Tusks are fundamentally modified incisor teeth that continue to grow throughout an elephant’s entire life. Baby elephants do have tusks, though they are not immediately visible as the large ivory structures seen on adults. These specialized teeth begin their development before the calf is even born, initially present as temporary structures.
The Biological Nature of Tusks
Elephant tusks are anatomically defined as greatly elongated second upper incisor teeth. The bulk of the tusk is composed of a dense, hard tissue called dentin, commonly referred to as ivory. This dentin is distinguished by a unique pattern of intersecting lines, sometimes described as a checkered appearance.
The tusk is a living structure, featuring a central pulp cavity that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This inner core makes the tusk sensitive if damaged or removed. A thin layer of enamel, the hardest animal tissue, covers the tip when the tusk first erupts.
Tusk Development in Elephant Calves
Elephant calves are born with deciduous incisors, commonly referred to as “milk tusks” or “tushes.” These initial, small teeth are present shortly after birth, reaching a maximum length of about 5 centimeters. They serve a temporary purpose, guiding the growth and orientation of the permanent tusks developing beneath them.
The milk tusks are shed and replaced by the permanent second incisors during the first year of life, typically between six and twelve months of age. The permanent tusks begin growing internally from a socket in the skull. They usually only become externally noticeable, protruding beyond the lip and gums, after the calf’s first year.
The emergence of these permanent tusks may take longer to become truly visible, sometimes appearing closer to two or three years of age. Once they emerge, they grow continuously, extending longer and thicker as the elephant ages. This growth rate averages around 17 centimeters per year, though it varies based on diet, genetics, and environment.
Species and Sex Differences in Tusk Growth
The presence and size of tusks vary significantly between the African and Asian species of elephant. Both male and female African elephants generally grow prominent tusks. However, male African elephants typically develop tusks that are noticeably longer and more massive than those of females, which is a form of sexual dimorphism.
In contrast, tusk growth in Asian elephants is strongly linked to sex. Most male Asian elephants grow large, visible tusks, while females usually have either very small, non-protruding tusks (tushes) or are tuskless entirely. A small percentage of male Asian elephants are also naturally tuskless, particularly among the Sri Lankan population; these individuals are known as “makhnas.”
Observing a tuskless elephant in Africa suggests a genetic anomaly or a consequence of poaching pressure. In Asia, however, a tuskless individual is often a female. Genetic influences and selective pressures have led to populations, like those in Addo National Park, South Africa, where tuskless females are highly prevalent.