Elephants can detect the scent of water from several kilometers away using their highly sensitive trunks. Their olfactory system is one of the most developed of any land mammal. Elephants have more genes related to smell than dogs or rats. This ability allows them to locate hidden water sources during droughts. Entire herds often rely on the oldest elephant’s sense of smell to survive.
This matters because water detection is critical in extreme climates. A single elephant’s nose can save dozens of lives.
The behavior also explains why elephants often follow ancient migration routes. Those paths are mapped by scent memory passed down through generations.
Elephants sometimes dig into dry riverbeds, guided by smell alone, to uncover underground water. Other animals often benefit from these wells too.
Nature Journal (nature.com)