The African elephant, Loxodonta africana: a field method for the estimation of age

摘要: A new field method, now termed the “FM technique”, for age estimation in wild African elephants was outlined a previous paper (Sikes, 1966a). In this technique, stage reached molar progression which occurs throughout life of any elephant, is related to fixed point, namely foramen mentale, lower jaw. The individual elephant either sex may thus be described as its “molar age” by formula” (a descriptive, non-mathematical formula). Up 30 years, converted with reasonable accuracy year age. Above however, such conversion must regarded arbitrary and doubtful value until time adequate additional data from older known become available. The molars are briefly described, species outlined. hypothesis offered possible explanation mechanism progression. procedure using FM technique explained, advantage over methods discussed. comprehensive Age Reference Chart use given, covering whole potential span elephant.