Now that we are in the latter winter months and the Summer rains are a forgotten spectacle last observed four or five months ago, water has become less of an abundance on the reserve. Whilst the perennial Sand River still flows and waterholes still provide a sanctuary for all animals on the reserve, quality water has been harder to come by. This is especially relevant for large herbivores, such as elephants, who can be picky with the quality of water that they drink when given the choice.
The sun slowly starting to illuminate the landscape after a cold winter night with the Sand River flowing in the foreground.
Through both physiological adaptations and behavioural strategies, elephants are well adapted for living in most environments, including the arid African savanna ecosystems.
Anatomy that allows this:
Elephants can regulate their body temperature using their large ears as natural radiators and their kidneys enable them to retain water relatively efficiently considering their size. Being mixed feeders and having an adapted digestive system they can extract maximum nutrients from tough and often fibrous plant material.
The large number of blood vessels in an elephant’s ears covered by a thin layer of skin assists in carrying cooled blood to the brain and the rest of the body.
Behaviours that allow this:
Being a part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Elephants (and all other animals for that matter) can freely roam more than 35,000 square kilometres (13,500 square miles). Migratory behaviour is often observed amongst elephants in the park and around the world, with individuals covering hundreds of kilometres in search of food and water. This learnt behaviour along with the art of digging for water allows the species to survive periods of limited or no rain and even draught. For the remaining portion of this blog post, I intend to focus on this unique behavioural adaptation.
![Elephant Herd In Sand River Black And White [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/11141649/Elephant-herd-in-sand-river-Black-and-White-RCB-1598x663.jpg)
A large herd of elephants communally drinks from the Sand River. Herds like this may travel long distances, led. by their matriarch to find food and water
Upon exploring some of the dry riverbeds on Londolozi, it’s not uncommon to find fairly deep depressions where elephants have clearly excavated a significant amount of river sand. These dry riverbeds have shallow water tables and elephants have a remarkable ability to detect this. Through both their acute sense of smell and capacity to sense vibrations through their feet, they can pinpoint the exact spots in which water lies close enough to the surface for them to dig and access it.
For the most part of the year, the Manyelethi Riverbed is dry, with pockets of water that remain through the winter months. The water table is however shallow in comparison to the surrounding areas, making underground water accessible for elephants and other animals alike
Once they think they have found this underground water and they believe it is within reaching distance, they will dig with their tusks, trunks and feet to access this hidden oasis.
![Elephant Trunk Next To Hole In Riverbed [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12140126/Elephant-trunk-next-to-hole-in-riverbed-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
A young male elephant resting his trunk alongside a newly dug hole that he was attempting to find underground water in
Whilst I have seen plenty of evidence of this behaviour, I had yet to witness it actually occurring. This was until we were driving alongside the Manyelethi Riverbed not too long ago on a warm winter’s afternoon and we came across a young elephant bull exhibiting this unique behaviour. It was interesting to observe his behaviour from when we first found him. At first, he was fairly hesitant about us, flaying his ears somewhat as if to let us know that this was his water, he had found and accessed it and we shouldn’t interfere. So we kept our distance and he soon relaxed and continued to dig the hole deeper and reap the rewards of his efforts.
Large elephants like him are able to slurp up to 7 litres (1.85 gallons) of water into their trunk in one go. Along with his reluctance to let us get too close, it was interesting to observe how he wouldn’t drink the water straight away. Instead it seemed as though he was siphoning through the sandy water that he first came into contact with, testing it and then either throwing it on himself in order to stay cool or depositing it elsewhere.
Great video Robert. Wonderful to see the actual behavior of the elephant.
Hi Robert, how nice of you to approach the hot spirit of this young bull, he made me laugh, so expressive! Yes when they flap.their ears or even keep them open wide is a clear warning. Anyway he just wanted to have his moment at the spa. How similar animals and humans are, in so many simple habits… besides elephants, I know there are prides of lionesses that dig to have access to water, especially in arid areas like Ruaha. Elephants are the bosses and can do whatever they want, the others (in this case you!) Have to wait….
Yes, Robbie, it’s one of those experiences you don’t anticipate. And I didn’t even know about this ability or need of elephants until our 2019 visit. Watched several elephants excavate for water. Deepened our appreciation of the abilty (cunning?) of those pachyderms.
Great to actually see an elephant dig for water and then enjoying it.
Thanks for this fabulous blog, Robbie
Elephants are very clever and they have a good memory. So good to see him digging for water and not drinking the first bit, maybe the first bit of water had sand in and he wanted clean water to drink. I know they are very particular when drinking water, it must be clean.
Very Interesting Video, Robbie. I don’t like grit in my mouth either!!!
What a fantastic experience for you and your guests to witness this behavior that’s been documented over time and seldom witnessed. Your blog is a good follow-up to the to the other blogs we’ve seen in the past few months that have highlighted elephants – how they regulate their body temperature as well as demonstrating communication and recognition skills.