Elephants have a non-ruminant digestive system similar to horses. Fermentation takes place in the cecum between the large and small intestines. Diets consist of grasses, leaves, woody material, and roots. About 150 kg of food is consumed each day by mature elephants along with 70-90 liters of water. Elephants require a large home range to find adequate food, 750-1600 km2.
Elephants are highly social heard animals.
Herds are composed of a matriarchal lineage, or part of a matriarchal lineage. New groups may break off if the heard gets too large. The groups are lead by the oldest female, the matriarch. Social bonds between the members are very strong. Cooperative behavior in protection and guidance of the young is shown.