Matriarchs

African Elephants also live in a complex matriarchal society, in which the oldest and often largest female is the matriarch of the entire herd; she may lead anywhere from eight to 100 elephants. Leadership is not always about aggression. African elephants live long lives, and matriarchs survive across many generations. This gives them more experience to draw on, which may influence their ability to lead their herd to sources of food.   Behind every successful elephant dynasty you’ll find a wise old matriarch. What does it take to lead the herd? ELEANOR was nearly 50 when she collapsed and died. While African elephants can live up to 70 years, female life expectancy is just 22 in her group in Samburu, Kenya, and Eleanor was the oldest member of her family – the matriarch. This made her passing particularly significant .     For almost a week after her death her carcass was visited not just by members of her immediate family, but by a succession of animals from four unrelated families. Elephants are mysteriously curious about death, a response perhaps heightened when a leader dies. Elder Stateswomen, Matriarchs It has long been clear that elephant groups.     They rely on their elder stateswomen, but just how important these females are is only gradually becoming apparent. Matriarchs are at the hub of a complex, multilayered social network, and we are now getting insights into the nature of the ties that bind these close-knit groups and the key role that wise old leaders play in enhancing the survival of their members.   Matriarchs carry with them a treasure trove of crucial information. They have a unique influence over group decision-making. And, like our own leaders, the most successful may even possess certain personality traits. “Matriarchs carry a treasure trove of crucial information and have a unique influence over their group”