Asian elephants are primarily forest animals, preferring a shady environment. Large areas of closed-canopy forest tend to be avoided. More than two thirds of the day may be spent feeding on grasses, but large amounts of tree bark, roots, leaves and small stems are also eaten. Cultivated crops such as bananas, rice and sugarcane are favoured foods. Asian elephants live in herds based on breeding groups of 3 to 40 females and young.
Herds form part of larger related groupings called clans.
Mature males live alone or in small groups and have no permanent ties with the females. Domesticated elephants are found throughout Southeast Asia, and most captive elephants are trained as working animals. Their ability to work in rugged country, removing individual trees, makes elephants valuable for forestry operations. The Asian elephant has an important place in religion and culture throughout its range.