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?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer : a) 1 and 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Leader of an Elephant Group
The leader of an elephant group is a female. In elephant herds, the leader is typically a female, known as the matriarch. She is usually the oldest and most experienced female in the group.
Gestation Period
The maximum gestation period for elephants can be 22 months. Elephants have the longest gestation period of any land animal, which can last up to 22 months.
Reproduction Age
An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
Correction: This statement is incorrect. Female elephants can reproduce into their 50s. They start breeding around the age of 12-14 years and may continue to have calves every 4-5 years until about the age of 50-60.
Elephant Population in India
Among the states in India, the highest elephant population is in Karnataka.
As per Elephant Census (2017), Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054).
Given the analysis, correct answer: a) 1 and 2 only