentle giants and uncover the wisdom of their matriarchs.
What is an elephant matriarch?
A matriarch in human society is defined as an “older woman who is powerful within a family or organization,” and this definition is equally sufficient for elephants. Elephant herds are led by the oldest female, the matriarch. She is the keeper of wisdom, the decision-maker, and the emotional anchor of the group. The matriarch will decide which direction to go, where to feed, and how to respond to potential threats. Her role extends far beyond mere leadership. She possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of their habitat, including water sources, food availability, and potential dangers. This wisdom is crucial for the survival of the herd.
Elephant matriarchs embody empathy and compassion, prioritizing the well-being of their family members. They care for the young, the sick, and the injured, demonstrating a deep understanding of emotional intelligence. Humans can learn from their selflessness, fostering a more compassionate and supportive environment around them.
Environmental Consequences:
Elephants, with their deep connection to the land and each other, embody a harmonious balance with nature. Elephant societies live in harmony with their environment, migrating seasonally to maintain ecosystem balance. They are climate mitigators, dispersing seeds and maintaining ecosystems, illustrating the profound impact of living in tune with the Earth's rhythms. Their matriarchal leadership ensures the survival and prosperity of the herd, reflecting the importance of nurturing and wisdom in creating sustainable futures. Humans can learn from their example, adopting sustainable practices to preserve our planet's natural wonders.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
When conflicts arise, elephant matriarchs facilitate reconciliation, prioritizing harmony within the herd. Humans can adopt this approach, fostering forgiveness and understanding in our own relationships.
Scientific Proof:
The longest running study on elephant populations takes place in Amboseli National Park, where a population of around 1500 elephants have been carefully studied over a period of 52 years.
Having an older, more experienced matriarch leading the family group can give elephants a strong survival advantage. The studies in Amboseli National Park have revealed that family groups with older, larger matriarchs roam across larger areas in times of drought. This is due to the older female’s knowledge of alternative areas with food and water.
Africa’s most iconic matriarch~
The Tsavo Conservation Area, one of the most-visited protected areas in Kenya,, for several years was home to perhaps the world’s most iconic elephant matriarch, Dida. Thought to have been Africa’s largest female tusker, Dida was rightfully named the “Queen of Tsavo”. Dida sadly passed away, from natural causes, between the ages of 60-65. Over the years she had gathered an immense treasure trove of knowledge and led and protected her family group through many seasons and challenging times. Not only did Dida attract many tourists to come see her hugely impressive tusks, she would have passed on immense amounts of knowledge and, hopefully, important genes to her offspring, becoming a keystone in the survival of the dying breed of super tusker elephants left in this world.
Conclusion:- The wisdom of elephant matriarchs offers timeless lessons for human societies. By embracing empathy, synergetic leadership and environmental stewardship, we can create more harmonious and sustainable communities. We should cherish and learn from these incredible creatures, ensuring a brighter future for all.
Reference:-
https://english.mathrubhumi.com/amp/columns/sangita-iyer/learning-from-elephant-matriarchs-1.9790367
Written By
Palak Sharma
Editorial Head, MH Vatavaran
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