Male elephants can be quite sociable when not competing for dominance or mates, and will form long-term relationships.
A dominance hierarchy exists among males, whether they range socially or solitarily.
Dominance depends on the age, size and sexual condition, and when in groups, males follow the lead of the dominant bull.
Young bulls may seek out the company and leadership of older, more experienced males, whose presence appears to control their aggression and prevent them from exhibiting 'deviant' behaviour.
Adult males and females come together for reproduction.
Bulls associate with family groups if an oestrous cow is present.
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