Beverly Joubert Instagram – A tussle of trunks and mud. For young elephants, a bit of mud-flinging bravado and lively sparring is to be expected. This playful exuberance is how calves and subadults begin to decipher the intricacies of life in the herd. Research shows that the presence of mature males is vital in the development of young elephants, helping to guide and steer these innate duelling behaviours and stop them from spiralling into unchecked aggression. Older bulls provide a sense of order in the herd. Without them, the delicate dynamics that govern elephant society can become significantly disrupted. The elimination of an older bull through hunting or poaching does not just remove a single animal, but can have a long-lasting impact on the stability of the entire herd.⁣ ⁣ #elephants #wildlife #nature