Molariform Teeth of Male African Elephants in Relation to Age, Body Dimensions, and Growth

Abstract

This paper is based upon the teeth, body dimensions and weights of 58 male elephants (Loxodonta africana) collected in Uganda and represents an attempt to relate dental status to approximate age as revealed by a hypothetical growth curve. The elephant bears a successional series of six molars in each half of each jaw during its potential life of about 70 years. Molars 1, 2, 3 and 6 can be readily identified. Molars 4 and 5 are sometimes difficult to identify, but satisfactory designations appear possible by reference to the body weight of the individual. The correlation coefficient between body weight and shoulder height is 0.99. This relationship, when compared with data from an elephant of known age, makes possible the construction of a growth curve. Comparisons of the tooth data with the growth curve reveal the approximate times that the teeth appear in an individual and also their subsequent periods of usage. By knowing the approximate longevity of each tooth, one can satisfactorily estimate the ages of individual animals.