Elephants are known for their tusks, a distinctive feature. This article explores what tusks are, how they vary across species and sexes, and their diverse functions.
What Elephant Tusks Are
Elephant tusks are elongated incisor teeth that grow throughout an elephant’s life. Unlike horns, which are keratin, tusks are primarily made of dentine, a hard, bony tissue. A thin layer of enamel covers only the tip, often wearing away with age. The internal pulp cavity houses nerves and blood vessels, making them living tissues sensitive to damage.
Baby elephants are born with “milk tusks,” replaced by permanent tusks around two years of age, which then continuously grow. African elephant tusks can reach lengths of up to 10 feet, growing about 7 inches per year. About one-third of the tusk is embedded deep within the elephant’s skull.
Tusk Presence Across Elephant Species and Sexes
Tusk presence and size vary significantly between African and Asian elephant species, and between sexes. All African elephants, both males and females, typically possess tusks, which are generally larger and more curved than those of Asian elephants. In Asian elephants, most males grow large, prominent tusks, while females often have very small or no visible tusks, sometimes called “tushes.” These tushes are typically short, brittle, and may not protrude more than an inch or two.
Natural tusklessness can occur due to genetic factors. In African elephants, an increase in tuskless females is linked to intense poaching pressures. This trait, associated with the X chromosome, is believed to be male-lethal.
Tusks can break or wear down, and unlike rhino horns, a lost or broken tusk does not regrow. However, the remaining tusk will continue to grow.
The Multifaceted Functions of Tusks
Elephant tusks serve numerous purposes for survival and interaction with their environment. They are used for foraging, such as digging for water, roots, and minerals, particularly during dry seasons. Elephants also use tusks to strip bark from trees and knock down branches for leaves.
Tusks aid in defense against predators and rivals. Males use tusks in combat for mating rights.
Tusks are also employed for lifting objects, clearing paths, and marking territory. In social contexts, tusks are used in sparring matches among young elephants, helping them learn social boundaries and coordination.
Tusk size and condition communicate an elephant’s age, health, and social status. Like humans, elephants often favor one tusk, leading to more wear on that side.