A herd is a group of herbivorous animals, usually belonging to the same species, that remain together for individual security and better feeding opportunities. There are intricate social bonds that develop in species that exhibit higher level of intelligence, like Elephants. Normally, groups of 10-20 Elephants can be encountered but it is not uncommon to come across smaller groups. However, during the summer months, when the water sources dry up on the higher grounds and their favorite food sources become scarce, the elephants congregate in large numbers in the grasslands and adjoining forests along the river valleys of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Smaller herds join together to form super herds, sometimes as many as 100 animals or more.
This herd of Elephants was recently recorded near a patch of grassland close to Jim’s Jungle Retreat by our naturalist Jeewan Rautela. Summer is a great time to visit Corbett Tiger Reserve to observe elephants in their natural habitat and the jungles surrounding Jim’s Jungle Retreat have amazing presence of these pachyderms.