The elephant is widely domesticated, and has been used for work and in ceremonies in South and Southeast Asia for centuries. Wild elephants attract tourist money to the areas where they can most readily be seen. However, they also damage crops and may enter villages and damage or destroy gardens.
Wild Elephants follow well defined seasonal migration routes. It is the task of the oldest elephant in the group to remember the traditional route. When human farms are founded along these old routes, there is often considerable damage to crops. It is common for elephants to be killed in the conflicts that result.
Elephants live on average for 60 years in the wild. They eat 10% of their body weight each day, and need gallons of water a day for drinking, not to mention the showers they give themselves by using their trunks to throw gallons of water over themselves. They sometimes also dig or scrape the soil for minerals.
Female elephants live in small groups led by the oldest female. The group consists of relatives. An individual reaches sexual maturity at 9-15 years of age. Male elephants usually live a lone life and they fight over females during the breeding season. Males reach sexual maturity during their 15th year, after which they annually enter a period where they can become extremely dangerous.
At most times, however, the Asian elephant is shy, and will not attack unless really under threat. There are ‘Mad and Bad’ elephants, however, which are an exception to this rule, and which do sometimes attack travellers. The elephant can travel at about fifteen miles an hour for short distances. A very good runner might keep out of an elephant's way on smooth ground. However, on the ground where they are generally met, any attempt to escape would probably be useless.
Elephants have often been tamed for use by humans. Their ability to work under instruction makes them particularly useful for carrying heavy baggage. They have also been used in wars, ceremonies and for carriage. Hunters have also made use of them as moving hunting platforms.
The elephant plays an important part in Asian culture, and features in many local stories. The "blessings" of a temple elephant are often sought by Hindus, as Lord Ganesha's head is made up of an elephant. Almost all armies in India used elephants as war animals, frightening opponents unused to the immense size of the beast.