Calves function as social magnets in a species with high fission-fusion dynamics, the Asian elephant
T. Revathe, S. Nandini, P. Keerthipriya, Hansraj Gautam, Ankana Sanyal, Chowdari Jabili, Divya Choudhary, S. Anvitha, T. K. Athira, T.N.C. Vidya
The study finds that calf presence in Asian elephant groups increases group size and social associations, suggesting calves promote sociality through collective defense and allomaternal care.
bioRxiv · Nov 4, 2026 · PreprintAnimal Behavior & Cognition