answersLogoWhite

0

Must (or alternatively spelt: Musth) is a condition in male elephants that is characterized by a thick tar like secretion, known as temporin, from their temporal ducts, found near the temples and far more notable by an increase in the level of aggressive behavior.

It is a periodic condition that only affects the elephant from time to time. It is accompanied by a large increase in the testosterone level and an elephant in must can have a level as much as 60 times greater than that of other periods out of must.

However, it is unknown this hormonal surge is the sole cause of must or merely a contributing factor, is a matter of great scientific debate. No one is really sure exactly what causes must in an elephant, as during this time, the otherwise placid elephant, becomes very aggressive and may actively try to kill any and all human it meets. It is again for this reason that the Tar like secretion remains largely uncharaterised, as it is extremely difficult to collects a sample for analysis, due the elevated level in aggression.

Some research conducted by zoos on elephants that are kept in captivity has shown this temporin to have increased levels of various highly odorous Ketones and Aldehydes.

Although it is often speculated that must is linked to mating, it seems to be an unlikely connection, as females estus cycle if not seasonally linked, whereas, normally must take place during the winter months.

Another behaviour that causes speculation is that males have been known to attack female elephants, regardless as to whether the female is in heat or not. For this reason connections to the male dominance behaviour have also been speculated upon.

Reasons for this belief include the well documented rise in aggression, allowing a small elephant, with low a low ranking in the group, to over power and even kill a must larger stronger male, thus taking leadership of the group.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are some features of the elephants habitat?

Some feature of a elephant habitat It must have enough food supply for the elephant because they eat a lot in a day It must have enough water supply for the elephant because they also drink a lot of water in a day The weather in the elephant habitat must be endurable and suitable for them It should have less predators to enable the survival of the elephant. The habitat must be well organized in a way that is suitable for the elephant


What does it mean if the trunks boyfriend elephant nicknacks?

What does it mean if the trunks keep breaking off of my gifted elephant nicknacks


What does ababy elephant called?

I think you mean 'What is a baby elephant called?' Answer: Calf


What does tembo mean in Swahili?

Elephant


What does koongyi mean?

A timber elephant


What does elefante mean in spanish?

Elephant


What does an elephant stamp on jewelry mean?

Elephant's symbolize wisdom, courage, stature and strength.


What does it mean when an elephant is your guide in your dream?

You like elephant lol i dk but i want one with turtle


What is the name for elephant?

what do you mean? I'm guessing elephant? but if you mean why are they called elephants that's another story...sorry...I'm not much help


What is the symbolism of an elephant with truck lift mean?

The symbolism of an elephant with a trunk lifted is said to mean good luck. An elephant with its elephant down is said to be bad luck.


What does an elephant necklace mean?

happinesslongevitygood luck


What does the elephant mean in a political cartoon?

republicans