The primary role of African elephants’ ears is not only for hearing, but for thermoregulation - ensuring the animal maintains an optimal body temperature in hot weather.
As the elephants flap their ears, they create a cooling breeze. Moreover, blood vessels close to the surface release heat, further cooling the animal. With summer temperatures in Lake Kariba currently reaching - and sometimes exceeding - 95°F (35°C), this function is critical to the animals’ overall health.
Elephants also use their large ears to deter predators, spreading them out to appear even larger to deter potential threats. |
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