Indian elephant
Definition
Noun 1. A subspecies of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus): A large land mammal native to mainland Asia, characterized by smaller ears and a more arched back than the African elephant. In this subspecies, typically only the males develop large, prominent tusks.
Usage Examples
- The Indian elephant is an important cultural and religious symbol across the Indian subcontinent.
- Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the habitat of the Indian elephant.
- Unlike its African cousin, the male Indian elephant is the one usually seen with long tusks.
Advanced Usage
- In Zoological/Conservation Context: The term is used to specify the mainland Asian subspecies, distinguishing it from the Sri Lankan () and Sumatran () elephants.
- In Cultural Context: The phrase often appears in discussions about mythology, history, and the human-elephant conflict in Asia.
Variants and Related Words
- Asian elephant (Elephas maximus): The broader species to which the Indian elephant belongs.
- Elephantidae: The biological family that includes all elephant species.
- Tusker: A term for an elephant, especially a male, with well-developed tusks.
Synonyms
- (scientific name)
Related Phrases
- Working elephant: An Indian elephant trained for labor, such as logging or ceremonial use.
- Elephant corridor: A pathway used by elephants, like the Indian elephant, to move between habitat fragments.
Noun
-
Asian elephant having smaller ears and tusks primarily in the male
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