Elephants, the largest land animals with brains exceeding 250 billion neurons, have once again demonstrated their remarkable intelligence, showcasing their problem-solving prowess. In a study published in Animal Behaviour, wild elephants at Thailand’s Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary have been observed unlocking puzzle boxes to access a tantalizing reward of jackfruit.
The study, conducted in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, just four hours from Bangkok, was a testament to the natural ingenuity of these majestic creatures. Unlike traditional training methods, the researchers placed motion-activated cameras to observe 77 wild elephants in their natural habitat as they encountered three newly introduced puzzle boxes. The tantalizing question: Was the effort worth the reward of funky-smelling jackfruit?
PUZZLE BOXES
Over a span of six months, 44 elephants engaged with the puzzle boxes in innovative ways. Much like humans, they employed diverse strategies to find a solution. Each box had a unique method of unlocking, involving pulling a chain to open the door, pushing the door into the box, or sliding the door to the right. Eleven elephants discovered the solution for one compartment type, while eight managed to unlock two types. Impressively, five elephants demonstrated their ingenuity by solving all three types, earning them the title of the “most innovative.”
Consistent with human problem-solving, practice and persistence played a key role in their success. Those elephants that interacted more frequently and persistently with the puzzles were more likely to find solutions.
ELEPHANT INTELLIGENCE AND ‘INSIGHT’
Elephant intelligence has long been recognized, with these gentle giants considered on par with cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and primates in terms of cognitive abilities. Asian elephants, in particular, have displayed creativity in problem-solving.
In a 2011 study, researchers tested three Asian elephants for “insight,” the ability to spontaneously find solutions after trial and error. The elephants were presented with a challenge involving food placed out of reach, prompting them to use sticks or tools to obtain it. One seven-year-old male elephant displayed remarkable insight by moving a large plastic cube, standing on it, and reaching his reward. This innovative approach extended to other objects, as he stacked them to achieve his goal.
These findings challenged earlier studies that failed to demonstrate insight in elephants. The 2011 researchers concluded that it was not a lack of intelligence but rather the nature of the tasks that had previously limited success. Holding tools with their trunks hindered their use as sensory organs, impacting their chances of success.
UNDERSTANDING THE INTELLIGENCE
As human-wildlife conflict becomes increasingly common, understanding the intelligence of elephants has significant implications. It informs our understanding of how well these animals can adapt, overcome, or avoid interactions with humans in their natural habitat.
This is particularly crucial as the Asian elephant, listed as ‘Endangered’ since 1986 on the IUCN Red List, faces ongoing threats, with approximately 30,000 individuals remaining in India. Recognizing their intelligence and adaptability is essential for their conservation and coexistence with humans.
