What does it mean for an elephant to be in must?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

When an elephant is in must, it means that the male elephant is in a heightened state of reproductive readiness characterized by increased testosterone levels, heightened aggression, and secretion of a strong-smelling substance from its temporal glands. This period is crucial for mating and asserting dominance within the herd.