Reproduction

African elephants were listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1978 and are now an endangered species. Since 1925, a considerable number of elephants have been shot each year  (Perry, 1953). It is essential to understand the reproductive tendencies of the African elephant to conserve the species and as a result, increase the population. 

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The African elephant breeds throughout the year, but fetus growth and calf birth have been observed from December to March, typically known as the dry season  (Buss et al., 1966). In the Luangwa Valley, 88% of all conceptions recorded were from November to April (Hanks, 1972). The elephant's diets also play a role in the time of breeding because high protein content leads to stimulated ovulation and fertile mating (Hanks, 1972). Considering the variability in environmental conditions, there is also a possibility for seasonal breeding, however many scientists have not noticed any seasonal peaks (Buss et al., 1966). 

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Data suggests that wild African female elephants begin to breed approximately around the age of  7 years although others did not conceive up until the age of 10 or 11 years (Buss et al., 1966). Once conceived,  the gestation period of an African elephant can range from 18 to 22 months (Perry, 1953). According to Perry (1953) there was no direct support behind the claims made by other scientists regarding the duration of gestation however, the swelling of mammary glands in the 16th month indicated a gestation period that favored the aforementioned statements (Perry, 1953). Females in the age range between 56 to 60 years were reproductively inactive, leading scientists to relate this decline of activity to human menopause (Hanks, 1972).

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The distinction between the vagina and uterus is that the latter has thick muscular walls while those of the vaginal cavity are thin and extensible (Perry, 1953). ​A noticeable characteristic in regards to the anatomy of the female elephant is the long urogenital canal, which extends through the perineal area to carry the vulva to a position on the belly of the animal, anterior to the hind legs and similar to the male genital opening (Perry, 1953). The corpora lutea, a temporary endocrine structure located in the ovary that pulses out hormones such as progesterone (Buss et al., 1966). Progesterone is necessary for a viable pregnancy to occur and continue. In female African elephants, the corpora lutea were maintained throughout gestation and for a post-partum period for about 2 months (Buss et al., 1966).

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Lactation presents to be a continuous process throughout the productive stage of the African elephant  (Perry, 1953). However, after giving birth to the calves, the ovaries quickly move into the quiescent stage (Perry, 1953).

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Since males are ready to mate anytime, the significance of the musth gland is insignificant (Perry, 1953). Although, it is known to be a seasonal phenomenon amongst wild male elephants with some experiencing musth at the same time every year (Perry, 1953). Musth does not occur at the same time for all males however, it is more frequent during the dry season (Perry, 1953). There has been evidence that further supports the theory of male elephants being able to mate at any time of the year. Spermatozoa was present in the the testes and epididymides, allowing them to copulate at any given time (Perry, 1953).

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