In Mozambique’s National Park, it has been suggested that
elephants have evolved to be born tuskless. The trait is much more common in
females as male elephants need their tusks to fight for food and territory. The
genetic mutation is a response to increased poaching in African countries. One
third of baby females elephants are born without tusks in Mozambique. This
percentage is low when compared to Addo Elephant National Park, where 98% of
females are born tuskless.
Elephant tusks are
made from ivory which is considered to be very valuable by poachers. Without
the tusks elephants are not targeted by poachers. Tusks grow to replace elephant’s
baby teeth. Elephants need their tusks for a lot of things. Generally elephants
use their tusks for digging holes, eating bark from trees and ploughing through
dense forests and bushes. They can however, get by without them but with great difficulty.
this is so cool Sophie! I love your elephant post!
ReplyDeletethanks ori
DeleteThank you
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