The family groups of Asian elephants and African forest elephants tend to be smaller than those of bush elephants. Related family groups maintain friendly bonds over long periods of time, and such larger associations are known as clans. Elephants communicate using various types of vocalisations, some of which are at frequencies too low for the human ear to detect. Female elephants are able to give birth when they are in their early teens, and can have a calf every 3-4 years. A baby elephant suckles for up to 2 years.
Females remain with their families all their lives.
Young calves are cared for by older females and the whole group is very protective of young babies. Males stay in the family group until they are about 10 years old, when they leave and form groups with other young males. These male groups are not closely bonded, and there is much competition for rank. Only high ranking males get to mate with females, so only the genes of the strongest males are passed on to the next generation. Older males may live a solitary lifestyle.