Managing Musth in a Captive Tusker at Satpura Tiger Reserve

Musth is a natural physiological phenomenon exhibited by healthy Asian male elephant (Elephas maximus) during sexually active phase of life. It is the physical and behavioural manifestation of physiological changes, primarily a gradual increase in testosterone level induced by favourable conditions over a period of time (Jainudeen et. al 1972). The period of musth in captive bulls lasts an average of 3 months and is observed in elephants from 15-60 yrs of age (Stracey, 1963 and Sukumar, 1994). It is manifested by altered behaviour and secretion from temporal glands. Animal may turn emotionally volatile or may be unpredictable, externally aggressive and potentially dangerous (Sarma, 2007)