Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2020)
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Notes: The correct answer is [A] 1 and 2 only. This question tests specific biological and ecological facts regarding the Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), which is the National Heritage Animal of India.

• The leader of an elephant group is a female (Statement 1 – Correct): Elephant herds follow a matriarchal structure. The oldest and wisest female, known as the matriarch, leads the group, making decisions about migration, foraging, and defense. Adult males usually live solitary lives or form small "bachelor" groups.
• The maximum gestation period can be 22 months (Statement 2 – Correct): Elephants have the longest gestation period of any land mammal. It typically ranges from 18 to 22 months, allowing for the complex development of the calf's brain and large body size.
• An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only (Statement 3 – Incorrect): Female elephants can continue to give birth well into their 50s and sometimes even 60s. Their natural lifespan is around 60 to 70 years, and they remain fertile for most of their adult lives.
• Highest elephant population is in Kerala (Statement 4 – Incorrect): According to the Elephant Census (2017), Karnataka has the highest population of elephants in India, followed by Assam and then Kerala.

Key Fact: The Indian elephant is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The "Project Elephant" was launched by the Government of India in 1992 to provide financial and technical support to wildlife management efforts by states.