12-year study finds declining elephant numbers lead to fragmented social networks

NewsScience NewsWildlife NewsAfter tracking more than 440 female Asian elephants in Sri Lanka for 12 years, US researchers found that population losses were followed by a sudden breakdown in social networks, leaving smaller and more isolated groups After tracking more than 440 female Asian elephants in Sri Lanka for 12 years, US researchers found that population losses were followed by a sudden breakdown in social networks, leaving smaller and more isolated groups TOI Science Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 16, 2026, 00:52 IST 12-year study finds declining elephant numbers lead to fragmented social networks (Image Credit: Canva) Elephants are known for their strong family bonds and complex social relationships, but declining populations may be putting these connections at risk.

A 12-year study in Sri Lanka has found that the gradual loss of individual elephants can eventually trigger a sudden breakdown in their social networks, leaving surviving animals in smaller and more isolated communities.The research, led by scientists at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) and published in the journal Science on November 12, 2026, examined more than 440 wild female Asian elephants at Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka.

The findings, reported by UC San Diego in a November 12 research announcement by Mario Aguilera, suggest that the population appears to have crossed a social tipping point after years of demographic changes, making its once closely connected communities increasingly fragmented.Population losses preceded social changes The researchers analysed the social relationships of 443 female Asian elephants over 12 years, examining how their associations and community structures changed as individual animals disappeared from the population.

Their findings showed that gradual demographic turnover eventually preceded a sudden change in the elephants' social networks. The population experienced a combination of likely deaths, permanent departures from the area and fewer new individuals joining the community.

As these losses accumulated, the elephants shifted from larger, densely connected social communities to smaller groups with fewer connections between them. The research was led by postdoctoral researcher Anastasia Madsen, working with Associate Professor Shermin de Silva and other researchers.

Madsen explained that the population was losing individuals at increasing rates without enough new elephants arriving to replace them.The researchers also found that the changes went beyond simply having fewer elephants.

The surviving animals were altering their relationships with one another, further weakening the overall structure of their social networks.Why social connections matter to elephants Asian elephants are highly social animals that depend on relationships with other members of their communities for several aspects of their lives.

According to the UC San Diego research announcement, these connections help elephants find food, obtain information and raise their young. Established relationships also allow individuals to benefit from the knowledge and experience of other elephants.

When population numbers decline, the loss of individual animals can therefore affect much more than the size of a herd. It can also remove important social connections that help communities function.Shermin de Silva, an associate professor at UC San Diego, explained that maintaining strong social networks requires animals to share space and build relationships throughout their lives.

For communities to remain resilient, lost relationships must be replaced over time. The researchers warned that fewer opportunities to establish new connections could leave surviving elephants increasingly isolated.Human activities may worsen the problem The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India.

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